Which is the best thermal paste: Arctic Launches MX-6 Thermal Paste With 20 Percent Performance Uplift

Arctic Launches MX-6 Thermal Paste With 20 Percent Performance Uplift

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(Image credit: Arctic)

Arctic has officially launched its MX-6 Thermal Paste series with immediate availability direct and via Amazon. The successor to the popular MX-5, Arctic reveals that the new substance is “based on the proven MX-4” formula. The key boast for MX-6 is that it “achieves up to 20% better performance” and increased viscosity.

We first heard that Arctic was brewing up MX-6 thermal paste in September, in the wake of Arctic MX-5 being moved to end-of-life, as the firm’s website flagged. The MX-5 had a short run at the top of Arctic’s thermal paste product stack. It was only launched in 2021 and coexisted with MX-4 throughout its lifetime.

Swipe to scroll horizontally

Arctic	MX-6	MX-5	MX-4
Viscosity	45,000 Poise	550 Poise	870 Poise
Density	2. 6 g/cm³	3.2 g/cm³	2.5 g/cm³
Continuous use temp	-50~150 ℃	-40~180 ℃	-50~150 ℃
Volume resistivity	1.8 X 1012 Ω-cm	1.9 X 1012 Ω-cm	3.8 X 1012 Ω-cm
Breakdown voltage	7.5 kV/mm	250 V/mm	N/A

So, how does the new Arctic MX-6 compare to its predecessors? For a thorough technical comparison, please study the table above. The most glaring change is in viscosity, with the new paste said to be “especially suitable for direct-die applications.” It is thus also resistant to leakage between the processor and cooler due to the ‘pump-out effect.’ Despite the seemingly astronomical viscosity figure, the new paste claims to be very easy to apply, and it looks pretty ordinary in the application demo video seen below. Another comment we have about the specs is that the popular conductivity metric (W/mk) used in thermal compound comparisons is unknown.

Applying thermal paste method video updated for Arctic MX-6

In our massive best thermal pastes roundup this year (with 90+ pastes tested), we noted that Arctic MX-5 had a thermal conductivity of 6.0 W/mk, a little lower than MX-4’s 8.5 W/mk. While we don’t have figures yet, Arctic says that MX-6 is 20% better than MX-5 (we assume, as it is replacing MX-5). Other performance claims for the new Arctic MX-6 include mixing first-class performance with a fair price. It does so by eschewing rare ingredients such as diamond dust or precious metal particles, and there is no mention of nano-particle science.

(Image credit: Arctic)

Regarding materials, Arctic says that MX-6 is carbon filler-based and features a silicone gel as a carrier for optimal distribution and even contact pressure. MX-6 remains a non-conductive paste, and it isn’t capacitive either, eliminating the risk of short circuits or discharges caused by messy applications or accidents. Arctic says an application should be good for up to eight years with this new formula.

(Image credit: Arctic)

Our previous article mentioned some early (Euro) pricing for Arctic MX-6, which was a bit alarming. Thankfully, the official pricing is far more palatable. MX-6 pricing starts at $12.99 for 2g, going up to $18.99 for 8g. So you can get this for as low as $2.38 per gram, which is better than MX-5, and quite competitive. However, don’t run out and buy any new untested and unproven thermal paste – which you will rely on for up to 8 years – before digesting some third-party reviews. Hopefully, we will have some independent insight into the new Arctic MX-6 soon and be able to determine if it is one of the best thermal pastes.

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Mark Tyson is a Freelance News Writer at Tom’s Hardware US. He enjoys covering the full breadth of PC tech; from business and semiconductor design to products approaching the edge of reason.

Topics

Thermal Compound

The Best Thermal Paste for Your CPU

by Cody BrownJanuary 2, 2023January 2, 2023

One of the most important, yet often overlooked, components of a computer is the thermal paste. Thermal paste is used on PC components that run hot, like the CPU and GPU, in order to fill in small gaps between the chip and the heatsink in order to better conduct heat from the chip to the heatsink.

