10 Best Thermal Pastes 2025 in the United States

The Noctua NT-H2 3.5g AM5 Edition is a high-quality thermal compound designed specifically for AMD AM5 CPUs. This product excels in thermal conductivity, meaning it effectively transfers heat from your CPU to the heatsink, which could help in maintaining optimal operating temperatures for your computer. Its second-generation formulation enhances the already award-winning NT-H1, ensuring improved performance.

The inclusion of a thermal paste guard is a thoughtful feature for users, as it helps prevent paste build-up in the cut-outs of the heatspreader, which can be a common issue with some thermal pastes. This adds to the ease of use, making application straightforward without the need for spreading the paste manually. The product also comes with three cleaning wipes, making it convenient to clean off any residue during reapplications.

One of the significant strengths of the Noctua NT-H2 is its longevity and stability, with a recommended usage time on the CPU of up to 5 years and a storage time of up to 3 years. This means you won't need to frequently reapply it, saving both time and effort. However, while it performs exceptionally well in thermal transfer, it may be on the pricier side compared to some other options available. Additionally, the 3.5g pack size might be a bit limiting for extensive multiple applications on larger CPUs like TR4, though it should suffice for smaller ones. This product is particularly well-suited for those using AMD AM5 CPUs and seeking reliable, long-term thermal management without the hassle of frequent reapplications.

The Corsair XTM70 Extreme Performance Thermal Paste is a great choice for those looking to keep their high-end CPUs, GPUs, or consoles cool. One of its standout features is its high thermal conductivity, making it effective at transferring heat away from your processor, which is crucial for maintaining performance and longevity of your hardware.

The low viscosity means it spreads easily and evenly, ensuring better contact and efficient thermal transfer. This is especially useful if you are not an expert in applying thermal paste, as it comes with an applicator kit to help you do the job right. The included cleaning wipes are a nice touch, making it easier to remove old paste before applying the new one.

This paste is ideal for high-performance processors that can run up to or above 250W TDP, which means it's suitable for gaming rigs and other power-hungry setups. It’s worth noting that the product comes in a small 3g tube, which while sufficient for multiple applications, might require careful handling to avoid wastage. Another plus is the longevity of the paste, but users should be mindful of the drying time, as some thermal pastes can dry out over time and need reapplication. The Corsair XTM70 doesn't conduct electricity, which reduces the risk of short circuits if it accidentally gets on components. If you need a reliable and easy-to-use thermal paste for high-performance systems, the Corsair XTM70 is a solid option with convenient application tools included.

The Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound is a premium choice for anyone looking to enhance their CPU cooling performance. Notable for its high-quality silver polysynthetic composition, this thermal paste is designed to provide excellent thermal conductivity, making it a great option for both heatsinks and water-cooling solutions. A key advantage is that it doesn't contain silicone, which often leads to better long-term performance as it doesn’t dry out or separate over time.

The paste is easy to apply, but its high viscosity means it may require a bit of effort to spread evenly. However, once applied, it stays in place and won’t run or bleed, ensuring reliable performance over time. This pack of two 3.5-gram tubes is sufficient for 20 to 30 small CPUs, making it quite economical if you have multiple devices to maintain. It's compatible with a variety of CPU sockets, including LGA 1151, making it versatile for different setups.

One downside is it might be tricky for beginners due to its thickness, and careful application is needed to avoid any mess. Still, its longevity and stability make it a worthwhile investment for maintaining optimal CPU temperatures. If you’re in need of a reliable and high-performing thermal paste, Arctic Silver 5 is a solid choice.