Top 20 thermal pastes: ranking 2021-2022 and what to choose for your CPU/video card

Today's thermal paste rating on our portal itech.techinfus.com/en/ is the best way to quickly find the right model.

For quick navigation we have divided the rating into categories:

There are many models on the market with different characteristics. Which is the best thermal paste? To answer this question, we have ranked the best models for 2021-2022 in price/quality ratio, based on different needs.

When selecting, we took into account: the opinion of professionals, test characteristics and user reviews.

Top 20 Best Thermal Pastes 2021-2022

Place	Name	Price
Top 4 best thermal pastes by price/quality for 2021-2022
1	Arctic MX-4 2g	Check price
2	Deepcool Z5 3g	Find out the price
3	Gembird FreOn Nano GF-31 1.5 g	You can find out the price of
4	Arctic MX-2 4g	Learn the price
Top 4 best thermal pastes for your CPU
1	STEEL Frost Cuprum STP-3 3 gr	Learn the price
2	Prolimatech PK-3 1.5 g	Learn the price
3	STEEL Frost Aluminium STP-2 3 g	Learn the price
4	Cooler Master MasterGel Pro V2	Learn the price
Top 4 best thermal pastes for your graphics card
1	Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut 5.5g	Learn the price
2	Arctic MX-5 8g	Learn the price
3	Noctua NT-H2 3.5 g	Check out the price
4	Thermalright TFX 2g	Learn the price
Top 4 best thermal pastes for your notebook
1	Deepcool Z3 1.5g	Learn the price
2	Zalman ZM-STG2 3.5g	Learn the price
3	Noctua NT-H1 3.5g	You can find out the price of
4	AeroCool Baraf 1g	Learn the price
Top 4 best thermal pastes with a spatula in a package
1	STEEL Frost Zinc STP-1 3 g	Learn the price
2	Cooler Master IC Essential E2 3.4 g	Learn the price
3	Gembird FreeZzz GF-01 1.5g	To know the price
4	ExeGate ETP-11WMK Platinum 2 g	Check out the price

How to choose thermal paste?

To begin with, it is necessary to understand what is the thermal paste. This is a special substance that improves the heat transfer between the heated part of the computer and the cooling element.

When choosing a means pay attention to its performance characteristics:

The level of thermal conductivity. This criterion shows the paste's ability to transfer heat energy from heated elements to cooling elements. In budget products this figure is only 8 W/m*K, but experts recommend buying thermal paste with a thermal conductivity of 1.5-2 W/m*K.
Consistency. This is also called viscosity. High quality thermal paste should be neither too thick, nor too liquid. Unfortunately, this figure is rarely specified on official websites or packages, so most consumers prefer to assess the viscosity of thermal paste to the touch.
Package volume. As a rule, thermal paste is available in small tubes or jars of 4-8 grams. This amount is enough for several replacements. It is important that the packaging was provided with an airtight lid, because during prolonged storage means thickens and loses its performance characteristics.
Composition of. There are several varieties of thermal paste on the modern market. Silicone ones are considered simple and inexpensive, but their performance characteristics are enough for a home computer. Ceramic ones have a thermal conductivity up to 5 W/m*K, but are inexpensive. But the most effective are diamond thermal pastes and semi-synthetic silver-based products. They have high thermal conductivity, easy to apply and do not bleed.

Top 4 best thermal pastes by price/quality for 2021-2022

If you buy thermal paste for a single use, it is worth looking at inexpensive products from well-known brands. Their low price can be explained by the small volume of the package, and the composition is balanced and aimed at improving the performance of the PC.

Arctic MX-4 2g

The composition of this inexpensive but quality thermal paste includes carbon microparticles, which significantly increases the thermal conductivity of the product.

Thanks to this paste can be used not only on home computers, but also on gaming computers and laptops. The thermal paste comes in a syringe with a small spout, which provides a convenient application of the composition.

In addition, the paste does not bleed, which means that the risk of getting it on other parts and the possibility of a short circuit is minimized.

The manufacturer paid attention to the composition of the thermal paste and improved its composition. Thanks to this, after applying it does not dry out for a long time and keeps the ability to remove the heat from the heated parts for several years.