Over time, thermal paste can dry out and become hard, which can impede its ability to transfer heat. This, in turn, can cause your CPU to run hotter, which can lead to thermal throttling, thereby decreasing your CPU’s performance.

Also Read: How to Lower Your CPU Temps

So whether you’re looking to build a new PC, or you want to help breathe some new life into an older computer, using a great thermal paste is a must. But which one should you use? We’re here to help you find the best thermal paste for your CPU, so you can get the most performance out of your PC.

Best Thermal Paste for You CPU

1. Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut (Top Pick)

2. BSFF Thermal Paste (Carbon-Based)

3. Thermal Grizzly Carbonaut (Thermal Pad)

4. Thermal Grizzly Conductonaut (Extreme)

5. ASUS CM-AX6000 (Honorable Mention)

6. ARRIS Surfboard G34 (Honorable Mention)

Quick Look: Top Modem Router Combos

	NAME	SPECS	RATING
TOP PICK	Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut	Silicon/Alum. 12.5 W/mk Non-Conduct.	9.3/10	See Price » Custom PC »
CARBON	BSFF Thermal Paste	Carbon-Based 13.9 W/mk Non-Conduct.	9.2/10	See Price » Custom PC »
	Thermal Grizzly Carbonaut	Carbon Pad 62.5 W/mk Conductive	9.3/10	See Price » Custom PC »
EXTREME	Thermal Grizzly Conductonaut	Liquid Metal 73 W/mk Conductive	9.5/10	See Price » Custom PC »

*For more information on the thermal paste above, click the “Read Review »” link and you will skip to our overview of that router. To see our Honorable Mention picks, keep scrolling down.

1. Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut

The best thermal paste for your CPU

Our Rating: 9.3/10

Check Price on Amazon

Many thermal compound brands have come and gone, but one that’s at the forefront of nearly every PC builder’s builds over the last decade is Thermal Grizzly. And when it comes to standard, non-conductive thermal pastes, the Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut is possibly the best around.

This silicone-based thermal compound utilizes nano aluminum particles to effectively transfer heat between the CPU and the heatsink, making it a great conductor of heat, without being electrically conductive. In fact, with a thermal conductivity of 12.5 W/mk, it’s among the most thermally conductive thermal compounds on the market, with few others edging it out.

But it’s not all about thermal conductivity – with a great viscosity, and years of brand recognition, it’s a tried and true option. Sure, it costs a little more than other brands. But it has the performance to back up its slightly higher price. Overall, if you’re looking for a standard thermal compound, then you’ll definitely want to grab a tube of Thermal Grizzly’s Kryonaut.

2. BSFF Thermal Paste

Best carbon-based thermal paste for your CPU

Our Rating: 9.2/10

Check Price on Amazon

When it comes to thermal paste, there are quite a few different types, with liquid metal being the most thermally efficient. However, due to the electrical conductivity of liquid metal, most people opt for an electrically non-conductive thermal paste. Perhaps the next most thermally efficient type of thermal paste is a carbon-based paste, and with the BSFF Thermal Paste, it’s easy to see how that’s the case.

The BSFF Thermal Paste has an impressive thermal conductivity rating of 13.9W/mk, making it the most thermally conductive paste on our list that isn’t liquid metal.

In addition to its excellent performance, it’s also beginner-friendly, and comes with extras to make the job easier. These extras include a spatula, CPU templates to help prevent messes, alcohol wipes, and a finishing card.

Overall, this is an exceptional thermal paste if you want the best performance out of your CPU without messing with a riskier liquid metal alternative.

3. Thermal Grizzly Carbonaut

Best thermal pad for your CPU

Our Rating: 9.3/10

Check Price on Amazon

Thermal paste is a staple in any PC build, but it can be a pain to work with. That’s where thermal pads come into play. Thermal pads serve the same function as thermal paste, but are much easier to work with, since they are pads you cut to size. They’re also more durable than thermal paste is.

