When it comes to building or upgrading your PC, thermal paste might look like a small detail — but it plays a big role in your system’s performance. A good thermal paste helps transfer heat efficiently from your CPU or GPU to the cooler, keeping temperatures low and preventing throttling.
If you’re noticing higher CPU temperatures, poor cooling, or your fans constantly spinning at full speed, it might be time to reapply a better thermal compound. In this article, we’ll explore the 5 best thermal pastes that offer excellent performance, durability, and value in 2025.
1. Arctic MX-6
Arctic has been one of the most trusted names in cooling solutions, and their MX-6 is a perfect balance of performance and user-friendliness. It improves on the older MX-5 formula with better consistency and slightly higher thermal conductivity.
Why it stands out:
MX-6 is non-conductive and non-capacitive, meaning it’s completely safe even for beginners. It spreads easily and offers stable performance for several years without drying out.
Key Features:
- Thermal Conductivity: ~7.5 W/mK
- Long lifespan (up to 8 years)
- Easy to apply and remove
- Ideal for both CPUs and GPUs
If you’re looking for reliable all-round performance, Arctic MX-6 is one of the safest choices available.
2. Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut
For those who push their PCs to the limit — whether through overclocking or high-intensity gaming — Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut is a go-to choice. This paste is designed for maximum heat transfer and is often used by enthusiasts and professionals.
Why it stands out:
With thermal conductivity rated at around 12.5 W/mK, Kryonaut delivers excellent results under heavy loads. It’s perfect for high-end CPUs and GPUs that generate significant heat.
Key Features:
- Exceptional thermal performance
- Works best for overclocking setups
- Non-conductive (safe for all chips)
- Slightly thicker consistency for secure application
The only downside is that it can dry out faster under continuous extreme heat, but for peak performance, Kryonaut is still one of the best on the market.
3. Noctua NT-H2
Noctua is known for making premium cooling fans, and their NT-H2 thermal paste continues that tradition. It’s an upgraded version of the popular NT-H1, with improved thermal efficiency and smoother application.
Why it stands out:
It performs consistently across a wide temperature range and doesn’t require curing time. The paste’s balanced viscosity makes it easy to apply even for beginners.
Key Features:
- Thermal Conductivity: ~8.5 W/mK
- Long-term stability
- Non-conductive and non-corrosive
- Comes with cleaning wipes in most packages
NT-H2 is the perfect blend of performance, safety, and convenience — a favorite among professional system builders.
4. Cooler Master MasterGel Maker
Cooler Master’s MasterGel Maker is designed for enthusiasts who want both power and durability. It uses nano-diamond particles for better heat transfer and reduced degradation over time.
Why it stands out:
With a thermal conductivity of 11 W/mK, it provides strong results without being overly difficult to apply. The included applicator makes spreading easier, especially for larger CPU surfaces.
Key Features:
- Nano-diamond compound
- High performance under extreme conditions
- Non-curing and long lifespan
- Suitable for both air and liquid cooling setups
MasterGel Maker delivers great thermal efficiency and long-term reliability, making it ideal for gaming PCs and workstations.
5. Thermalright TF8
Thermalright might not be as widely recognized as Arctic or Noctua, but their TF8 paste has gained popularity for its price-to-performance ratio. It’s an excellent choice for users who want premium results without overspending.
Why it stands out:
With a thermal conductivity of 13.8 W/mK, TF8 performs impressively close to the top-tier compounds, yet it’s more affordable and easier to use.
Key Features:
- High thermal conductivity
- Non-corrosive and safe for all chips
- Easy to apply and remove
- Great for gaming and productivity PCs
TF8 is a solid pick for users who want high performance without paying enthusiast-level prices.
How to Choose the Right Thermal Paste
Choosing the right thermal paste depends on your setup and how you use your system:
- Casual Users: Look for easy-to-apply, long-lasting pastes like Arctic MX-6 or Noctua NT-H2.
- Gamers & Creators: You’ll benefit from higher conductivity options like Cooler Master MasterGel Maker or Thermalright TF8.
- Overclockers: Go with Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut for maximum heat transfer.
Always clean the old paste before reapplying and use a small pea-sized amount in the center of the CPU. Too much paste can reduce efficiency and make cleanup harder later.
Final Thoughts
A high-quality thermal paste can make a noticeable difference in system temperatures and overall performance. Whether you’re assembling a new rig or maintaining an old one, investing in the right paste ensures stable and efficient cooling.
Among the five options above, Arctic MX-6 and Noctua NT-H2 offer the best balance of performance, safety, and longevity for most users. If you’re chasing top-end performance for extreme overclocking, Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut remains the undisputed champion.
Keeping your CPU cool doesn’t require fancy tools — just the right compound and a bit of patience.
FAQs
Q1: How often should I replace thermal paste?
Every 2–3 years is ideal for most users, or sooner if you notice higher temperatures.
Q2: Can I use thermal paste on both CPU and GPU?
Yes, most modern thermal pastes are safe for both.
Q3: What happens if I apply too much paste?
Excess paste can reduce cooling efficiency and make cleaning harder, so use only a small pea-sized amount.
Q4: Is expensive thermal paste always better?
Not always. Some affordable options like Arctic MX-6 perform just as well as high-priced alternatives.
Q5: Do I need to let the thermal paste “cure”?
Most modern pastes like NT-H2 and Kryonaut perform optimally right after application — no curing required.
