This category covers thermal paste and other CPU cooling accessories, including items with a stated fan diameter. It suits anyone re-pasting a processor after removing a cooler, as well as people who maintain servers and workstations. Our range includes products from ARCTIC, SUPERMICRO, FUJITSU and INTERTEC.
How to choose thermal paste and cooling accessories
Platform compatibility. Cooling parts must match the processor socket and the motherboard or server model. SUPERMICRO and FUJITSU parts are generally intended for those manufacturers' own systems, so compare the socket type and model code before you buy.
Processor heat output. Choose cooling according to the processor's TDP, which the manufacturer publishes. A processor with many cores that runs under sustained load, as in a server, needs more cooling headroom than an office PC.
Fan diameter and noise. Some products in our range list a fan diameter, so you can check it against the space available in your case. A larger fan can move the same amount of air at a lower speed, which usually means quieter running. Low 1U server chassis only fit small, fast-spinning fans, and these are noisier.
Paste properties. Most thermal pastes do not conduct electricity, but some metal-based pastes do, and they can cause a short circuit if they reach the contacts. Read the manufacturer's description and apply a thin layer, because a thicker one transfers heat less well.
Brands we carry
- ARCTIC: known for its MX series of thermal pastes, and it also makes PC fans and CPU coolers.
- SUPERMICRO and FUJITSU: makers of servers and workstations, so their cooling parts are mostly designed for the companies' own motherboards and server chassis.
Also in our range: INTERTEC.
Frequently asked questions
How much thermal paste should I put on a CPU?
A thin layer, or a drop about the size of a pea in the centre of the processor's heat spreader, is enough. Too much squeezes out at the sides and can dirty the socket, while too little leaves uncovered areas. Press the cooler down evenly and without sliding it.
When should thermal paste be replaced?
Replace the paste every time you remove the cooler from the processor. It is also worth renewing if the processor starts overheating for no obvious reason even though the cooler is clean. Paste hardens over time, and many manufacturers suggest changing it every few years.
Can I use the same thermal paste on a server processor?
Yes, a thermal paste intended for processors works on a server CPU just as it does on a home PC. What matters more is that the heatsink fits the server's socket and chassis height. Also check the processor's TDP, since server processors often give off more heat.
How do I choose a cooling fan by size?
Start by measuring the space you have in the case or on the heatsink, then pick the largest fan that fits. A larger fan cools with the same airflow at lower speeds, so it is usually quieter. The diameter is listed in the specifications of some products in our range.
