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.

17 Best Rated Thermal Compound in May 2023
Thermal compound is a type of paste or putty-like substance used to fill the microscopic gaps between a computer processor and its heat sink.. Image source: Amazon.com

Top Choice

NoImageProductScoreCheck
1Noctua NT-H2 10g, Thermal Computer Paste incl. 10 Cleaning Wipes (10g)Noctua NT-H2 10g9.8Check Price
2ARCTIC 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, Non-ConductiveARCTIC MX-4 9.6Check Price
3ARCTIC 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, Non-capacitiveARCTIC MX-4 9.6Check Price
4Noctua NT-H1 10g, Thermal Computer Paste (10g)Noctua NT-H1 10g9.6Check Price
5Arctic Silver 5 AS5-3.5G Thermal PasteArctic Silver 5 AS5-3.5G Thermal Paste9.6Check Price
Noctua NT-H2 10g, Thermal Computer Paste incl. 10 Cleaning Wipes (10g)
Noctua NT-H2 10g
Model: Noctua NT-H2-10
Color: Grey
Dimensions: 1.65354 x 6.61416 x 2.95275 Inches
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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

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, Non-Conductive
ARCTIC MX-4
Model: ARCTIC MX-4
Color: grey
Dimensions: 5.9 x 1.2 x 2.8 Inches
Warranty: /
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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 (4 g) - Premium Performance Thermal Paste for All Processors (CPU, GPU - PC, PS4, Xbox), Very high Thermal Conductivity, Long Durability, Safe Application, Non-Conductive, Non-capacitive
ARCTIC MX-4
Model: ARCTIC ACTCP00002B
Color: grey
Dimensions: 7.3622047169 x 0.5905511805 x 3.1102362173 Inches
Warranty: /
Check Price


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, Thermal Computer Paste (10g)
Noctua NT-H1 10g
Model: Noctua NT-H1-10
Color: Grey
Dimensions: 1.1811 x 6.18109 x 2.7559 Inches
Check Price


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
Arctic Silver 5 AS5-3.5G Thermal Paste
Model: Arctic Silver AS5-3.5G
Color: Silver
Dimensions: 0.03937 x 0.03937 x 0.03937 Inches
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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 for Cooling All Processors, Graphics Cards and Heat Sinks in Computers and Consoles (1 Gram)
Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut The High Performance Thermal Paste
Model: Thermal Grizzly TG-K-001-RS
Dimensions: 0.03937 x 0.03937 x 0.03937 Inches
Warranty: One year manufacturer
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Noctua NT-H1 3.5g, Pro-Grade Thermal Compound Paste (3.5g)
Noctua NT-H1 3.5g
Model: Noctua NT-H1 3.5g
Color: White
Dimensions: 0.5 x 8.5 x 6 Inches
Warranty: 1yr/Parts & Labor
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Noctua NT-H1 10g, Thermal Computer Paste (10g)
Noctua NT-H1 10g
Model: Noctua NT-H1-10
Color: Grey
Dimensions: 1.1811 x 6.18109 x 2.7559 Inches
Check Price
Noctua NT-H2 3.5g, Thermal Computer Paste incl. 3 Cleaning Wipes (3.5g)
Noctua NT-H2 3.5g
Model: Noctua NT-H2-3
Color: Grey
Dimensions: 1.1811 x 6.18109 x 2.7559 Inches
Check Price
Corsair XTM50 High Performance Thermal Compound Paste | Ultra-Low Thermal Impedance CPU/GPU | 5 Grams | w/applicator
Corsair XTM50 High Performance Thermal Compound Paste
Model: Corsair CT-9010002-WW
Dimensions: 5.19 x 5.19 x 4.33 Inches
Warranty: 0 year
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10 Pack HY880 Thermal Paste Kit-5.15 W/MK 1 G/Pcs, High Performance Thermal Compound Paste Grease Heatsink for CPU, Processor, All Cooler Master, Computer, PS4
10 Pack HY880 Thermal Paste Kit-5.15 W/MK 1 G/Pcs
Model: SpinLaLa HY880
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ARCTIC MX-6 (4 g)
ARCTIC MX-6
Model: ARCTIC ACTCP00080A
Color: Grey
Dimensions: 3.937 x 3.937 x 3.937 Inches
Warranty: /.
Check Price
HY710-20pcs(1PCS-1g)-Thermal Conductivity:>3.14W/m-Thermal Paste,CPU Paste;Heatsink Past;Thermal Compound;Heatsink Paste,Thermal Compound CPU for All Coolers-20 Grams
HY710-20pcs 1PCS-1g)-Thermal Conductivity:>3.14W/m-Thermal Paste
Model: MoneyQiu 1
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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
Thermal Paste SYY 2 Grams CPU Paste Thermal Compound Paste Heatsink
Model: SYY SYY-157
Color: grey
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CoolerCube Thermal Paste, 3g CPU Thermal Compound Paste, Heatsink Paste for All Coolers, CPU, GPU, IC Processor, Carbon Based High Performance, Thermal Interface Material
CoolerCube Thermal Paste
Model: CoolerCube CC-SG-BN500-3
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GENNEL G104 100Grams Tube White Thermal Grease Paste, Thermal Compound Heatsink Paste for PC CPU Coolers GPU LED PS4 Chipset Cooling
GENNEL G104 100Grams Tube White Thermal Grease Paste

Color: White
Dimensions: 2.1653543285 x 2.5590551155 x 2.5590551155 Inches
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Thermal Paste, Heatsink Paste, Thermal Compound Paste for CPU Coolers GPU IC Processor High Performance CPU Thermal Paste 3g
Thermal Paste Heatsink Paste
Model: T TOPDA XTP-01
Dimensions: 0.55 x 4.72 x 0.9 Inches
Check Price

Last update on 2023-05-29 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

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Common Answers

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, Non-Conductive

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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In Conclusion

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, Non-capacitive

Thermal compound is a thermally conductive paste used to improve the heat transfer between two surfaces. Image source: Amazon.com

Overall, Noctua NT-H2 10g is an excellent Thermal compound that offers impressive performance. It is easy to apply and provides consistent results. Additionally, it is highly affordable and offers excellent value for money. It is also highly reliable and can be trusted for long-term use. With its impressive performance and affordability, it is certainly a thermal compound worth considering.