The caveat is that thermal pads are often less thermally conductive than thermal paste is. But that isn’t always the case. With high-performance thermal pads, the inverse can actually be true, and pads like the Thermal Grizzly Carbonaut are a great example of this.

The Thermal Grizzly Carbonaut is a carbon-based thermal pad that offers an insanely high thermal conductivity rating of 62. 5 W/mk. Just like with the BSFF thermal paste, carbon-based thermal compounds are excellent heat conductors, making them a great choice for high-performance CPUs.

In addition to the spectacular thermal conductivity, the Thermal Grizzly Carbonaut is also dead-simple to use – just cut and place. And unlike thermal pastes, this will not dry out over time, making it reusable for many years.

Of course, there is one big caveat to this thermal pad – it’s electrically conductive. It is certainly much easier than working with liquid metal, but because it’s electrically conductive, you need to take extreme caution when applying it to your CPU, making sure not to make contact with any other components on your motherboard.

4. Thermal Grizzly Conductonaut

Best extreme thermal paste for your CPU

Our Rating: 9.5/10

Check Price on Amazon

Metal is such a great conductor of heat, it’s better able to transfer between the CPU and heatsink. But because of the tiny gaps between your CPU and the heatsink, thermal paste is necessary to create contact between the CPU’s heat spreader and the heatsink, allowing for heat to transfer. That’s why when it comes to keeping your CPU cool, the absolute best option you have is a liquid metal thermal paste, like Thermal Grizzly’s Conductonaut.

Thermal Grizzly Conductonaut offers superior thermal conductivity compared to other types of thermal paste, and is perfect for when you want to do some extreme overclocking with a liquid-cooled system. With an extremely high thermal conductivity rating of 73 W/mk, it’s over 5 times more thermally conductive than the BSFF Thermal Paste, the highest rated, non-liquid metal alternative on our list.

Of course, Thermal Grizzly’s Conductonaut isn’t for everyone. Because it’s liquid metal, that means it’s also electrically conductive, meaning that a single stray drop of liquid metal on your motherboard or in your CPU socket could mean costly repairs. That means you need to be extra careful, and that if you aren’t into overclocking, you’re probably better off with a non-electrically conductive thermal paste.

5. Prolimatech Pk-3 Nano Aluminum

Honorable Mention #1

Our Rating: 9.1/10

Check Price on Amazon

If you’re in the market for a more traditional thermal paste, and you want excellent cooling performance, then you should definitely check out the Prolimatech Pk-3 Nano Aluminum Thermal Compound.

This aluminum and zinc oxide based thermal paste is a chart-topping thermal paste that can easily outperform other tried and true thermal pastes from the likes of Arctic Silver and Noctua. Offering a thermal conductivity of 11.2 W/mk, it ranks third on our list among other traditional thermal pastes for the best thermal conductivity.

But where it really shines is in the value it offers, with a phenomenal price for the amount of thermal paste you’ll receive. It’s also a non-curing thermal paste, meaning that it won’t dry out over time like other thermal pastes do.

Overall, if you’re looking to snag a large tube of thermal paste to use on a lot of computers, then you can’t go wrong with this thermal paste from Prolimatech.

6. IC Diamond 24 Carat

Honorable mention #2

Our Rating: 9.0/10

Check Price on Amazon

For many years, IC Diamond was the king of cool when it came to thermal compounds. And while it’s no longer sitting on the throne as the best in class, this diamond in the rough is still a solid choice with the IC Diamond 24 Carat Thermal Compound.

This thermal compound is actually quite special in that it’s mostly composed of diamond powder, which boasts a much higher thermal conductivity than many metals that are found in normal thermal pastes. In the tube, it’s 92% diamond powder, and after it’s applied and properly dried, constitutes 94% of the total paste, making it a rich choice for cooling.