Another feature of this product is that it comes in syringes of different capacity, so everyone can pick up the thermal paste, focusing on the needs.

The product itself is odorless and does not harm the environment.

Technical characteristics:

package type: syringe;
weight 2 g;
thermal conductivity 8.5 W/m*K.

Advantages

Handy syringe makes it easy to apply;
there are several variants of thermal paste with different package size;
higher thermal conductivity;
does not dry out for a long time;
does not drip when applied.

Disadvantages

no spatula included;
Some users find the price too high.

Deepcool Z5 3g

This thermal paste is considered average in terms of performance, but for home PC or notebook is quite enough.

Once applied, the product improves the transfer of heat from the CPU to the cooler, increasing the performance of the computer and reducing the noise level.

The paste itself has optimal thermal conductivity, but at the same time does not conduct electricity, which means the risk of short circuits is minimized.

The product has a sufficiently thick consistency. This makes it easy to apply, and the paste itself does not flow and does not dry out long enough, so one renewed layer is enough for several years of operation. Ease of application is provided by a well-thought-out packaging-syringe.

In addition, a special spatula is provided in the kit, with which the product can be easily distributed in an even layer.

Technical characteristics:

packaging type: syringe;
mass 3 g;
thermal conductivity 1.46 W/m*K.

Advantages

low price with optimal performance characteristics;
consistency of a thick enough consistency;
increases computer performance;
it comes with a spatula;
it does not conduct electricity.

Disadvantages

not suitable for gaming computers due to low thermal conductivity;
not a very wide operating temperature range.

Gembird FreOn Nano GF-31 1.5 g

Thermal paste in a convenient syringe package has sufficient technical characteristics for a complete care of a home or office computer.

The product contains carbon and metal oxide compounds, which ensure rapid heat transfer from the processor or video card to the cooling radiator. To allow the user to apply the thermal paste more evenly, a special spatula is provided in the kit.

The package volume is small, but it will be enough for several applications.

The nose of the syringe is covered with a special cap, which prevents the product from drying out. But it should be taken into account that the thermal paste is not designed for long-term storage.

Over time, it begins to get very thick, harder to apply and much worse heat removal from heated computer parts.

Technical characteristics:

packaging type: syringe;
weight 1.5 g;
thermal conductivity 5,8 W/m*K.

Advantages of

Low price and decent thermal conductivity;
convenient packaging - syringe with sealed cap;
the package includes a spatula;
Excellent heat dissipation and improves computer performance;
does not drip when applied.

Cons

small package volume;
some users have called the price unreasonably high.

Arctic MX-2 4 g

This thermal paste contains microparticles of carbon, which significantly increases thermal conductivity of the product and make it one of the best for caring for home and office computers.

The consistency of thermal paste is thick enough, so when applied to a specific part, the product does not flow and perfectly dissipates heat to the cooling radiator. This increases the performance and service life of the equipment.

In terms of application the thermal paste is suitable for processors and graphics cards.

The product comes in a convenient syringe that allows you to precisely apply the paste on the desired part.

There is no spatula included in the package, but due to the quite viscous consistency the user can easily distribute the drug in a thin layer.

The weight of the package is big enough, so there is enough thermal paste for several uses, and the nozzle of the syringe is covered with a special cap, which prevents the thickening of the product during storage.

Technical specifications:

packaging type: syringe;
mass 4 g;
thermal conductivity 5.6 W/m*K.

Pros of

Good thermal paste for a reasonable price;
increases computer performance;
large volume of packaging;
suitable for processors and video cards;
proven brand.

Cons

thickens when stored;
no spatula included.

Top 4 best thermal paste for the CPU

If you plan to apply thermal paste to the processor, it is worth giving preference to products that are designed specifically for these parts of the computer. In 2021-2022, users have singled out four of the best thermal paste for processors at once.

STEEL Frost Cuprum STP-3 3 g

This thermal paste is based on copper nanoparticles. This metal is considered to be one of the best Therefore, the use of this thermal paste will help to significantly reduce the noise of the computer and increase the performance of its processor.

