Rating of the best thermal greases for the processor

During computer operation, the processor heats up to very high temperatures. And in order to maintain the performance of the chip and other components as long as possible, it is necessary to regularly apply thermal grease that connects the chip to the cooling system. But it’s not so easy to decide which thermal paste is best for the processor. Consider the main selection criteria, types of pastes and the best products in this category.

How to choose the best thermal grease for the processor

There are three main parameters by which any heat-conducting paste is selected:

• Cost. This factor is fundamental if there are any limitations in the means. If they are not, then it is logical to pay attention to expensive models.
• Thermal conductivity. It all depends on the type of processor. For regular office chips, you can use the paste with the lowest rates. Gaming stones require more efficient heat dissipation.
• Viscosity. This parameter is not indicated in the specifications. But it is no less important in the question: which thermal paste to choose. The thicker the paste, the more difficult it will be to apply.

CPU cooling

Different types of thermal pastes and compounds

Thermal paste with metal base

Such mixtures use aluminum particles or other similar metal as the heat-conducting element. Thus, a high thermal conductivity is guaranteed. However, metal is known to conduct electricity very well, so the use of such mixtures carries certain risks.

Important! Excessive application to the board can lead to a short circuit and very serious malfunctions of the computer.

Ceramic based thermal paste

A good alternative to metal mixtures. It does not conduct electricity, but also provides a very high level of thermal conductivity. There is still a difference in the work of the first and second pastes, but not so large that users risk putting their computer out of order.

Silicon based thermal grease

The best thermal grease for cooling the processor. These compounds are able to provide almost the same thermal conductivity as metal. But they do not conduct electricity, which cause much more trust from users.

To ensure maximum cooling efficiency with reduced risks, it is best to purchase silicon compounds.

The best thermal paste with a low degree of thermal conductivity up to 5 W / mK

3

STEEL Frost Zinc (STP-1) 3g

Cost: from 109₽

Rating:5 / 5

Top opens up a zinc-based thermal interface that can help maintain any computer. It is easily applied to the chip and turns into a uniform layer. Zinc granules are sized to effectively remove heat from the processor. With prolonged use, the paste does not dry out, continuing to effectively perform its functions.

Pros:

• Availability
• Convenient to apply
• Everything you need is included.
• Quickly starts up

Minuses:

• Not suitable for very powerful chips.

2

Zalman ZM-STG2 3.5 g

Cost: from 324₽

Rating:4.5 / 5

A good mixture with a thermal conductivity of 4.1 W / (m · K). It is made in the form of a syringe, through which it is very convenient to apply paste on the surface of the processor.The maximum operating temperature is 150 degrees, which allows it to be used even on systems with a heavy load.

Pros:

• Convenient packaging
• Good value for money
• Good thermal conductivity

Minuses:

• Thick
• It is difficult to form a thin layer

1

Deepcool Z3 1.5g

Cost: from 210₽

Rating:4.5 / 5

Budget thermal grease that can withstand temperatures up to 300 degrees. Suitable for servicing computers and laptops. After application and assembly of the device, it immediately switches to work, effectively removing heat from the chip. However, once every six months a replacement is required, since the paste manages to lose its properties almost completely.

Pros:

• Functionality
• Shovel for uniform application in the kit
• Low cost

Minuses:

• Pretty quickly losing its properties

The best thermal grease with an average degree of thermal conductivity from 6 to 10 W / mK

3

STEEL Frost Cuprum (STP-3) 3 gr

Cost: from 390₽

Rating:5 / 5

A paste based on copper nanoparticles, which provides a high level of thermal conductivity of 9.8 W / (m · K). The substance is placed in a syringe so that it is more convenient to apply to the processor. Important! Pieces of copper really take the temperature very well, keeping the system working for a very long time.

Pros:

• Convenient application pad included
• Two alcohol wipes
• Effectively removes heat

Minuses:

• Poor quality blades for application

2

Arctic MX-4 4 g

Cost: from 300₽

Rating:4.5 / 5

Qualitative composition for organizing heat removal from the processor of a computer or laptop. It has a thick consistency that is difficult to fit on the chip. From this and a large consumption of matter. At the same time, it provides thermal conductivity of 8.5 W / (m · K), which allows you to forget about the problem of overheating even of a powerful processor.

Pros:

• Excellent thermal conductivity
• Does not dry for a long time
• Availability

Minuses:

• High consumption
• Pretty complex consistency

1

Amperin SS100 (15g)

Cost: from 330₽

Rating:4.5 / 5

Qualitative substance having a thermal conductivity of 8.5 W / (mK). It is able to function effectively for five years. However, full functionality is limited to two years. After this time, the paste will need to be changed. The consistency is almost liquid, so the paste fits on the chip very well and evenly.

Pros:

• High volume
• Efficiency
• Easy to apply
• Durability

Minuses:

• Hypersensitivity to dust

The best thermal paste with a high degree of thermal conductivity from 10 W / mK

3

Thermalright TF8 Thermal Paste 5.8g)

Cost: from 1580₽

Rating:4.5 / 5

Professional thermal grease that can be used on the most powerful processors. It has a thermal conductivity of 13.8 W / (mK). The substance is able to work at temperatures from -220 to +380 degrees. This makes pasta one of the most versatile.

Pros:

• Large temperature range
• Able to function in very difficult conditions
• Does not conduct electricity

Minuses:

• High price

2

Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut - 11.1g TG-K-030-R-RU 12.5 WMK

Cost: from 2610₽

Rating:5 / 5

Innovative heat-conducting paste, which includes zinc oxide and particles of nanoaluminum. These components ensure complete filling of microcracks on the processor and tight fit of the chip to the plate of the cooling system. Typically, such pastes are used in the most powerful computers, which can really become very hot during operation.

Pros:

• High thermal conductivity
• Easily smooths out bumps on the chip
• Practically does not dry out

Minuses:

• Very high cost

1

KPT-19 (tube 17 g.)

Cost: from 40₽

Rating:4.5 / 5

The rating will complete a real classic in the world of medium-power computers and laptops. The vast majority of service centers use this paste. For very little money, the user is offered a fairly effective protection against overheating on the processor. The paste is good, but it is not recommended to use it in case of the probability of a very strong overheating. Its functionality may simply not be enough.

Pros:

• Cheapness
• Good functionality
• Long enough
• Easy to apply

Minuses:

• May not be effective enough.