Modern computers and additional equipment for them can perform almost any task. The equipment is at home, at work, in stores and any other places due to which data is received and exchanged. To ensure continued operation, the equipment must undergo preventive maintenance.
Often, thermal pastes are used for this, which are applied to the processor, and the whole process is very important to maintain proper technical condition. Not all people understand such a product, but the article will help you understand what is the best thermal paste for a processor in 2020. Its cost is relatively small, but care must be taken and its timely replacement can increase its service life.
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Top manufacturers
Determining which thermal paste is best for a PC is quite difficult due to the large number of manufacturers. All species are very different from each other, not only externally, but also in basic parameters. Plasticity and thermal conductivity depend on the composition.
The following companies have proven themselves best:
- DEEPCOOL;
- Arctic Cooling;
- Noctua;
- Thermalright.
When servicing, it is not recommended to buy low-quality and cheapest options, since the duration of the computer's operation will depend on this.
Rating of thermal pastes with a minimum thermal conductivity value
This segment includes products that have a thermal conductivity of about 5 W / mK. Such options are characterized by a rather low cost and are often used by users.
Deepcool Z9
A universal composition with a thermal conductivity value of 4 W / mK. The cost of this product will be 230 rubles and it is recommended to use it for different computers, including office, home and others. In addition, the model is suitable for notebooks with average technical parameters. In the manufacture of the company uses several of its developments, which allows you to get good plasticity and durability of the mixture. Its drying is very slow, which must be taken into account during application. Sold in 3 ml syringes, complete with a separate spatula for easy application.
pros:
- Good equipment.
- It removes heat perfectly, reducing the temperature indicator on the processor to about 8 degrees.
- Long-term preservation of its properties.
- Convenient operation.
Minuses:
- Long drying time.
- Medium stickiness.
- Weak fluidity.
Noctua NT-H1
This is the best thermal paste in this segment at a price of 350 rubles. It is characterized by durability, optimal cost and excellent thermal conductivity values. During the development, several modern technologies were used, so the composition turned out to be hybrid, it contains different microparticles that improve thermal conductivity and achieve low heat resistance. This allows maintaining the basic properties of the technique for a long period of time.
The composition is thick, but adheres well, so it is easy to apply in several layers.It is sold in a special 3.5 ml syringe, at the end there is a small cap that can be screwed on if the product is not fully used. This eliminates drying out during storage. Thermal conductivity at the level of 4.5 W / mK. It is recommended to use the product for office or home appliances that perform simple tasks, but some experts recommend it even for game processors that are not subject to overclocking.
pros:
- Thick and sticky composition.
- Thermal paste in a handy syringe with a cap.
- Long-term preservation of the main heat-conducting qualities.
Minuses:
- For some people, the thickness may seem excessive.
- The relatively low maximum temperature is 110 degrees.
- The recommended temperature is low - 90 degrees.
KPT-8
The cheapest thermal paste at a price of about 60 rubles. It is characterized by low efficiency, but the mixture itself is versatile and economical. It is best to buy it for cheap computers, office, because the thermal conductivity is only 0.65 W / mK, so the product is not used for processors with multiple cores, which generate a lot of heat.
The main advantage of this option is its ease of use. It is not necessary to use a spatula for application due to the consistency. It is of optimum density and stickiness, so you can distribute it with any object. Also, the mixture is characterized by long-term preservation of heat-conducting characteristics. Drying is slow, the consistency does not change for years, even if the technique is just standing.
pros:
- Simple to use.
- Low cost.
- Long retention time of properties.
Minuses:
- Minimum thermal conductivity.
- Not suitable for laptops.
- Poorly works to divert temperatures.
Thermalright Chill Factor III
The thermal conductivity of this model is 3.5 W / mK, and the cost is about 320 rubles. The manufacturer uses its own developments in the manufacture, which are characterized by a minimum amount of silicone oils. This makes it possible to slow down evaporation and maintain thermal conductivity for a long time.
Sold in 4 ml syringes, equipped with a handy spatula for spreading the mixture in thin layers. When using, it is enough to squeeze out a little of the mixture and run a spatula over the processor. The basic characteristics will be sufficient for most equipment, but for laptops and gaming computers, it is recommended to use other analogues.
pros:
- Good equipment for comfortable work.
- High degree of plasticity.
- Easy application.
Minuses:
- The scapula needs to be rinsed.
- High cost in comparison with analogues.
- Storage should be carried out with the syringe tightly closed.
Zalman ZM-STG2
Thermal paste at a price of about 420 rubles, which is a fairly high price for this segment of goods, but the thermal conductivity characteristics are decent. This type is considered one of the best among analogs, since it can reduce the processor temperature to 15 degrees, based on the characteristics of the cooler. It is worth noting that the manufacturer adds a syringe with thermal grease for its own cooling systems, which belongs to the middle class.
The thermal conductivity is 4.1 W / mK. The basic properties of the mixture are preserved for a long period. Sold in small syringes of 3.5 ml. For a more convenient application, the company does not put a spatula or card in the kit, so there are slight difficulties when using. During the purchase, you need to be careful, as this model is often counterfeited, and this can affect the performance of the equipment.
pros:
- High thermal conductivity.
- Long-term preservation of the basic qualities.
- Efficiency.
Minuses:
- It is poorly distributed over the processor due to its density.
- There is no distribution device.
- Relatively high price.
Rating of thermal pastes with medium thermal conductivity
This segment includes models with indicators of 6-10 W / mK, so they can be considered professional or semi-professional. The formulations are recommended for use for more powerful and productive equipment, laptops, and video cards.
