On the lookout for an outstanding best thermal compound vs thermal paste? Our expert team has combed through the market, carefully selecting and testing the best products available. We’ve put each best thermal compound vs thermal paste through a series of both practical and analytical tests to provide a comprehensive understanding of their capabilities and limitations.
Our detailed reviews delve into the critical components of each product. We assess the main features, overall performance, and cost-to-benefit ratio, aiming to offer you a well-rounded and unbiased perspective. Our selection focuses on crucial factors like Performance, Simplicity of Use, and Value. We cater to a range of individual preferences and financial situations, aiming to help you find the best thermal compound vs thermal paste that surpasses your expectations.
Editor’s Note: In March 2024, this review was updated with the latest market developments and additional product options, ensuring that our recommendations remain relevant and encompassing for your decision-making process.
Top Products for best thermal compound vs thermal paste
1. Corsair TM30 Performance Thermal Paste | Ultra-Low Thermal Impedance CPU/GPU | 3 Grams|w/applicator, silver for Desktop
Key Features:
- Enthusiast CPU Thermal Compound: Premium Zinc Oxide based thermal compound for optimal thermal performance.
- Cools your CPU and GPU: Install new, or replace existing thermal compound on your CPU and GPU to improve heat transfer and lower temperatures.
- Improved CPU Cooling: Ultra-low thermal impedance lowers CPU temperatures vs common thermal paste.
- Installation Made Easy: An included application stencil and spreader take the guesswork out of applying XTM50 to your CPU cooler.
- Filling the Gap: XTM50’s low-viscosity allows it to easily fill microscopic abrasions and channels for peak thermal transfer.
- Long Service Life: XTM50’s high-stability liquid compound lasts for years with no drying, cracking or change in consistency.
- Safe For You And Your PC: Non-conductive and contains zero volatile compounds.
2. GT-6 Thermal Paste 4g- PCCOOLER Premium Performance Thermal Paste for All Processors (CPU, GPU – PC, PS4, Xbox), Very high Thermal Conductivity, Long Durability, Safe Application, CPU Thermal Paste
Key Features:
- 【Enthusiast CPU Thermal Compound】Premium Zinc Oxide based thermal compound for optimal thermal performance.
- 【Cools your CPU and GPU】Install new, or replace existing thermal compound on your CPU and GPU to improve heat transfer and lower temperatures.
- 【Improved CPU Cooling】Ultra-low thermal impedance lowers CPU temperatures vs common thermal paste.
- 【Safe Application】Non-conductive and contains zero volatile compounds.The GT-6 is metal-free and non-electrical conductive which eliminates any risks of causing short circuit, adding more protection to the CPU and VGA cards
- 【Excellent Cooling Performance】PCCOOLER GT-6 thermal paste is made of carbon microparticles, guaranteeing extremely high thermal conductivity. This ensures that heat from the CPU/GPU is dissipated quickly & efficiently
- 【100 % Original Through Authenticity Check】Through our Authenticity Check, it is possible to verify the authenticity of every single product.
- 【Installation Made Easy】With an ideal consistency, the GT-6 is very easy to use, even for beginners.
3. Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut, High Performance Thermal Paste for Cooling All Processors, Graphics Cards and Heat Sinks in Computers and Consoles -1.0 Gram
Key Features:
- EXTREME HEAT CONDUCTIVITY – With an exceptional thermal conductivity of 12.5W, Kryonaut is perfect for even the most demanding congurations and can be used in industrial cooling systems
- EASY APPLICATION – Featuring a specially designed syringe and spatula for spreading, Kryonaut guarantees effortless, comfortable, and precise paste distribution on your processor or graphics card
- LONG-LASTING EFFECT – Thanks to its unique and specialized structure, Kryonaut ensures long-lasting performance and does not dry out even at 80°C
- SURPRISING IMPACT – Experience a temperature drop right from the rst use, reducing device heat and enhancing operational comfort
- MARKET LEADER – Proven through extensive testing, the top choice in the market meets the highest quality standards, satisfying not only standard computer users but also passionate overclocking enthusiasts
4. ARCTIC MX-4 (4 g) – Premium Performance Thermal Paste for All Processors (CPU, GPU – PC, PS4, Xbox), Very high Thermal Conductivity, Long Durability, Safe Application, Non-Conductive, CPU Thermal
Key Features:
- QUALITY: The design of our thermal paste packagings has changed several times, the formula of the composition has remained unchanged, so our MX pastes have stood for high quality
- PERFORMANCE: ARCTIC MX-4 thermal paste is made of carbon microparticles, guaranteeing extremely high thermal conductivity. This ensures that heat from the CPU/GPU is dissipated quickly & efficiently
- SAFE APPLICATION: The MX-4 is metal-free and non-electrical conductive which eliminates any risks of causing short circuit, adding more protection to the CPU and VGA cards
- AUTHENTICITY CHECK: Through our Authenticity Check, it is possible to verify the authenticity of every single product
- EASY TO APPLY: With an ideal consistency, the MX-4 is very easy to use, even for beginners
5. ARCTIC MX-4 (incl. Spatula, 4 g) – Premium Performance Thermal Paste for all processors (CPU, GPU – PC, PS4, XBOX), very high thermal conductivity, long durability, safe application, CPU Thermal Paste
Key Features:
- WELL PROVEN QUALITY: The design of our thermal paste packagings has changed several times, the formula of the composition has remained unchanged, so our MX pastes have stood for high quality
- EXCELLENT PERFORMANCE: ARCTIC MX-4 thermal paste is made of carbon microparticles, guaranteeing extremely high thermal conductivity. This ensures that heat from the CPU/GPU is dissipated quickly & efficiently
- SAFE APPLICATION: The MX-4 is metal-free and non-electrical conductive which eliminates any risks of causing short circuit, adding more protection to the CPU and VGA cards
- 100 % ORIGINAL THROUGH AUTHENTICITY CHECK: Through our Authenticity Check, it is possible to verify the authenticity of every single product
- EASY TO APPLY: With an ideal consistency, the MX-4 is very easy to use, even for beginners, Spatula incl.
