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Choosing the best thermal paste may sound simple, but a dizzying array of options can turn this seemingly easy choice into a time-consuming task. Thermal paste is designed to minimize microscopic air gaps and irregularities between the surface of the cooler and the CPU’s IHS (integrated heat spreader), the piece of metal which is built into the top of the processor.
Good thermal paste can have a profound impact on your performance, because it will allow your processor to transfer more of its waste heat to your cooler, keeping your processor running cool. Choosing the best thermal paste is also important if you plan on overclocking your rig to its fullest. Even the best CPUs for gaming can often hit slightly higher CPU overclocks if they’re paired with a good thermal paste.
Performance enthusiasts often swear by a favorite brand of paste, but new recipes crop up from time to time. We’ve conducted extensive testing of some of the top thermal pastes on the market, and if you’re on the hunt for more exotic pastes that are off the beaten path, we also have plenty of historical data below covering 90 different pastes (and yes, we’ve even tested toothpaste).

1. Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut
Electrically Conductive: No
Thermal Conductivity: 12.5 W/mk
Ease of Use: 4.5 (1=difficult, 5=simple)
Relative Performance: 4.0 (1=poor, 5=excellent)
Cleanup: lint-free absorbent paper towels, alcohol pads or cotton swabs and alcohol
- Stability
- Easy to use
- Easy to clean up
- Price per gram
Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut is a mildly viscous thermal compound with good stability, making it simple to work with while also resisting drips and runs. This paste is very easy to apply and clean up, making it a favorite among system builders.

2. ProlimaTech PK-3 Nano Aluminum
Electrically Conductive: No
Thermal Conductivity: 11.2 W/mk
Ease of Use: 4.5 (1=difficult, 5=simple)
Relative Performance: 4.0 (1=poor, 5=excellent)
Cleanup: lint-free absorbent paper towels, alcohol pads or cotton swabs and alcohol
- Stability
- Easy to use
- Easy to clean up
- None
Often hanging close to, but not overtaking, liquid metal compounds in our tests, PromilaTech PK-3 Nano Aluminum paste is a moderately viscous thermal compound integrated with aluminum and zinc oxide. The paste provides good stability, making it easy to apply to all surfaces as well as simple to clean up. You really can’t go wrong with this paste — it is sufficient for most CPU applications.

3. Cooler Master MasterGel Pro v2
Electrically Conductive: No
Thermal Conductivity: 9 W/mk
Ease of Use: 4.5 (1=difficult, 5=simple)
Relative Performance: 3.5 (1=poor, 5=excellent)
Cleanup: lint-free absorbent paper towels, alcohol pads or cotton swabs and alcohol
- Easy application and cleanup
- Readily available
- Moderate price per gram cost
A compound with traditional thermal compound attributes such as thick, pliable viscosity and good stability upon application. MasterGel Pro v2 is easy to work with, simple to apply and cleans up well. Technical spec sheets do not list individual ingredients.

4. Arctic MX-5
Electrically Conductive: No
Thermal Conductivity: 6.0 W/mk
Ease of Use: 4.5 (1=difficult, 5=simple)
Relative Performance: 4.0 (1=poor, 5=excellent)
Cleanup: lint-free absorbent paper towels, alcohol pads or cotton swabs and alcohol
- Easy application and cleanup
- Smooth, fast spread
- Great, all-around performance
- Moderate price per gram cost
MX-5 is a new compound which does not directly replace their popular MX-4 but is a new formulation for enthusiast use based on carbon micro-particulates in what is assumed to be a silicon or silicone base. The slight-blue tint and smooth, viscous compound has a bit more fluid consistency much like thin toothpaste making it easy to apply and cleanup which lends to very smooth and fast spreading during cooler tension, but can also be prone to dripping and running if applied on vertical surfaces.
This paste is being retired as Arctic brings its new MX-6 to market, so it will only be available until supplies run out.

5. NAB Cooling NB Max Pro
Electrically Conductive: No
Thermal Conductivity: 8.5 W/mk
Ease of Use: 4.5 (1=difficult, 5=simple)
Relative Performance: 1 (1=poor, 5=excellent)
Cleanup: lint-free absorbent paper towels, alcohol pads or cotton swabs and alcohol
- Low price per gram
- Smooth spreading
- Easy to use / cleanup
- None
NB Max Pro is a smooth, creamy non-conductive paste that flows well during tensioning. This paste has a simple application and cleanup paired with a good cost and price/performance per gram.

6. Noctua NT-H1
Electrically Conductive: No
Thermal Conductivity: Unlisted
Ease of Use: 4.5 (1=difficult, 5=simple)
Relative Performance: 4.0 (1=poor, 5=excellent)
Cleanup: lint-free absorbent paper towels, alcohol pads or cotton swabs and alcohol
- Price/performance ratio
- Easy to use and clean
- None
Noctua’s NH-H1 is a relatively viscous and stable compound that applies easily and allows for easy clean-up. A screw-on cap syringe maintains compound longevity to prevent drying and is priced as an attractive paste for those on a budget. You really can’t go wrong with this paste — it is sufficient for the majority of builds.