Thermal pastes, thermal greases and pads help move heat from a processor or graphics chip into its cooler more effectively. The category also includes a cleaner for removing old thermal grease. Over 20 products from Thermal Grizzly, ARCTIC, DEEPCOOL and other makers cover both new builds and re-pasting an existing PC.
How to choose thermal paste or pads
Product type. Thermal paste or grease is meant for a CPU or graphics chip, where only a hair-thin gap remains between the chip and the cooler. Thermal pads are usually used where the gap is larger, for example on memory chips or power delivery components. Our range also includes a thermal grease cleaner, which you will need when removing the old layer.
Thermal conductivity. The W/m·K value shows how well a material transfers heat. Values in our range run from roughly 1 to 8.5 W/m·K. A higher number usually means a cooler chip, but manufacturers measure in different ways, so the safest comparison is between products from the same maker.
Electrical conductivity. Most pastes do not conduct electricity, so a small excess near the contacts around the chip is not a danger. Liquid metal compounds and some ppastes containing metal particles do conduct, and liquid metal also reacts with aluminium. If you are re-pasting for the first time, a non-conductive paste is the safer choice, and it is worth reading the manufacturer's instructions.
Operating temperature. The stated range tells you whether the material will cope with the heat inside your system. Our range includes products rated from -20 to 100 °C and others rated from 30 to 180 °C. If your PC runs under heavy load or you overclock, choose a wider range.
Quantity and replacement interval. Paste should be renewed whenever you remove the cooler, and also when the chip starts running hotter than it used to after a few years. One syringe usually covers several CPU re-pastes, since a pea-sized drop is enough for a single processor.
Brands we carry
- Thermal Grizzly: a German manufacturer known for high-end thermal compounds favoured by PC enthusiasts and overclockers.
- ARCTIC: makes PC fans, coolers and thermal paste, which is widely used in home-built computers.
- DEEPCOOL: best known for CPU coolers, and also makes PC cases and power supplies.
Also in our range: Lenovo, StarTech, Akasa.
Frequently asked questions
How often should you replace thermal paste?
There is no fixed rule: replace it whenever you remove the cooler, or when CPU temperatures begin to climb noticeably. Good paste often stays effective for several years. Over time an old layer can dry out and transfer heat less well.
What is the difference between thermal paste and a thermal pad?
Thermal paste is a viscous compound spread in a thin layer between a CPU or graphics chip and its cooler. A pad is a soft solid sheet that fills a larger gap, such as on memory chips. For a processor you would normally use paste rather than a pad.
Does thermal paste conduct electricity?
Most thermal pastes do not conduct electricity, but some compounds, especially liquid metal, do. Check the manufacturer's description before buying. Conductive compounds need to be applied very carefully and kept away from nearby contacts.
How do you remove old thermal paste from a CPU?
Wipe the old paste off with a lint-free cloth dampened with isopropyl alcohol, or use a dedicated thermal grease cleaner. Our range includes such a cleaner. Clean both the processor's heat spreader and the base of the cooler before applying fresh paste.