Arctic Cooling MX-4
High-quality thermal paste with a high thermal conductivity, but its operation will be unstable when exposed to high temperatures. Average market value of 610 rubles. It is recommended to use the composition for devices that have a powerful cooling system. Together with a productive cooler, this product will be able to keep the chip temperature at about 50 degrees. The mixture is suitable for use in gaming PCs with multiple cores, as well as for chips that were overclocked.
The main indicator is thermal conductivity, which is 8.5 W / mK. Sold in a 4 ml syringe, but in a small configuration. The manufacturer did not take care of a spatula or other device for distributing the mixture.
pros:
- High conductivity characteristics.
- Reliable mixture.
- Optimal consistency for spreading and disposal.
Minuses:
- Not recommended for video cards or other chips that run at high temperatures all the time.
- Relatively high cost.
- If the temperature rises on a constant basis, it begins to flake off and lose performance.
Gelid GC-Extreme
Professional product with a basic conductivity of 8.5 W / mK. The cost is low for the middle class at 270 rubles. This product is considered the most reliable on the market. The manufacturer has taken care of high quality and excellent properties that allow protecting and preserving the chips for a long time. The paste is elastic, does not dry out even at high temperature loads. Its consistency is such that it can be easily dispensed or removed.
Sold in 1 ml syringes, without spatula or other items for distribution. The capacity may seem small, but it is enough to handle 1-2 devices. Recommended for gaming PCs.
pros:
- High heat conductivity.
- Good value for money.
- Stays elastic for a long time.
Minuses:
- The viscosity of the product, which forces you to work with it more carefully.
- It is recommended to warm up before use.
- Small volume and weak equipment.
Glacialtech IceTherm II
The average cost of this model is about 600 rubles, which is considered inexpensive for the described class. Thermal conductivity is slightly lower than stated, which must be taken into account when choosing. This item is suitable for laptops or gaming PCs that run on a standard processor without overclocking. The nominal conductivity is 8.1 W / mK. The chip is cooled down to 15 degrees, which is better than many products that are sold with coolers.
Sale in syringes of 1.5 grams, there is a cap at the end, which allows you to preserve the composition for a long time. The manufacturer offers a spatula in the kit. The main advantage of the paste is its consistency, which makes it easy to apply. It is quite liquid, but does not flow over the chip. Delamination is excluded under the influence of high temperature.
pros:
- It does not flake off when exposed to high temperatures, therefore it can be used for video cards.
- Excellent heat conductivity values that last for a long time.
- Good equipment.
Minuses:
- The real value of thermal conductivity is less than indicated.
- Relatively high cost.
- Small volume, which is enough for 1-2 devices.
High conductivity thermal grease rating
These are the most expensive but effective products with a main value of 10 W / mK. They are recommended for advanced users who have powerful techniques to use.
Thermal Grizzly Conductonaut [TG-C-005-R]
This tool can be considered the best in the whole article, which is made in Germany, and is in great demand among people who prefer to overclock processors or video cards. This model with a rich set, is sold in packages, inside them there is a syringe with 5 ml thermal paste, a nozzle is screwed onto it, cotton swabs and specialized wipes for degreasing the chip are provided. The company puts documents and instructions for review. Composition with record thermal conductivity - 73 W / mK.
pros:
- The best thermal grease for graphics cards and CPUs that can be overclocked.
- Thermal conductivity is very important.
- Rich equipment.
- Excellent consistency for easy application.
- After heating, a thin layer is obtained.
Among the disadvantages, users note current conductivity.
Coollaboratory Liquid Pro
Professional composition at a price of 1050 rubles. Liquid metal is used in the paste, which makes it possible to achieve a maximum heat conductivity value of 80 W / mK. The manufacturer uses its own and unique manufacturing formula. The composition does not contain solid particles, silicone oils, therefore the main parameters are very high, with great potential. In addition, the product is characterized by maximum durability, excellent performance indicators that do not change for many years, even under high temperatures.
It is recommended to buy such a product for powerful and productive laptops, gaming computers, video cards, processors after overclocking and liquid cooling systems for equipment. Sold in a 1 gram syringe, complete with cotton swabs and a special sponge for distributing the mixture.
pros:
- High thermal conductivity.
- Excellent equipment.
- Long-term preservation of basic properties and qualities.
Minuses:
- It is quite difficult to store the product.
- The composition is chemically aggressive.
- It is recommended to be used exclusively for devices in which there are copper plates in the base, since when working with aluminum, a reaction begins, leading to negative consequences.
- Conducts current.
Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut
The average cost of this model is 490 rubles, it is easy to use and is the best thermal paste for a laptop. Made from silicone oils and metal elements, but a proprietary additive in the composition allows you to achieve a high thermal conductivity value, which is 12.5 W / mK. The mixture is durable, retains its basic qualities for a long time. It is recommended to buy for gaming PCs with overclocked chips, a cooling system that works with liquids, as well as for video cards, powerful and productive laptops.
The sale is carried out in syringes of 1 or 5 ml, there is always a spatula for application.
pros:
- Excellent thermal conductivity.
- Easy to spread and remove.
- Suitable for overclocked chips, video cards.
Minuses:
- If you leave the syringe open, the paste will dry out quickly.
- The packaging is just a cap, not a screw type.
In conclusion, we can say that the most popular thermal paste for processors is the Arctic Cooling MX-4. It is efficient and relatively inexpensive. For people who prefer to overclock their devices, the best thermal paste would be Thermal Grizzly Conductonaut [TG-C-005-R].
This option is perfect for processors and video cards, the product is characterized by high thermal conductivity and large volume. Users who follow their technique appreciate and use Glacialtech IceTherm II. Of course, the final choice is made by each person personally, and the article will simply help you find the best and optimal option for your equipment.