In addition the paste contains special additives that make the paste more homogeneous and eliminate the possibility of copper oxidation.

Due to this thermal paste applied to the processor does not dry out for a long time and retains its properties for several years.

In terms of performance characteristics, the thermal paste is designed for home and office computers with operating temperatures not exceeding 170 degrees.

The product is available in a syringe package that allows easy spot application.

Additionally, the kit provides a scraper for even distribution of the product on the surface and a special decontaminating wipe.

Technical characteristics:

packaging type: syringe;
mass 3 g;
thermal conductivity 9.8 W/m*K.

Advantages of

affordable, given the optimal thermal conductivity;
quickly reduces processor temperature;
does not dry out for a long time;
handy packaging syringe;
large volume of packaging.

Disadvantages

not very handy spatula included;
thickens quickly during storage.

Prolimatech PK-3 1.5 g

Users looking for inexpensive but quality thermal paste for office or home computer, it is worth looking at this model.

The paste has a balanced composition that effectively removes heat from the processor, helping to accelerate PC cooling and performance.

The paste also has an optimal consistency, so it is applied evenly and does not bleed even when it is applied to a hot part.

The well-designed packaging of the syringe also makes it easy to use. The nozzle of the package is thin enough, so it is no problem to apply thermal paste exactly to the needed part.

There is no spatula in the package, but the paste is evenly distributed on the surface without additional smoothing.

In addition, the composition of the product is designed so that the paste for a long time does not dry out and the user does not need to change it often.

Technical characteristics:

packaging type: syringe;
mass 1,5 g;
thermal conductivity 11,2 W/m*K.

Advantages

optimal thermal conductivity;
no unpleasant odor;
sufficiently thick consistency;
large volume of packaging;
Convenient application due to the thin nozzle of the syringe.

Disadvantages

no spatula included;
not intended for long-term storage.

STEEL Frost Aluminium STP-2 3 gr

This quality CPU thermal paste is made based on aluminum nanoparticles. This metal is considered one of the best conductors of heat, so the thermal paste based on it perfectly transfers heat from the heated processor to the cooling radiator.

Additionally, the product contains special additives that make the consistency more homogeneous and prevent the thermal paste from drying out quickly.

In addition, these additives prevent aluminum oxidation and help to preserve the performance of thermal paste.

Another feature of the product is that it comes in a convenient syringe package.

This makes it easy for the user to apply thermal paste precisely to the processor, and a special spatula is provided for distributing the product evenly.

In addition, the manufacturer has equipped the product with a decontaminating cloth to process the processor before applying thermal paste.

Specifications:

packaging type: syringe;
weight 3 g;
thermal conductivity 8.5 W/m*K.

Advantages of

affordable price;
good thermal conductivity;
does not dry out or oxidize for a long time;
optimal package volume;
easy application.

Disadvantages

not very handy spatula included;
Not suitable for gaming computers.

Cooler Master MasterGel Pro V2

Despite its affordable price, this thermal paste belongs to the professional means to care for computers and laptops.

The paste was created based on the previous version of the product, and the manufacturer upgraded the composition of the paste to improve its thermal conductivity and other performance characteristics.

In terms of composition, the thermal paste is designed for central processing units and graphics processors, and one pack will be enough for several applications.

The syringe packaging is also detailed. The narrow spout allows you to precisely apply the paste to the CPU, and the small handy spatula that is provided in the kit ensures an even distribution of the product on the surface.

There is a special cap on the spout of the syringe that makes the package airtight so the paste can be stored.

Users also appreciated the thick consistency of the product, which also makes it easier to apply the paste to computer parts.

Specifications:

packaging type: syringe;
mass 1.5 g;
thermal conductivity 9 W/m*K.

Advantages

a spatula is provided in the package;
increased thermal conductivity;
easy application;
optimal density;
convenient packaging.

Disadvantages

not always available;
some users find the price too high.

Top 4 best thermal pastes for graphics cards

The video card of the computer, like the processor, warms up a lot during operation. To extend its life and improve performance, you should periodically renew the layer of thermal paste on the video card. Special formulations are used for this purpose. Here are four of the best thermal pastes for your graphics card.

Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut 5.5 g

The cost of this thermal paste is one of the highest on the market, but it is fully Justified by its advanced performance characteristics.

First of all, the product boasts increased thermal conductivity, so it is suitable even for gaming computers and other demanding for quality cooling gadgets.

In addition, this thermal paste can be used for critical industrial cooling systems.

The balanced composition prevents the thermal paste from drying out quickly, and the fairly thick consistency ensures easy application and even distribution of the product over the graphics card.

The paste contains nanoaluminum and zinc oxide particles. They blend optimally and compensate for irregularities of the processor and heatsink, provides effective heat transfer.

Technical specifications:

packaging type: syringe;
weight 5,5 g;
thermal conductivity 12,5 W/m*K.

Advantages of

large range of operating temperatures;
very high thermal conductivity;
Greatly improves PC performance;
handy syringe for quality application;
no unpleasant odor.

Cons

some users believe that the performance characteristics of this model are inferior to analogues;
high price.

Arctic MX-5 8 g

All thermal pastes of this brand, including this model, contain no metal particles and therefore do not All thermal pastes from this brand, including this model, do not contain metallic particles, which means they are not conductive, and there is no possibility of a short circuit during application if the paste gets on the contacts or conductive paths.

Low viscosity and optimum consistency make the paste easy to apply and easy for the user to distribute evenly over the surface. Once applied, the paste forms a thin layer that is resistant to drying.

Thanks to this characteristic, the paste retains its performance for a long time, cools the computer perfectly and increases its performance.

The thermal paste uses carbon particles as a filler, which fills in small surface irregularities and improves heat transfer from the graphics card to the cooling radiator.

Specifications:

packaging type: syringe;
weight 8 g;
viscosity 550.

Pros of

good level of thermal conductivity;
adequate price, given the advanced performance characteristics;
does not dry out;
the kit provides a handy spatula;
does not have an unpleasant odor.

Cons

is not always available on sale;
some users consider the volume of the package too large.

Noctua NT-H2 3.5 g

This thermal paste belongs to the latest generation of cooling and performance performance of your computer.

The thermal paste combines optimum viscosity, wide temperature range and easy application.

The product contains unique microparticles, which provide even distribution of paste on the surface and contribute to improved heat transfer from the processor or graphics card to the cooler.

Another feature of the product is that it does not conduct current, so it is unable to cause a short circuit if it touches the contacts or conductive paths.

The product contains no components that can cause corrosion of computer parts, and the product itself is odorless and contains no toxins that can harm human health or the environment.

Technical specifications:

packaging type: syringe;
weight 3.5 g;
density 2,81 g/cm3.

Pros of

Perfectly cools video card and processor;
significantly improves computer performance;
Optimal viscosity and density allows for easy application;
has no unpleasant odor;
does not cause corrosion.

Disadvantages

inconvenient to apply on cold parts;
hard to find on sale.

Thermalright TFX 2g

The main feature of this thermal paste is a very high thermal conductivity. Because of this, it can be used not only for home and office computers, but also for gaming devices that need quality cooling.

The balanced composition of the paste prevents it from drying out prematurely even when your computer is used at peak loads.

It also improves your PC's performance by efficiently transferring heat from your processor and graphics card to the heatsink.

It contains no conductive components, so even accidental spills of thermal paste on the pins or raceways will prevent short circuits.

It is very convenient to apply the product, because it comes in a small syringe with a narrow spout, and for even distribution a special spatula is provided in the kit.

Technical characteristics:

packaging type: syringe;
mass 2 g;
thermal conductivity 14,3 W/m*K.

Advantages of

very high thermal conductivity;
greatly improves computer performance;
provides quality and fast cooling of the system;
it is not a conductor;
does not cause corrosion.

Cons

costs more than analogues;
Some users have trouble applying it evenly.

Top 4 best thermal pastes for laptops

In most cases, the same thermal pastes are used for laptops as for regular computers, but some brands have pastes designed specifically for laptops.

Deepcool Z3 1.5g

A relatively inexpensive but high quality thermal paste with which you can Notebook computers can be cooled much better and its performance can be increased.

The balanced formula ensures fast heat transfer from the processor and graphics card to the cooler.

