Whether you’re going for performance or just want your computer to be cooler, the thermal paste (TIM) you choose plays an important role. New formulations are constantly hitting the market.
For example, cooling mainstay Corsair recently released a high-end option called XTM70 with excellent thermal results. Their blend uses carbon micro-particulates in what is presumed to be a silicone base.
Metals
The Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut is one of the best high-performance thermal pastes for serious overclockers. It can be used on CPUs, GPUs, and laptops, but it’s particularly good for those with liquid cooling systems since it will help keep things cool and avoid overheating.
This TIM comes in a small container that can easily be taken on-the-go with you and is easy to apply. It’s quite thick, so it requires a steady hand to spread it evenly, but this makes it stable under high contact pressure during installation. It’s also not electrically conductive and corrosive, so it won’t harm your components during installation.
Gelid GC-Extreme is another metal-based thermal paste that’s well known in enthusiast circles for its excellent performance. It has a moderately thick viscosity that helps it spread consistently, but it does require slow and consistent pressure on the syringe plunger for proper application. It’s not electrically conductive and is oxidation-resistant, too. The only downside is that it takes a long time to set up.
Air
A thermal transfer material can help the CPU cooler and processor maintain a consistent temperature by filling the microscopic gaps between the two. Without a thermal paste, the heat would have to travel through air to get from the processor to the cooler, which could result in higher temperatures and throttling.
Some thermal pastes are electrically conductive, which can help carry electricity through the paste and between the components. This is helpful in cases where a user wants to run overclocking-intensive applications that require more power to the CPU and need better thermal conductivity between the cooler and processor.
Gelid Solutions is a brand that’s well-known in the PC enthusiast community and their GC-Extreme is a great option for users looking for a good thermal paste with good thermal performance. The compound has a moderate viscosity that provides consistency and stability during application, although it does require slow and consistent pressure on the syringe plunger for perfect placement.
Ceramics
Unlike metals, ceramics are heat-resistant and highly durable. These characteristics make them ideal for use in thermal pastes. They can help prevent overheating and prolong the lifespan of devices by filling the microscopic gaps between heat-generating components and cooling systems.
Corsair offers a high-end thermal paste called the XTM70. It comes in a clean black syringe and is designed to deliver superior thermal results. The company states that the proprietary composition is infused with carbon particles, making it both metal-free and non-conductive. It also claims that it won’t dry out and is resistant to oxidation.
The XTM70 is a good choice for enthusiasts looking for a premium product that will perform well in their builds. The price is a bit steep, but the performance should justify it. Another option is the Cooler Master CryoFuze Violet, which boasts a similar spec sheet and is priced a little more reasonably. It uses a blue tint and features a fluid consistency that makes it easy to spread and clean up.
Liquid Metal
Liquid metals are an extreme thermal paste option for the most demanding CPU users, especially those who engage in overclocking. They use gallium or a variation of it, and they have extremely high thermal conductivities that can help lower temperatures significantly. However, they’re also electrically conductive, meaning that if they get on an aluminum heat sink, it can short circuit the motherboard and damage the components.
Fortunately, manufacturers have made great strides in patterning liquid metals so that they are only applied to the CPU’s die and not anywhere else on the motherboard. They’re even capable of filling the tiny gaps between the processor and the heatsink to ensure maximum cooling efficiency.
Currently, one of the best liquid metal thermal compounds is the Thermal Grizzly Conductonaut. It’s a little pricey, but it comes in a 4g tube and has an 8-year lifespan once applied. It also has very good thermal load results. It’s recommended for water-cooling setups, but it should work fine in any cooler, including air.