Of course, there are some caveats. Not only is it a bit more expensive than other thermal compounds, but it’s not the best for use in parts that will see frequent thermal paste re-applications, since it can cause scratches on the CPU. It dries out a bit quicker than other thermal pastes, requires 10 minutes of drying time before you re-attach the heatsink to the CPU, and will take about 2 hours or so of priming to reach peak cooling efficiency.

However, whether you’re looking to add a little bling to your tricked out gaming PC, or you just want to stick to a trusted brand, the IC Diamond 24 Carat thermal compound offers great thermals and is an excellent choice.

Keep Your Hot CPU Running Cool

Thermal paste is an important part of your PC, and helps to keep hot components cool by allowing for better heat transfer between chips and their heatsinks. That’s why if you’re looking to get the most out of your CPU, you’ll want a good thermal paste to help achieve optimal cooling performance.

Also Read: Best CPU Coolers Right Now

We’re a big fan of Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut, but there are plenty of other great options available. If you need next-level performance, you might consider a liquid metal paste. Or maybe you want to avoid paste altogether and go with a thermal pad. Whichever you choose, you’ll definitely see an improvement in CPU temperatures.

We are looking for a decent thermal paste for the video card. Part 2

This material was written by a site visitor and has been rewarded.

Part 1: The choice of thermal streams — Link

Disclaimer:

Recommendations

The selection of thermal interfaces is based on personal experience, since during an upgrade or a complete renewal of iron is often asked to serve the old video card for sale. If a specific thermal paste is not mentioned, then most likely the author did not deal with it. You can take the conclusions with a grain of salt, I do not pretend to be a pro, but just an ordinary amateur who has been doing this for a long time.

Important:

Removing the cooling system is at your own risk. If you have done this before, there will be no questions, if not, I recommend watching detailed guides on the correct analysis of the video card, there are a lot of them on YouTube, or entrust it to a friend who understands this.

Also, the replacement of thermal paste should be carried out only after a significant deterioration in the temperature readings of the video chip or visible smudges from thermal pads. It all depends on the quality of the thermal paste, the period of use and, most importantly, the temperature regime in which the video card worked. Any thermal paste degrades over time. Witnesses of the sect of windproof cases or those who believe that dried thermal paste only improves its performance can immediately go to a well-known address, because not everything is as good on certain models after 4 years as it seemed:

After drying, not only micropores are formed that make it difficult to remove heat, but also in especially sticky specimens, you can chip off the chip or damage the smd-elements if dried residues of thermal paste are not properly removed. Especially if the manufacturer applied a lot of thermal paste and it petrified. As we can see, on the super-reliable RX580 from Sapphire, not only the thermal paste has dried up, but also the thermal pads have leaked, soaking not only the space near the memory chips, but also the PCI-Ex connector with silicone. Stubborn couch warriors will still try to talk about the service life of the paste in 10 years. Especially this fascinating story can be told to a person who bought and forgot, knows where the on and off button is. And do not believe it, in the total mass of such more than 90 percent.

«It works — STAY OUT!» — they will say and they will be wrong.

When buying a video card on a used market, you should be extremely careful, because no one will tell you the truth about the history of its use — it mined 2 waves or stood in a tightly closed homeless PC, the user of which did not monitor temperatures at all.

But you say, this is old stuff, 580s are almost impossible to find after mining. After all, manufacturers of modern video cards, and especially top ones, take care of us, but they don’t have a goal only in making a profit, right? It is so? A? After all, even the top RTX 2080TI MSI X TRIO will work perfectly after a year of use and the expiration of the warranty. Just like on the first day of switching on: «Quality» paste application from the factory

Before and after replacing thermal paste. MX-4

Most likely it’s just Photoshop and the manufacturer never applies, especially on top models, an excessive amount of thermal paste. And the more turns the turntables have, the better, they will work longer. The pressure and the imprint are also ideal in each model…..