6. ARCTIC MX-6 (4 g) – Ultimate Performance Thermal Paste for CPU, Consoles, Graphics Cards, laptops, Very high Thermal Conductivity, Long Durability, Non-Conductive, CPU Thermal Paste
Key Features:
- 20% BETTER PERFORMANCE: With its improved composition, the ARCTIC MX-6 has a measurably lower thermal resistance than the MX-4
- PROVEN QUALITY: With over 20 years of experience in the PC cooling market, our focus was on improved performance, versatile application possibilities and an easy-to-use consistency
- RISK-FREE APPLICATION: MX-6 is neither electrically conductive nor capacitive. This eliminates the risk of short circuits or discharges
- VERSATILE APPLICATION: With its new composition, the MX-6 is suitable for many application scenarios. Thanks to its viscosity, it is also suitable for direct-die cooling scenarios for GPUs of graphics cards or console processors
- 100 % ORIGINAL DUE TO AUTHENTICITY CHECK: Due to our Authenticity Check, the authenticity of each individual product can be verified
7. Thermal Paste, SYY 2 Grams CPU Paste Thermal Compound Paste Heatsink for IC/Processor/CPU/All Coolers, 15.7W/m.k Carbon Based High Performance, Thermal Interface Material, CPU Thermal Paste
Key Features:
- SAFETY APPLICATION: SYY is metal-free and non-conductive, which eliminates any risk of short circuit and adds more protection to the CPU and VGA card.
- BETTER THAN LIQUID METAL: Thermal Conductivity:15.7W/m-k, it is composed of carbon particles and has extremely high thermal conductivity. It ensures that the heat generated by the CPU or GPU is effectively dissipated.
- THERMAL COMPOUND: SYY thermal paste Edition 2020 formula has excellent component heat dissipation performance and has the stability to push the system to the limit.
- EASY TO APPLY: SYY thermal paste has ideal consistency and is very easy to use even for beginners.
- HIGH DURABILITY: In contrast to metal and silicon thermal conductive adhesives, SYY thermal paste 2020 will not compromise over time. After applying, you do not need to apply again because it will last at least 5 years.
8. GENNEL 5-Pack GT-1 Silver CPU Thermal Paste (1g*5), High Performance, Thermal Compound Paste, Heat Sink Compound, Ultra-Low Thermal Impedance Thermal Grease for CPU/PS4/PS5/PC/GPU Coolers
Key Features:
- High Thermal Conductivity thermal compound for optimal heat-transfer from the CPU/GPU to the heatsink, Perfect consistency can improve the thermal conductivity of contact surface.
- Wide Working Temperature Range -50℃ to 240℃, GT-1 thermal paste is mainly made of carbon compounds and silicon compounds. Provides excellent thermal conductivity.
- Easy to clean and use: Viscously balanced formula allow for easy application and clean up. Comes with cleaning wipes, finger cots and spatulas. Easy to handle even for beginners.
- Long-lasting and Stable Performance: the thermal paste uses highly stable and reliable compound materials, perfectly extending the service life.
- Safety Application: non-conductive, non-volatile, flame retardant, which eliminates the risk of short circuit and discharges and corrosion damage to the chip and the radiator. Excellent for PC CPU GPU PS4 PS5 Coolers Heatsink etc.
9. Thermalright TF4 4g Thermal Compound Paste for Coolers, Heat Sink Paste High Durability 9.5W/m.k-4 Grams, Graphic Card CPU Thermal Grease, Laptop Thermal Grease.
Key Features:
- 【High performance】Excellent performance comes from its first-class data, thermal conductivity up to 9.5w/m.k, it has a good record of high cooling performance.
