![]() Here are the best thermal pastes, along with our complete test results. These pads can be used as TIM and come as a single sheet you simply apply to your heatsink, with Thermaltake's Heilos Pad being the first new thermal pad entrant to see our test bed in the coming weeks. We're also putting a new take on an old approach to the test - thermal pads. We'll keep the MX-5 listed, but be aware that stock could disappear in the future, and then this favorite will no longer be available. Arctic will retire its ever-popular MX-5 paste, one of the staples in our recommendations below, as it makes way for the new MX-6 that just launched with claims of up to 20% better performance. Cooling mainstay Corsair also has a new XTM70 blend that will be heading to our test bench soon, and Gelid has recently released its GC-4 Thermal Paste, showing that the TIM market is still thriving.Īs new pastes arrive, older pastes also get retired. Cooler Master introduced a new purple CryoFuze, and Alphacool unveiled its Apex thermal paste. Long-time PC cooler maker NZXT recently entered the market with its first paste, the not-very-excitingly named NZXT High-Performance Thermal Paste. Most, but not all, traditional pastes are electrically non-conductive.Įven though a dizzying array of different thermal pastes is available - some blends have been around for over a decade - new formulations still come to market at a surprising pace. In contrast, traditional thermal paste compounds are relatively simple for every experience level. They are very hard to remove if you get some in the wrong place, which would fry your system. With proper application, you can ensure that your CPU/GPU stays cool and performs optimally.įor more information, check out " How Heat Sink Compound Keeps Electronics Cool".Liquid metal compounds are almost always electrically conductive, so while these compounds perform better than their paste counterparts, they require more focus and attention during application. The goal is to fill any gaps and create a thin, even layer for optimal heat transfer. Remember, when applying thermal paste, less is often more. Step 9: Power on your system and monitor the temperatures to ensure that the thermal paste is doing its job correctly. Step 8: Reassemble the rest of your computer components, ensuring everything is properly connected and secured. If it's not making proper contact, you might need to reapply the thermal paste and try again. Step 7: Double-check to ensure that the heat sink is firmly and evenly seated on the CPU/GPU. Doing so can create air pockets and reduce the effectiveness of the thermal transfer. Step 6: Avoid twisting or sliding the heat sink after it's in contact with the thermal paste. This could involve screws, brackets, or other fasteners, depending on your system. Step 5: Secure the heat sink in place using the appropriate mounting mechanism for your CPU/GPU socket. Make sure the heat sink is aligned with the CPU/GPU, and then gently press it down. Step 4: Once you've applied the thermal paste, carefully place the heat sink on top of the CPU/GPU. However, this method requires more precision and is generally recommended for experienced users. ![]() Step 3: If you have a CPU without an IHS, you can apply the thermal paste directly to the center of the CPU die. If your CPU/GPU has an integrated heat spreader (IHS), apply the paste on top of it. Step 2: For most CPUs and GPUs, it's best to apply the thermal paste directly onto the center of the CPU/GPU. ![]() ![]() Using too much can cause excessive spreading and lead to uneven heat distribution. Generally, a small pea-sized amount or a thin line along the center of the CPU/GPU is sufficient. Step 1: Choose the right amount of thermal paste. Note: Before starting, make sure to clean the surfaces of the CPU/GPU and heat sink with a lint-free cloth and isopropyl alcohol to remove any existing thermal paste or debris. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to apply thermal paste correctly: Thermal paste helps to fill microscopic imperfections on the surfaces of both the CPU/GPU and the heat sink, ensuring better thermal conductivity and reducing the chances of overheating.
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