Before I guide you in choosing those pastes, so that there are no unnecessary questions, I will give test results from various respected and not very resources. And as you can see, the situation is predictable.

Tests

CPU Test\GPU Test

Regarding the results in the last screenshot, you can see that the position of almost every paste does not change in the CPU\GPU comparison. However, the results of the pastes at the end of the list specifically for the CPU show worse results than if they were applied to the GPU. Perhaps not direct contact affects, since on the processor we additionally have a layer of chip thermal paste \ solder \ heat-distributing cover-thermal paste-radiator, in the case of a GPU — chip \ thermal paste \ radiator.

Prices: In most cases, everything depends on the cost of a particular thermal paste and the ruble / gram ratio. In the realities of Belarus, prices (link), to put it mildly, bite very much. In the Russian Federation, this is more pleasant, since there are more options, the price is less + there are many models that are not supplied to us.

What options should be considered:

MX-2 (close to it in terms of results with reservations), the second in terms of price and quality is a little short of MX-4. It all depends on the price that will be currently on Ali, it is profitable to take almost buckets. As for the time it takes for the paste to dry and degrade, it’s hard to say, since a large number of budget and old video cards have been serviced, the owners had no questions. If you have time to wait — then a good option for not very hot video cards. The main thing is not to run into a fake.

2. Arctic MX2 — has a thermal conductivity of 5.6W / (m * K), used to also use it before getting to know the GD900. There are still some 4-gram packages left in some markets, so if you need it right now and without waiting, you can consider it. Moreover, even such a volume will be enough for a long time and for more than one upgrade in the future, both for a not very fat cpu and for a video card. Beware of fakes.

3. Arctic MX4 \ MX5 — a folk version produced in unthinkable quantities. Both have a thermal conductivity of 8.5 W/(m*K), the MX5 performs slightly better and is simpler and easier to apply. Yes, and by the characteristic color you can immediately find out what it is worth. Cons — quality depending on the batch, sometimes 2 identical tubes and 2 different results. There are a lot of fakes too. Also bites the price. I have been using it for a long time, a worthy option for most cards, up to the very top, if there is no pursuit of 1-2-3 degrees for the sake of numbers. As for drying — also did not have to deal with this 2 years after application. Maximum — deterioration in temperatures by a couple of degrees, will walk for a long time.

4. Thermal Grizzly Aeronaut Hydronaut Kryonaut is a great option, suitable for top and fat video cards, but the price per gram is rather sad. Instead, depending on the version, we get top results. Perhaps this option is more suitable for enthusiasts, since literally a few people ask for a replacement for this thermal interface. Those who seek to get the greatest profit bet water if they have the required amount of shekels. Forgeries are very rare.

5. Noctua h2/h3 is an excellent option, not far behind the top ratings. Great if you got this paste as a set with a cooler from Noctua) A 3.5g gram starts from 720RUB. It is beneficial to take a large volume, but why such a volume (10g) will be for the user is not clear. The shelf life of Noctua paste, as far as I remember, is 2 or 3 years. I respect the products of this brand fiercely, but in the case of thermal paste, I would not have made a choice. Unless for top processors and video cards. I have never come across fakes.

What is left out of this article? Again, Gelid, which everyone does not get around to ordering, Iceberg Thermal FUZEIce is also an interesting option, but for all the time no one asked to put it, although the price tag is tolerable and the indicators are on the level (by the way, thermal pads from this manufacturer are also very good), Thermalright — didn’t even care. If an inexpensive pasta from Be Quiet falls into your hands, you can take it. Well, you can throw hats at me, but I don’t have confidence in thermocouples from Aerocool, Deepcool, Zalman, etc.

PS — on one of the graphs you can see the ID-Cooling TG25. This is a purely bundled version that comes with almost all coolers in the line. For example with 224XT. The results are very interesting, but the paste is thick and difficult to apply. How she will behave through time is a question. It’s worth a try.