- 【Stability】The available temperature is -50℃/ +240℃, thermal resistance < 0.0068, density is 2.7 (25℃). Even in high or low temperature environment, its cooling advantage will not be affected.
- 【Security】It does not contain any metal particles, oil-free solvents, non conductive, non corrosive, harmless, It is friendly to CPU and GPU and will not damage electronic components.
- 【Durability】Thermal conductive silicone grease has long service life and low volatility, which can maintain its thermal conductivity in CPU, GPU, radiator module, chipset, sensor and other electronic components for a long time.
- 【Easy to apply】 The needle-type designs is convenient for application and storage. the paste is not stiff and comes with a spatula, the moderate viscosity can be easily applied for a Homogeneous thin layer, so that all beginners can easily apply it.
10. Noctua NT-H1 3.5g, Pro-Grade Thermal Compound Paste (3.5g)
Key Features:
- Renowned premium-grade thermal compound for optimal heat-transfer from the CPU or GPU to the heatsink; more than 150 awards and recommendations
- Easy to apply (no need to spread before heatsink installation) and easy to clean with dry paper towel or tissue (no cleaning alcohol required)
- For air and liquid coolers (DIY/AiO), can significantly lower temperatures compared to stock pastes on AMD Ryzen and Intel Core CPUs, AMD Radeon and Nvidia GeForce GPUs, PS4/PS5, Xbox, laptops, etc.
- Trusted Noctua quality with excellent long-term stability: recommended storage time up to 3 years, recommended usage time on the CPU up to 5 years
- 3.5g pack for around 3-20 applications (depending on CPU size, e.g. ~3 applications for TR4, ~15 for AM4 or LGA1700, ~20 for LGA1200)
The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide for Finding Your Ideal best thermal compound vs thermal paste
Understanding Your Needs
Before diving into the market, it’s crucial to thoroughly assess your specific needs and preferences. Take time to consider the features that are non-negotiable and reflect on how you intend to use the product. This initial step is key to narrowing down your choices and ensuring that you focus on products that truly meet your requirements.
Quality Matters
The durability and reliability of a product are directly tied to its quality. Search for products that have a strong track record of performance and longevity. Certifications or standards often indicate a commitment to quality and can be a reliable guide to ensuring that you’re making a sound investment.
Brand Value
The brand’s reputation can be a significant indicator of the product’s quality. Established brands are often synonymous with reliability and customer satisfaction. However, don’t shy away from considering emerging brands as they might offer innovative features or better value for money, potentially being a perfect match for your needs.
Seller Rank
Evaluating the seller’s reputation and reliability is as important as assessing the product itself. Investigate their customer service track record, delivery policies, and how they handle customer issues. A seller with a high rank often guarantees a smoother purchase and after-sales experience.
Reviews from Customers
Customer reviews can provide invaluable insights into the real-world performance of a product. They can highlight any recurring issues or benefits that might not be immediately apparent. Look for consistent themes in reviews as they are often telltale signs of the product’s overall quality and performance.
Reliability
Long-term reliability is a critical factor to consider. This encompasses the product’s lifespan, the need for maintenance, and its resistance to wear and tear. Opt for products known for their durability, as this often translates to fewer repairs and replacements over time.
Ease of Use
The usability of a product significantly affects your day-to-day experience with it. Choose products that are easy to set up, operate, and maintain. User-friendly products not only save time but also enhance your overall satisfaction with the product.
Pricing and Value for Money
While staying within your budget is important, it’s also essential to consider the overall value a product offers. Compare not only the upfront cost but also factor in long-term savings, such as durability and lower maintenance costs. Sometimes, spending a bit more initially can lead to more significant savings in the long run.
Accessibility
The availability of the product, along with the quality of customer support and after-sales service, is crucial. Choose products that are readily available and backed by reliable customer support. This ensures that you will receive assistance quickly should any issues or queries arise.
Comparative Analysis
Leverage comparative studies and reviews to gauge how different products in the best thermal compound vs thermal paste category compare against each other. This will help you understand the unique selling points of each product and how they align with your requirements.
Warranty and Support
Always check the warranty and the type of customer support offered. A comprehensive warranty can be a lifesaver, and effective customer support adds value to your purchase, offering peace of mind and assistance when needed.
Stay Informed
The market and technology are continuously evolving. Keep abreast of the latest updates, enhancements, or new releases in the best thermal compound vs thermal paste category. Staying informed helps ensure that your decision is based on the most current information available.
Final Decision
After considering all these factors, take a step back and evaluate the pros and cons of your top choices. Your final decision should be based on a well-rounded assessment, balancing quality, functionality, and value to find the best best thermal compound vs thermal paste that meets your specific needs.
Our comprehensive reviews are meticulously crafted to guide you through this process, ensuring a well-informed decision that meets your needs and budget.