At the same time the thermal conductivity of the paste is not the highest, so it is recommended to use only for home and office laptops, which are not exposed to critical loads.

The consistency of the thermal paste is thick enough, so even a novice user will have no difficulty with application.

The paste does not conduct electricity, so even accidental contact with contacts and conductive tracks does not cause a short circuit.

In addition, the kit provides a special spatula, with which the user can evenly distribute the paste on the surface with a fairly thin layer.

Specifications:

packaging type: syringe;
mass 1.5 g;
thermal conductivity 1.13 W/m*K.

Advantages of

low price;
thick consistency for easy application;
the package includes a spatula;
increases computer performance;
good amount of packaging.

Disadvantages

low thermal conductivity;
not designed for long-term storage.

Zalman ZM-STG2 3.5 g

In terms of cost, this thermal paste belongs to the medium price category, but it is fully justified by its advanced performance characteristics.

The paste boasts very low thermal resistance and improved heat transfer coefficient.

The thermal paste effectively dissipates heat from heated laptop parts to the cooler for better cooling and improved performance.

The paste comes in a convenient syringe package that allows you to precisely apply the paste to the desired part. The nozzle of the syringe is covered with a special cap.

It prevents the paste from thickening after you open the package.

In addition, thermal paste does not conduct current, so if you accidentally hit the pins the paste will not provoke a short circuit.

The spatula is not provided in the kit, but thanks to the narrow spout it is easy to distribute a thin layer of the product.

Technical characteristics:

packaging type: syringe;
weight 3.5 g;
thermal conductivity 4.1 W/m*K.

Advantages

optimal thermal conductivity
does not cause short-circuiting;
easy to apply in a thin layer;
quickly cools the processor;
has no unpleasant odor.

Disadvantages

comes without a spatula;
costs more than analogues.

Noctua NT-H1 3.5 g

This thermal paste for the laptop advantageously combines several advanced performance characteristics.

It has a low thermal resistance, which is combined with a high plasticity and optimal consistency. With that, the paste spreads easily and evenly on the surface, improves CPU and graphics card cooling and increases notebook performance.

At the same time, the paste is not the most advanced in terms of thermal conductivity, and it is better to use it for home or office laptops.

There is no spatula for even distribution in the kit, but it is not necessary to smear the paste on the surface.

It is enough just to apply a drop of the paste to the center of the board. This is just enough to make the part start to cool down.

The thermal paste comes in a medium volume syringe, which is enough for several uses.

The nose of the syringe is covered by a tight sealed cap, which does not allow the paste to thicken after opening the package.

Specifications:

packaging type: syringe;
mass 3.5 g;
density 2.49 g/cm3.

Advantages

maximum ease of application;
has no unpleasant odor;
does not contain toxins;
cools the system properly;
increases computer performance.

Disadvantages

not very high thermal conductivity;
no spatula included.

AeroCool Baraf 1g

One of the most effective thermal pastes on the market today. Thanks to It has a balanced formula that improves the thermal conductivity between heated parts of the gadget and its cooling system.

The paste is viscous enough to be applied to both hot and cold parts without any problem. Its structure fills all the space between the processor itself and its cooling system.

At the same time the thermal conductivity of the paste is high enough that it can be used for almost all laptops.

Thermal paste is also considered completely safe because it is made of materials that do not conduct electricity.

In practice this means that even if the paste accidentally touches the contacts and conductive tracks it will not cause a short circuit.

The product has no unpleasant odor, and even with regular use is not harmful to human health and the environment.

Specifications:

packaging type: syringe;
mass 1 g;
thermal conductivity 5,15 W/m*K.

Advantages of

affordable price;
increased thermal conductivity;
easy application;
optimal syringe volume;
suitable for almost all laptops.

Minuses

not always available;
Not suitable for gamer laptops.

Top 4 best thermal paste with a spatula in the package

To make it easier for the user to apply thermal paste to the surface, many manufacturers equip their products with special spatulas.

STEEL Frost Zinc STP-1 3 g

One of the most inexpensive and effective thermal pastes on the market today. It is made silicone-based, so it is easy to apply and distributed evenly on both cold and hot parts.