Results:

Surely for many this list came out to be expected and banal, but you can’t imagine how many people do not understand and do not want to understand this topic. When it comes to replacement, the information needs to be refreshed and at least approximately separate a million banner ads from real results.

If you remember options that are worthy of attention, write. Take this article as an amateur, not a level 99 expert in the field.

Thank you for your attention!

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We are looking for worthy thermal pads for a video card. Part 1

This material was written by a site visitor and has been rewarded.

Best Thermal Paste for Video Card — Ranking 2023 — Top 7

To reduce the temperature of the video card, thermal paste is used, which fills the smallest cavities, voids and ensures full contact with the heatsink that removes heat. The regular mixtures that come with the package are not always of high quality. The best thermal pastes for a video card, which are distinguished by good heat transfer, dispersion and plasticity, will help improve performance. The VyborExperta.ru team decided to find out which consumables are worthy of the attention of users.

Contents

Types and characteristics of thermal grease

Plastic substance to improve thermal conductivity between the chip and the cooling system is made on the basis of oil. Additives are used to improve heat transfer characteristics. Depending on the nature of the modifiers, the following types of thermal pastes are produced:

Metallic — filler is made of silver, tungsten, indium or gallium. The compositions have the highest thermal conductivity, but are able to conduct electric current. When working with the product, you need to carefully monitor that the paste does not get on the contacts of the boards;

Ceramic — does not conduct electricity, has a low price, is noticeably inferior to metal thermal interfaces in terms of heat conductivity. The application is simple, safe, with proper application it is possible to achieve good cooling results;

Silicone — used in the production of thermal pads in the production of PC components. In terms of characteristics, it is inferior to metal and ceramic interfaces.

Silicone thermal pastes and consumables based on carbon, graphite are used in repairs. Mixtures with metals as a filler — for overclocking the basic parameters of chipsets.

The main characteristics of thermal pastes are:

Thermal conductivity — the ability to transfer heat from hotter particles to cooler ones. The higher the score, the more efficient the product. For popular compositions, the indicator ranges from 3 to 10 W / m * K, for professional ones — up to 75;

Viscosity is the degree of resistance to flow. Optimal parameters are from 150 to 500 Pa*s. The paste should not spread quickly, but a thick consistency will interfere with work;

Thermal resistance — the ability to prevent the movement of molecules under the influence of heat. The value is the reciprocal of thermal conductivity. The lower the value, the better the thermal interface for the processor or video card.

It is worth paying attention to the period of work — it should not be less than 12 months.

Thermal paste rating for video card

When compiling the review, the technical characteristics of thermal interfaces, work efficiency, ease of application were studied. We took into account user reviews, the opinion of an expert — a computer repairman with 17 years of experience. The main attention was paid to the following parameters:

Thermal conductivity — affects cooling efficiency;

Operating temperature — ability to perform tasks under constant high load;

Packaging format — affects ease of use;

Shrinkage on drying — may cause cracking;

Plasticity — the ability to fill the smallest irregularities.

Low heat transfer values, critical viscosity, appearance of defects after test runs — products with such defects were excluded from our rating.

Best Graphics Card Thermal Greases of 2023

1. Arctic MX-4

An international company with offices in Hong Kong, Germany and the United States today releases the best thermal pastes for graphics cards in 2023. The thermal interface of this brand consists of carbon microparticles that fill all the microscopic cavities on the chips. This ensures efficient heat dissipation from the GPU. Thermal conductivity indicators reach 8. 5 W / m * K, and the safety of use allows beginners to use the composition.

MX-4 consistency makes application comfortable. Density is optimized and is 2.5 g/cc. Contributes to high productivity and a convenient form factor — the tool is supplied in a syringe, the shape of which is designed taking into account the specifics of the work of the master. With this tool, it is easy to master the technique that will avoid the formation of air pockets between the chipset and the cooler.

