17 Best Rated Thermal Compound in May 2023
Saamer Usmani May 5, 2023 3:37 AM
Thermal compound, also known as thermal paste, thermal grease, heat sink compound, thermal interface material (TIM) is a kind of thermally conductive (but usually electrically insulating) compound, which is commonly used as an interface between heat sinks and heat sources such as central processing units (CPUs). The compound is usually a mixture of thermally conductive but electrically insulating materials, such as silicone, zinc oxide, aluminium oxide, boron nitride and silver, which is designed to fill the microscopic air gaps present on the surfaces of the two components. The compound works by increasing the thermal conductivity between the two components, thus improving the overall heat transfer from one to the other.
Thermal compound is an important part of any computer cooling system, and can significantly improve the cooling performance of a system.

Top Choice
No | Image | Product | Score | Check |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | ![]() | Noctua NT-H2 10g | 9.8 | Check Price |
2 | ![]() | ARCTIC MX-4 | 9.6 | Check Price |
3 | ![]() | ARCTIC MX-4 | 9.6 | Check Price |
4 | ![]() | Noctua NT-H1 10g | 9.6 | Check Price |
5 | ![]() | Arctic Silver 5 AS5-3.5G Thermal Paste | 9.6 | Check Price |

Noctua NT-H2 10g
Color: Grey
Dimensions: 1.65354 x 6.61416 x 2.95275 Inches
Verdict
Noctua NT-H2 10g Thermal Computer Paste is a great choice for anyone looking to upgrade their cooling system. It offers superior heat transfer and is easy to apply and clean. It has excellent long-term stability, making it a great choice for air and liquid coolers.
Specs
- 10g pack for around 9-60 applications
- Premium-grade thermal compound
- Easy to apply and clean
- Recommended storage time up to 3 years
- Recommended usage time on the CPU up to 5 years
- Includes 10 NA-CW1 cleaning wipes
Pros
- Significantly lower temperatures compared to stock pastes
- Easy to apply
- Excellent long-term stability
- Includes cleaning wipes
Cons
- None

Verdict
- ARCTIC MX-4 is a high quality thermal paste that provides excellent performance and safe application.
Specs
- Made of carbon microparticles
- High thermal conductivity
- Long durability
- Metal-free and non-electrical conductive
- Ideal consistency for easy application
- Includes a Spatula
Pros
- High quality
- Excellent performance
- Safe application
- Easy to apply
Cons
- None

ARCTIC MX-4
Color: grey
Dimensions: 7.3622047169 x 0.5905511805 x 3.1102362173 Inches
Warranty: /
Verdict
- ARCTIC MX-4 is a premium thermal paste for all processors that is well proven for its high quality and excellent performance.
Specs
- Made of carbon microparticles
- High thermal conductivity
- Metal-free and non-electrical conductive
- Simple to apply
Pros
- Highly reliable and well proven quality
- Excellent performance
- Safe application
- Authenticity Check
- Easy to apply
Cons
- None reported

Noctua NT-H1 10g
Color: Grey
Dimensions: 1.1811 x 6.18109 x 2.7559 Inches
Verdict
The Noctua NT-H1 10g Thermal Computer Paste is a renowned premium-grade thermal compound that delivers excellent heat-transfer from the CPU or GPU to the heatsink.
Specs
- Easy to apply (no need to spread before heatsink installation)
- Easy to clean with dry paper towel or tissue (no cleaning alcohol required)
- Recommended storage time up to 3 years
- Recommended usage time on the CPU up to 5 years
- 10g pack for around 9-60 applications (depending on CPU size, e.g. ~9 applications for TR4, ~60 for LGA1200)
Pros
- More than 150 awards and recommendations
- 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
Cons
- None

Arctic Silver 5 AS5-3.5G Thermal Paste
Color: Silver
Dimensions: 0.03937 x 0.03937 x 0.03937 Inches
Verdict
The Arctic Silver 5 AS5-3.5G Thermal Paste is an excellent solution for thermal management and cooling of your PC components. It is easy to apply and remove, and offers excellent thermal conductance and non-electrical conductivity.
Specs
- 99.9% pure micronized silver
- Non-electrically conductive
- Will not separate, run, migrate or bleed
- Thermal conductance: >350 000W/m2 degreesC (0.001 inch layer)
- Easy to apply and remove
Pros
- Excellent thermal conductance
- Non-electrical conductivity
- Easy to apply and remove
Cons
- None

Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut The High Performance Thermal Paste
Dimensions: 0.03937 x 0.03937 x 0.03937 Inches
Warranty: One year manufacturer

Noctua NT-H1 3.5g
Color: White
Dimensions: 0.5 x 8.5 x 6 Inches
Warranty: 1yr/Parts & Labor

Noctua NT-H1 10g
Color: Grey
Dimensions: 1.1811 x 6.18109 x 2.7559 Inches

Noctua NT-H2 3.5g
Color: Grey
Dimensions: 1.1811 x 6.18109 x 2.7559 Inches

Corsair XTM50 High Performance Thermal Compound Paste
Dimensions: 5.19 x 5.19 x 4.33 Inches
Warranty: 0 year


ARCTIC MX-6
Color: Grey
Dimensions: 3.937 x 3.937 x 3.937 Inches
Warranty: /.


Thermal Paste SYY 2 Grams CPU Paste Thermal Compound Paste Heatsink
Color: grey


GENNEL G104 100Grams Tube White Thermal Grease Paste
Color: White
Dimensions: 2.1653543285 x 2.5590551155 x 2.5590551155 Inches

Last update on 2023-05-29 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API
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Thermal compound, also known as thermal grease, thermal paste, thermal interface material, or heat sink compound, is a thermally conductive (but usually electrically insulating) material, typically used as an interface between heat sinks and heat sources such as high-power semiconductor devices. Image source: Amazon.com
What is the purpose of thermal compound?
Thermal compound is used to fill the microscopic imperfections between the heatsink and the processor. It helps to better conduct heat away from the processor and into the heatsink, thus cooling the processor.
What are the advantages of using thermal compound?
1. Improved Heat Transfer: Thermal compound helps to improve the transfer of heat from the processor to the heatsink, which helps to keep the processor cooler.
2. More Efficient Cooling: Thermal compound helps to reduce the amount of heat lost in the gap between the processor and the heatsink, making the cooling system more efficient.
3. Reduced System Noise: By improving heat transfer, thermal compound helps to reduce the noise generated by the cooling system.
4. Extended Component Lifespan: By keeping the processor cooler, thermal compound helps to extend the lifespan of the processor and other components.
What is the correct way to apply thermal compound?
1. Start by cleaning the components. Make sure to remove any old thermal compound, dust, or debris.
2. Apply a very thin layer of thermal compound to the center of the processor.
3. Place the heatsink on the processor and press down firmly.
4. Use a soft cloth to spread the thermal compound evenly on the processor and heatsink.
5. Reinstall the heatsink and fan assembly, following the manufacturer's instructions.
How often should thermal compound be replaced?
Thermal compound should typically be replaced whenever a computer component is replaced or when the computer is undergoing a major upgrade. This can vary depending on the quality of the thermal compound and type of computer, but it is generally recommended to replace it every 2-3 years.
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Thermal compound is a thermally conductive paste used to improve the heat transfer between two surfaces. Image source: Amazon.com