The central processing unit (CPU) generates heat as it operates, driven by the power needs of the motherboard and surrounding circuitry. To keep the chip within AMD and Intel specifications, it’s essential to maximize heat transfer from the integrated heat spreader (IHS) to the cooling solution, whether that’s a traditional air cooler with a base plate or a water block. Thermal paste plays a pivotal role by filling microscopic gaps and irregularities that surface during manufacturing or after handling, ensuring more uniform contact and reduced thermal resistance. The editors at XDA-Developers evaluated the market and highlighted seven top thermal pastes that consistently deliver strong performance across a range of CPUs and cooling setups, including overclocked configurations. The paste choice matters because it can influence temperature, stability, and long-term reliability under load. Practically speaking, users should consider viscosity, particle size, thermal conductivity, and whether the paste is electrically conductive. The recent round-up from XDA-Developers underscores that a good paste is not an afterthought but a central component of any cooling strategy (XDA-Developers Editors).
Arctic remains a familiar name in PC cooling, known not only for thermal pastes but also for a wide array of cooling hardware such as processor coolers and case fans. The MX-series pastes have long been trusted by builders seeking dependable performance at a sensible price. Before the MX-6 revision, MX-2 and MX-4 were widely relied upon for their low thermal resistance and easy application. The newer MX-6 continues that tradition with a formulation designed for lasting stability and user-friendly use. It is sold in containers from 2 grams up to 8 grams, offering flexibility for a single build or a multi-rig setup, and the packaging remains tightly sealed to prevent drying out over time—an important factor for hobbyists who may keep spare tubes on hand. Arctic’s MX-6 endures as a common recommendation in guides and reviews because it balances affordability with solid thermal performance under many workloads (XDA-Developers).
Noctua NT-H1 represents a straightforward path to high performance cooling with minimal noise. NT-H1 has earned a reputation as a strong all-round option, delivering reliable thermal results across a wide range of CPU sockets and easy spreadability, making it suitable for both mainstream builds and compact systems where space and airflow are at a premium. The paste is known for good longevity and broad compatibility, which makes it a favored choice for many builders who want dependable comfort without fuss. In independent tests and community feedback, NT-H1 frequently ranks among the top non-conductive pastes, providing solid temperatures without introducing electrical risk, a priority for many enthusiasts (XDA-Developers).
Thermal Grizzly positions itself as a specialist in thermal solutions, extending beyond pastes to pads, liquids metals, and other cooling accessories that are popular with enthusiasts and performance seekers. XDA’s review highlighted Hydronaut, a paste designed for broad applicability—from everyday gaming rigs to high-end overclocked machines. Hydronaut is marketed as easy to apply and effective across a broad temperature range, with a thermal conductivity rating of 0.0076 K/W. Importantly, it is non-conductive, reducing the risk of short circuits when users are handling reassembly. Such properties make Hydronaut a frequent choice for high-performance builds where heat management is critical (XDA-Developers).
The round-up also included Corsair XTM50, Cooler Master MasterGel Regular, Thermal Grizzly Carbonaut, and Arctic Silver 5. Corsair XTM50 aims for a thick, durable compound with strong wetting properties to help it spread evenly over the IHS. Cooler Master MasterGel Regular stands as a budget-friendly option with stable performance for everyday systems. Thermal Grizzly Carbonaut sits alongside carbon-based formulations that many enthusiasts prefer for low thermal impedance and solid long-term stability. Arctic Silver 5 has been a longtime staple, built around a metal oxide formulation designed to maintain contact quality through years of operation. Across these choices, the common thread is that performance heavily depends on application technique, the CPU, and the cooling solution. When selecting a paste, builders consider conductivity, electrical safety, and how easy it is to apply and clean up after removal (XDA-Developers).
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