Advantages:

Airtight packaging protects from drying out;

Syringes from 2 to 45 grams;

Service life after application — 8 years;

Application temperature range from -50 to +150 degrees.

Drawbacks:

Not detected.

The thermal compound is metal-free to avoid short circuits if not used carefully. The composition does not cause corrosion of the radiator of the cooling system.

2. Steel Frost Zinc STP-1

The products of the Russian company rightly claim to be the best budget thermal grease for GPUs. At the heart of the plastic mass are microscopic zinc granules. The manufacturer does not indicate the percentage of metal and other components, but in practice it is recommended to carefully work with the material. Thermal conductivity varies from 4.7 to 4.9W/m*K.

The viscosity of the thermal interface is 900 pascal, which makes the composition one of the most liquid in the category. This is relevant for application to components with minor surface defects: thermal paste completely fills the cavities and ensures maximum heat transfer from the chipset to the heatsink. Supplied in a syringe, which is equipped with a spatula that can facilitate application.

Advantages:

Degreasing wipe included;

Large volume;

Unlimited life after application;

Good adhesion.

Drawbacks:

Syringe cap tight.

3. Zalman ZM-STC9

The South Korean company is among the TOP best thermal pastes for video cards due to its high thermal conductivity. Indicators during tests reach values of 9.1 W / m * K. As a filler microgranules of aluminum, zinc oxide are used. The binder is silicone oil, which ensures a good filling of the space between the processor and the heatsink. Application is safe due to the absence of electrical conductivity.

Supplied in syringe with graduated scale. This allows you to visualize the consumption of material, which will help you accurately calculate the number of repetitions of its use. The syringe is closed with a rubber cap, which prevents drying out during storage.

Advantages:

Effective for 10 years after application;

Good results with powerful chipsets;

Environmental certificate;

Uniform microfill density.

Drawbacks:

Overpriced.

4. Thermalright TF8

A Taiwanese company offers the best thermal paste for extreme mode graphics cards. The composition works in a very wide temperature range: from -220 to +380 degrees. This allows you to use the product for cooling gaming computers and equipment used in enterprises. The material has a high thermal conductivity: 13.8 W / m * K.

Supplied as a syringe with a protective cap, which is completed with a spatula for leveling. The composition does not contain electrically conductive substances, which allows beginners to work without fear that a short circuit may occur. All components are harmless to health, environmentally friendly, no harmful substances are released when heated.

Advantages:

Uniform structure;

Long service life after application;

Quickly gains stated strength;

Good results in temperature reduction.

Drawbacks:

High viscosity.

5. Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut Extreme

Designed for high performance gaming and desktop processors. It has one of the best thermal conductivity in its class. In tests conducted in 2023, thermal paste reached 14.2 W / m * K. The temperature range is not inferior to the Thermalright parameters, performance is maintained in the range from -250 to +350 degrees. This allows the material to be used in overclocking applications using liquid nitrogen technologies.

Recipe based on dielectrics, working with this composition will not cause a short circuit. Supplied in syringe format, which is equipped with spatula-shaped nozzles for even spreading. The tool helps to reduce the temperature of the chipset by 10-12 degrees.

Advantages:

Uniform texture;

Retains its characteristics for a long time;

Optimal drying time;

Fills microcracks well.

Drawbacks:

High viscosity.

6. Deepcool Z3

The products of the Chinese manufacturer are characterized by a low price, which allows the material to be used for scheduled maintenance of equipment in computer repair shops. Thermal conductivity values are not the highest — 4.5 W / m * K, but this is enough to reduce the temperature of the chipset by 3-4 degrees and improve performance. The material retains its properties in the range from -50 to +220 degrees.

Good adhesion with stable flow allows you to quickly fill cavities, cavities and gain strength. The paste does not degrade during the operation of computer technology. Supplied in a syringe with a protective cap that prevents premature drying after the first application. The kit comes with a spatula for leveling the composition.

