10 Best Thermal Paste For Cpu 2026 in the United States

The Corsair XTM70 Extreme Performance Thermal Paste is designed to keep high-end CPUs, GPUs, and consoles cool, especially those with power ratings up to and above 250 watts. Its standout feature is low viscosity, which means the paste spreads smoothly and evenly, helping to ensure efficient heat transfer from your processor to the cooler. This makes application easier and neater, especially with the included applicator kit. Additionally, the package comes with three wipes to clean off old thermal paste, which is a helpful touch for a thorough and clean installation.

The paste contains copper, known for good thermal conductivity, so it effectively transfers heat away from the processor. It’s made for desktop use and supports both Intel and AMD processors, making it versatile. One small drawback is that while it is ideal for CPUs with higher power consumption, users with lower-powered or more basic systems might find it overkill and potentially more expensive than simpler options. Care is needed during application to avoid contact with electrical components.

Premium pastes like this tend to remain effective for a good period before needing replacement. The 3-gram amount included is more than enough for multiple applications, which is practical for repeated use or future upgrades. If you’re looking for a reliable, easy-to-apply, and effective thermal paste for high-performance desktop CPUs or gaming rigs, the Corsair XTM70 is a solid choice. Its ease of use and cleaning supplies make it beginner-friendly while meeting the needs of demanding processors.

The Thermal Grizzly Duronaut thermal paste is designed for users looking for long-lasting, high-performance cooling solutions, especially if you plan to overclock your CPU, GPU, or gaming consoles like PS5 or Xbox. It stands out with excellent thermal conductivity thanks to its special mix of aluminum microparticles and zinc oxide nanoparticles, which helps keep your components cooler by efficiently transferring heat. One major benefit is its exceptional durability — it won’t harden or lose effectiveness over time, meaning you won’t need to reapply it often. It’s also electrically safe, so you can apply it near sensitive parts without worrying about short circuits.

The included cleaning wipes make it easier to prepare your surfaces for the best adhesion and performance. On the downside, while the paste is optimized to reduce the ‘pump-out’ effect (where thermal paste can get pushed out over time), some users may find the viscosity a bit thick, which can make precise application a little tricky if you're new to installing thermal paste. But the package size (6 grams) and included wipes are generous for multiple uses.

For those seeking a reliable, high-quality thermal paste that combines ease of application with strong, lasting cooling performance, especially in demanding setups, Duronaut represents a solid and dependable option.

The Arctic Silver 5 High Density Polysynthetic Silver Thermal Compound is a popular option for enhancing CPU cooling performance. It excels in thermal conductivity due to its composition of 99.9% pure silver particles, which ensures efficient heat transfer from the CPU to the heatsink or water-cooling solutions. This high thermal conductivity is beneficial for both gamers and high-performance PC users who need reliable cooling under heavy workloads.

The controlled triple-phase viscosity also ensures that the paste spreads evenly and maintains consistent performance over time. However, its high density can make application a bit tricky, requiring careful handling to avoid air bubbles that could reduce its effectiveness. It's not electrically conductive, which is a safety plus as it minimizes the risk of short circuits if some paste accidentally spills onto the motherboard.

Durability is another strong point, as it doesn't dry out quickly and maintains performance for extended periods, reducing the frequency of reapplication. On the downside, the paste can be somewhat difficult to remove during cleaning, and there are more user-friendly options available for beginners. If ease of application is a primary concern, users might find softer, more pliable pastes easier to work with. However, for those experienced with applying thermal paste or those prioritizing top-notch cooling performance, Arctic Silver 5 is a solid choice.