Thermal pastes and accessories improve heat transfer between a processor or graphics card and its cooler. Our range holds over 400 products, from simple pastes that are enough for fitting a new cooler to options for enthusiasts. You will find products from Thermal Grizzly, Deepcool, Gamemax, Arctic and Noctua.
How to choose thermal paste and accessories
Type of material. Most thermal pastes do not conduct electricity, so a little paste landing on the motherboard or socket contacts will not cause a short circuit. Liquid metal transfers heat better, but it is conductive and can damage aluminium surfaces, so it is best left to those with some experience.
Thermal conductivity. Manufacturers quote it in W/mK. A higher figure generally means better heat transfer, but between good pastes the real difference in a PC is often only a few degrees, and measurement methods vary. Independent tests are worth checking as well.
Quantity. A pea-sized amount is enough for a processor, so even a small syringe covers several cooler or CPU changes. If you build or maintain many computers, choose a larger pack. Check whether a spreader and cleaning wipes are included.
Paste or thermal pads. Graphics card memory chips and power circuitry often use thermal pads rather than paste. Their thickness is measured in millimetres and must match the gap: a pad that is too thin does not touch the cooler, and one that is too thick prevents proper contact.
Service life. Thermal paste dries out over time and transfers heat less well, so plan to renew it every few years, or sooner if temperatures climb noticeably. Gaming and workstation PCs that are loaded heavily benefit from more frequent changes.
Brands we carry
- Thermal Grizzly: a German manufacturer known for thermal pastes, liquid metal compounds and CPU delidding tools for enthusiasts.
- Deepcool: makes CPU coolers, cases and fans, so its thermal pastes and accessories are often matched with other cooling products.
- Arctic: known for fans, CPU coolers and thermal pastes, which buyers often choose as a simple, affordable refresh.
- Noctua: an Austrian company renowned for quiet fans and CPU coolers.
- Gamemax: mainly known for PC cases, power supplies and cooling components.
- Fractal Design: a Swedish manufacturer known for PC cases and fans built around low noise.
Also in our range: Qoltec, Thermal Hero, Savio, Kolink, Polartherm and Rampage.
Frequently asked questions about thermal paste
How often should thermal paste be replaced?
Usually every few years. Replace it sooner if processor or graphics card temperatures rise for no clear reason, or if the cooler has been removed. Once a cooler has been lifted, the old paste layer no longer makes a reliable contact.
How much thermal paste does a processor need?
A pea-sized dot in the middle of the processor is enough. The pressure of the cooler spreads it into a thin layer. Using more does not improve cooling, and the excess can squeeze out towards the socket.
What is the best way to remove old thermal paste?
Use isopropyl alcohol and a lint-free cloth or a dedicated wipe. Clean both the processor's heat spreader and the cooler base, then let the alcohol evaporate. Only then apply fresh paste.
Is liquid metal safe to use?
It is safe only with care and on compatible surfaces. Liquid metal conducts electricity, so it must never run near contacts, and an aluminium cooler base can be damaged by it. If you are unsure, choose an ordinary non-conductive thermal paste.