The product contains unique nanoparticles that help accelerate the transfer of heat from the processor to the cooling radiator.

This allows the system to cool much faster, reduces wear and tear on parts and increases computer performance.

The consistency of thermal paste is thick enough, so there are no difficulties with the application. In addition, a special spatula is provided with the syringe.

With its help you can easily distribute the product with the thinnest possible layer. Also, the paste can boast a wide range of operating temperatures.

Technical characteristics:

packaging type: syringe;
mass 3 g;
thermal conductivity 4,9 W/m*K.

Pros of

adequate price;
good thermal conductivity;
easy application;
It is easy to distribute an even layer;
It comes with a spatula.

Disadvantages

Some users find the paste too thick;
No wipe included.

Cooler Master IC Essential E2 3.4 g

Experts called this thermal paste one of the most effective on the market. The components, The components it contains provide fast heat transfer from the CPU or graphics card to the heat sink.

This paste also takes a long time to dry out after it is applied, so even a small tube will last a long time.

A special spatula is provided with the syringe so that you can easily spread the paste with a perfectly even and thin layer.

Despite its affordable price, the thermal paste boasts a fairly high level of thermal conductivity, although it will not be enough for gaming laptops.

In addition, the paste does not conduct electricity, so if you accidentally fall on the contacts does not provoke a short circuit.

Since the syringe is covered with a tight sealed cap, it can be stored for a long time without fear that the paste will thicken.

Specifications:

packaging type: syringe;
mass 3.4 g;
thermal conductivity 3.5 W/m*K.

Advantages

optimal volume of packaging;
affordable cost;
comes with a spatula;
does not conduct electricity;
cools the system perfectly.

Cons

Not suitable for gamer laptops;
not always available for sale.

Gembird FreeZzz GF-01 1.5 g

This thermal paste is made with carbon and metal oxide compounds, which make it one of the highest quality on the market today.

At the same time the thermal conductivity level of the paste is not the highest, and the manufacturer himself recommends to use the paste for office and home use, but not for gaming laptops.

The product comes in a package of optimum volume, which is enough for several uses.

In addition, a tube of thermal paste comes with a special spatula, with which the user can easily distribute the product evenly and thinly.

The thermal paste also boasts an optimal consistency, which does not dry out even with prolonged use, and the product itself has no unpleasant smell.

Technical characteristics:

packaging type: syringe;
mass 1,5 g;
thermal conductivity 1.63 W/m*K.

Advantages of

the package contains a spatula;
does not conduct electricity;
convenient packaging syringe;
Ideal for home and office laptops;
budget price.

Disadvantages

over time in the paste appears clots;
not very high thermal conductivity.

ExeGate ETP-11WMK Platinum 2 g

A relatively inexpensive but quality silicone-based thermal paste that has a very high thermal conductivity.

Due to this it can be used in any computers and laptops, including gaming computers. In addition, the product contains carbon compounds and metal oxide compounds.

The thermal paste does not conduct electricity and does not cause corrosion.

The paste is available in the form of a syringe with a thin spout so that the user can easily apply the correct amount of the product to the part.

Additionally, the kit includes a spatula, with which the paste can be evenly distributed on the surface with a thin and even layer.

Technical characteristics:

packaging type: syringe;
mass 2 g;
thermal conductivity 11 W/m*K.

Advantages of

no unpleasant odor;
does not conduct electricity;
very high thermal conductivity;
does not thicken during storage;
simple and easy to apply.

Disadvantages

Not always available on sale;
not all users like the shape of the spatula.

What company to choose?

In addition to performance characteristics, the brand plays an important role when choosing thermal paste. You should not buy too cheap products from little-known companies. Such compositions are unlikely to contribute to quality computer cooling, but may include toxic substances that can harm the health of the user.

In 2021-2022, experts and users singled out several proven thermal paste manufacturers.

The list included Arctic, Deepcool, Gembird FreOn, STEEL, Prolimatech, Cooler Master, Thermal Grizzly, Noctua, Thermalright, Zalman, AeroCool and ExeGate.

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In the video you will find an overview of the best thermal paste: