Best Thermal Paste for CPUs: Overclocking Essentials
4 min read
Overclocking your CPU is like giving your computer a little turbo boost. It makes your system run faster and perform better. But with great power comes great heat! That’s where thermal paste steps in. It helps transfer heat from your CPU to your cooler, keeping temperatures low and performance high.
TL;DR
If you’re overclocking, you need high-quality thermal paste. Look for good thermal conductivity, easy application, and long-lasting performance. Some top picks are Arctic MX-6, Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut, and Noctua NT-H2. Apply it right, and you’ll see lower temps and more stable speeds.
What is Thermal Paste and Why It Matters
Thermal paste (or thermal compound) fills microscopic gaps between your CPU and cooler. Without it, heat doesn’t transfer efficiently. That means higher temperatures and potential drops in performance.
Overclocking pushes your CPU harder. Higher voltages and clock speeds = more heat. So, having a great thermal paste is essential.
Top Thermal Pastes for Overclocking
Alright, let’s dive into the good stuff. Here are the best thermal pastes if you’re serious about overclocking:
- Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut – Top-tier performance
- Arctic MX-6 – Reliable, easy to apply
- Noctua NT-H2 – Great balance of price and performance
- Phobya NanoGrease Extreme – Underrated but powerful
- Cooler Master MasterGel Maker – Good blend of thermal conductivity and ease of use
1. Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut
This one’s a fan favorite among overclockers. Why? It has incredible thermal conductivity (12.5 W/mK).
- Not electrically conductive
- Built specifically for extreme loads and overclocking
- A bit pricey, but worth it for extreme setups
If you’re pushing your CPU to its limits, this is your go-to paste.
2. Arctic MX-6
The successor to the widely loved MX-4, this paste is ideal for everyday overclockers.
- Thermal conductivity: ~7.5 W/mK
- Non-conductive and safe to use
- Long-lasting performance – no need to reapply often
MX-6 offers great performance without breaking the bank.
3. Noctua NT-H2
Noctua is known for quiet fans and cool performance. Their thermal paste is no different.
- Improved compound over NT-H1
- Great for air and water cooling setups
- Comes with cleaning wipes – handy!
If you want solid temps with easy application, pick this one.
What Makes a Good Thermal Paste?
So, how do you know what to look for? Here are key qualities of a good thermal paste for overclocking:
- High Thermal Conductivity – The higher the number (in W/mK), the better it moves heat.
- Non-Electrically Conductive – Keeps you safe from short circuits.
- Easy Application – Some pastes are thick and hard to spread. Ew.
- Durability – Some dry out after just a year. Go for one that lasts.
The perfect paste balances all four – strong heat transfer, safe, simple, and long-lasting.
How to Apply Thermal Paste (Without Making a Mess)
Okay, applying paste isn’t rocket science. But doing it right helps you get the best temps.
Here’s a quick and easy guide:
- Clean your CPU and cooler base with isopropyl alcohol.
- Put a pea-sized dot of thermal paste in the center of the CPU.
- Mount your cooler evenly and firmly – no rocking or twisting.
- Don’t overdo it – more paste doesn’t mean more cooling!
Many pastes come with applicators, but the dot method works for almost everyone.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even pros mess up sometimes. Here are mistakes you should avoid:
- Using too much – It can spill over and trap heat.
- Using too little – Then it doesn’t cover the whole CPU.
- Spreading manually (sometimes) – Certain pastes spread fine under pressure.
- Reusing old paste – Always clean off and reapply for best results.
When in doubt – clean it out and start fresh.
Does It Matter Which Paste You Use?
Absolutely. The difference between cheap and premium pastes can be up to 10°C.
That’s enough to affect stability and longevity of your CPU. Especially while overclocking.
And in tight builds with poor airflow, every degree counts.
Thermal Paste vs Liquid Metal
You may have heard of liquid metal too. It’s insanely good at heat transfer – like high 70s W/mK.
BUT… and this is a big but:
- It’s electrically conductive
- Tricky to apply – you need precision
- Can corrode aluminum coolers
Unless you’re an extreme overclocker and know EXACTLY what you’re doing, stick with traditional pastes.
When Should You Replace Thermal Paste?
Typically, thermal paste can last 3–5 years. But if you:
- See higher temperatures
- Heard your fans working harder
- Did some major PC cleaning or upgrades
…it’s probably time to reapply!
Final Thoughts
Thermal paste might seem like a tiny detail. But during overclocking, it’s a lifesaver.
Pick something high-performing, safe, and easy to use. Whether you’re using a beefy AIO or a classic air cooler, the right paste makes all the difference.
And remember – a cool CPU is a happy CPU!
Quick Recap: Best Pastes at a Glance
- Kryonaut – Best overall for speed junkies
- Arctic MX-6 – Everyday reliability
- Noctua NT-H2 – Balanced and easy to apply
- Cooler Master MG Maker – Great combo of ease and performance
Now go forth, apply that paste, and overclock like a boss!