Advantages:

No metal particles;

Handy syringe size;

Optimum viscosity;

Temperature drop to 6-7 degrees.

Drawbacks:

Syringe without markings.

7. Alsil-3

Russian thermal paste capable of providing efficient heat dissipation. The product has a low thermal conductivity — 1.8 W / m * K, which is offset by a low price. The material retains its performance characteristics at temperatures from -60 to +200 degrees. Consistency allows you to evenly fill all microscopic cavities. Viscosity dates the ability to gently level the composition on the surface.

No substances harmful to health are used in the recipe, no organic emissions are observed when heated. It has good dielectric properties, good electrical strength. Degradation is slow, can be used for repeated repairs: dried paste is easily removed from the surface.

Advantages:

Spreads well;

Supplied in clear syringe;

Low price;

Service life after drawing 10 years.

Drawbacks:

Slight grit.

What to look for when buying

When choosing the best thermal paste, you should pay attention to the form factor, properties, thermal conductivity and operating temperature. It is necessary to take into account the period during which degradation of the material is not observed. Only in this case, you can choose a paste that will improve the parameters of the video card.

Packaging

Thermal interfaces are sold in different volumes. The safety of the material during storage, ease of application depends on the packaging. The following formats are used:

Can — designed for large volumes of consumables. Sealed lids provide long-term storage. The minus of the format is an inconvenient dosage;

Tube — used to supply medium volumes of thermal interface. Packaging ensures long-term preservation. It is more convenient to apply to the surface than from a can, but you should take care of the leveling tool;

Sachet — a small amount of interface is packed, which is enough for 1-2 applications. Residues dry out very quickly;

Syringe is the most convenient format. Convenient and easy application, the possibility of long-term storage of residues in the presence of a cap. Top manufacturers prefer this packaging option.

Syringe is more suitable for occasional replacement, tubes can be used in repair shops.

Features

When answering the question about which thermal paste for a video card is better according to the advice of professionals, our expert recommends paying attention to the following product properties:

Viscosity — the compound should not flow quickly. It is not recommended to use a thickened thermal interface that cannot fill all the pores. Viscosity parameters should be in the range from 150 to 500 Pa*s.

Chemical inertness — the substances in the formulation must not be corrosive;

Safety — The formulation may contain toxic substances that are released when heated. It is unacceptable;

Conductivity — only professionals can work with interfaces without dielectric properties.

Only with these characteristics in mind, you can buy a good paste and change the characteristics of a video card for the better.

Thermal conductivity

Thermal conductivity is the main characteristic of a thermal interface. The higher this parameter, the more efficient heat removal from the video card. Consumables manufacturers produce products with thermal transfer values ranging from 2 to 10 W/m*K. Interfaces with such characteristics provide a temperature reduction of 5-10 degrees. An increase in thermal conductivity affects the cost of the paste.

Operating temperature

For a home PC, this parameter does not really matter: all manufacturers produce thermal interfaces that can withstand heating up to 200-250 degrees. The characteristics are critical for those who overclock the computer using cryogenic technologies. In this case, you need a paste that retains its properties at -200-240 degrees. Powerful video equipment requires a material that can withstand heat up to 250-350 degrees. If you do not take into account the temperature range, the thermal interface will quickly degrade.

Q&A

How often should I change the thermal paste on my video card?

The thermal interface does not need to be changed on a schedule. The only criterion for the need for maintenance is an increase in temperature to unacceptable values. When using budget pastes, this procedure is performed every 1-1.5 years. Premium materials are able to ensure stable operation of the chipset for 7-10 years.

How thick should the thermal paste layer be?

Recommended layer thickness 20-40 µm. Magnification up to 80 microns is allowed. The layer must be uniform, so do not use expired interfaces with increased viscosity.

Can different thermal pastes be mixed?

Do not mix formulations. Materials can have different compositions, which often results in an increase in viscosity and a decrease in thermal transfer performance.

SelectionExpert.