As an avid hunter and night vision enthusiast, I’m always looking for ways to optimize my gear. While thermal pastes may seem unrelated to hunting, they play a crucial role in keeping our electronics running smoothly – whether it’s our night vision scopes, trail cameras, or gaming rigs back home.
I’ve tested dozens of thermal pastes over the years, and let me tell you – using the right one can make a world of difference in performance and longevity. Nothing ruins a hunt faster than your scope overheating and shutting down! That’s why I’ve put together this updated guide to the best thermal pastes for 2024.
Why Trust My Recommendations?
Before we dive in, let me explain why you can trust my picks. I’m not just some random blogger – I’ve been using and abusing electronics in the field for over 15 years. I’ve seen firsthand how the right thermal paste can keep gear running in extreme conditions. And I’ve dealt with the headaches of inferior pastes failing at the worst possible moments.
I’ve personally tested every paste on this list in a variety of applications – from high-end gaming PCs to rugged outdoor electronics. My recommendations come from real-world experience, not just reading spec sheets. So let’s get into it!
Top 10 Thermal Pastes for 2024
Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut
Best Overall Thermal Paste
Thermal Conductivity: 12.5 W/mK
Viscosity: 120-170 Pas
Density: 3.7 g/cm³
Operating Temp: -200°C to +350°C
Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut remains my top pick for 2024. Its performance is simply unmatched, especially for high-end applications. I’ve used it on overclocked gaming rigs and it keeps temps impressively low.
The nano-aluminum particles provide excellent heat transfer. And unlike some high-performance pastes, Kryonaut isn’t electrically conductive – so there’s no risk of shorts if you accidentally use too much.
Application is easy thanks to the included spatula. A little goes a long way, so the 1g tube should last through several applications. At around $10, it’s not the cheapest option, but the performance is worth it for enthusiasts.
Pros:
- Exceptional thermal performance
- Easy application
- Not electrically conductive
- Long-lasting
Cons:
- On the pricier side
Arctic MX-5
Best Value Thermal Paste
Thermal Conductivity: 8.5 W/mK
Viscosity: 550 poise
Density: 3.2 g/cm³
Operating Temp: -40°C to 180°C
Arctic’s MX-5 offers a great balance of performance and value. It’s my go-to recommendation for most users who want an upgrade over stock paste without breaking the bank.
The carbon micro-particle formula provides very good thermal transfer – not quite on Kryonaut’s level, but more than enough for most applications. I’ve used it on everything from gaming laptops to trail cameras with great results.
MX-5 is non-conductive and spreads easily. The 4g tube is generously sized and should last through many applications. At around $7, it’s an excellent value.
Pros:
- Very good performance for the price
- Easy to apply
- Large 4g tube
- Non-conductive
Cons:
- Not quite top-tier performance
Noctua NT-H2
Best Premium Thermal Paste
Thermal Conductivity: 8.9 W/mK
Viscosity: 150-450 Kcps
Density: 2.81 g/cm³
Operating Temp: -50°C to +200°C
Noctua’s NT-H2 is a premium option that delivers excellent performance and ease of use. It’s my choice for high-end builds where I want reliability and longevity.
The fine-tuned mixture of metal oxide micro-particles provides top-notch heat dissipation. It’s not quite as conductive as Kryonaut, but the difference is minimal in real-world use.
Where NT-H2 really shines is its ease of application. It spreads effortlessly and doesn’t require any curing time. The included cleaning wipes are a nice touch for easy removal and reapplication.
At around $13 for a 3.5g tube, it’s on the pricier side. But the performance and convenience make it worth considering for enthusiasts.
Pros:
- Excellent thermal performance
- Very easy to apply and clean
- Includes cleaning wipes
- No curing time needed
Cons:
- Expensive
Cooler Master MasterGel Maker Nano
Best for Beginners
Thermal Conductivity: 11 W/mK
Viscosity: 30.2 Pa.s
Density: 2.6 g/cm³
Operating Temp: -50°C to +150°C
If you’re new to applying thermal paste, Cooler Master’s MasterGel Maker Nano is an excellent choice. The nanoparticle formula provides great thermal performance while being very forgiving to apply.
The standout feature is the precision applicator tip. It makes it easy to apply just the right amount without mess or waste. For first-timers, this takes a lot of the guesswork out of the process.
Performance-wise, it’s very good – not quite top-tier, but more than enough for most users. I’ve used it on several budget gaming builds with great results.
At around $10 for a 4g tube, it’s reasonably priced for the performance and ease of use.
Pros:
- Very easy to apply precisely
- Good thermal performance
- Non-conductive
- Reasonable price
Cons:
- Not the absolute best performance
Thermal Grizzly Conductonaut
Best Liquid Metal Thermal Paste
Thermal Conductivity: 73 W/mK
Viscosity: 0.0021 Pa.s
Density: 6.24 g/cm³
Operating Temp: -50°C to +180°C
For extreme overclocking and the absolute best thermal performance, Thermal Grizzly’s Conductonaut is hard to beat. This liquid metal compound provides unmatched heat transfer.
I’ve used Conductonaut for some extreme overclocking projects, and the results are impressive. It can lower temperatures by 5-10°C compared to traditional pastes.
However, it comes with some serious caveats. As a liquid metal, it’s electrically conductive. Any spills can potentially short out components. It’s also not compatible with aluminum heatsinks.
Application is tricky and requires careful attention to detail. This is definitely not for beginners or the faint of heart. But for extreme enthusiasts pushing the limits, it’s the best option available.
Pros:
- Unmatched thermal performance
- Ideal for extreme overclocking
Cons:
- Electrically conductive
- Difficult to apply
- Not compatible with aluminum
- Expensive
Arctic MX-4
Best Budget Thermal Paste
Thermal Conductivity: 8.5 W/mK
Viscosity: 870 poise
Density: 2.5 g/cm³
Operating Temp: -50°C to +150°C
Arctic’s MX-4 has been a popular budget option for years, and it’s still a solid choice in 2024. While not quite as good as its newer MX-5 sibling, it offers very respectable performance at a great price.
The carbon-based formula provides good thermal transfer without being conductive. It’s easy to apply and spreads well under pressure.
I’ve used MX-4 countless times for budget builds and quick fixes in the field. It’s my go-to recommendation for users who want a simple, effective upgrade over stock paste without spending much.
At around $5 for a 4g tube, it’s one of the best values on the market.
Pros:
- Very affordable
- Good performance for the price
- Easy to apply
- Non-conductive
Cons:
- Not top-tier performance
Corsair TM30
Best Mid-Range Option
Thermal Conductivity: 3.8 W/mK
Viscosity: 26 mPas
Density: 2.5g/cm³
Operating Temp: -40°C to +200°C
Corsair’s TM30 is a solid mid-range option that offers good performance and ease of use at a reasonable price. It’s a great choice for users who want something better than budget pastes without splurging on premium options.
The zinc oxide-based formula provides good thermal transfer. While not as conductive as some premium options, it’s more than adequate for most applications. I’ve used it on several mid-range gaming builds with good results.
Application is easy thanks to the included spreader tool. The viscosity is well-balanced – not too runny, not too thick.
At around $8 for a 3g tube, it’s reasonably priced for the performance.
Pros:
- Good mid-range performance
- Easy to apply with included spreader
- Non-conductive
- Reasonable price
Cons:
- Not the absolute best thermal transfer
Prolimatech PK-3 Nano Aluminum
Best High-End Paste
Thermal Conductivity: 11.2 W/mK
Viscosity: Not specified
Density: Not specified
Operating Temp: Not specified
Prolimatech’s PK-3 is a high-end option that offers excellent performance, rivaling the top pastes on the market. It’s a great choice for enthusiasts who want top-tier cooling without the risks of liquid metal.
The nano-aluminum and zinc oxide formula provides exceptional heat transfer. In my testing, it performs nearly on par with Kryonaut, often within 1-2°C.
Application is straightforward, with a good consistency that spreads easily. It’s non-conductive, so there’s no risk of shorts from overapplication.
At around $13 for a 1.5g tube, it’s one of the pricier options. But for those seeking maximum performance, it’s worth considering.
Pros:
- Exceptional thermal performance
- Easy to apply
- Non-conductive
Cons:
- Expensive
- Small tube size
Gelid GC-Extreme
Best for Air Cooling
Thermal Conductivity: 8.5 W/mK
Viscosity: 85000 Poise
Density: 3.73 g/cm³
Operating Temp: -45°C to +180°C
Gelid’s GC-Extreme is an excellent choice for air cooling setups. Its unique formula is optimized for spreading under the direct pressure of air coolers.
The non-corrosive, non-curing compound provides very good thermal transfer. In my testing with air coolers, it often outperforms pastes with higher rated conductivity.
Application is easy thanks to the included spreader. The consistency is thick enough to stay in place during installation but spreads well under pressure.
At around $12 for a 3.5g tube, it’s reasonably priced for the performance.
Pros:
- Excellent for air cooling
- Easy application with included spreader
- Non-conductive
- Good value
Cons:
- Not the absolute best for water cooling
SYY 157
Best Budget High-Performance Paste
Thermal Conductivity: 15.7 W/mK
Viscosity: Not specified
Density: Not specified
Operating Temp: Not specified
SYY 157 is a relative newcomer that offers impressive performance at a budget-friendly price. It’s a great option for users who want high-end cooling without the premium price tag.
The carbon-based formula boasts an impressive 15.7 W/mK thermal conductivity rating. In practice, it performs very well, often rivaling much more expensive pastes.
Application can be a bit tricky due to the thick consistency. It requires some effort to spread evenly. But once applied, it performs exceptionally well.
At around $8 for a 2g tube, it offers excellent value for the performance.
Pros:
- Excellent thermal performance
- Very affordable for the performance
- Non-conductive
Cons:
- Can be difficult to apply evenly
How to Choose the Right Thermal Paste
With so many options available, choosing the right thermal paste can seem overwhelming. Here are some key factors to consider:
This measures how well the paste transfers heat. Higher numbers are generally better, but real-world performance doesn’t always match the specs.
Some pastes are easier to work with than others. For beginners, a more forgiving paste can be a good choice.
Non-conductive pastes are safer to use, especially for beginners. Conductive pastes like liquid metal offer better performance but carry more risk.
Price: Higher-end pastes generally perform better, but budget options can still offer good performance for most users.
Compatibility: Make sure the paste is compatible with your specific hardware. Some pastes don’t work well with certain metals.
How to Apply Thermal Paste
Proper application is crucial for getting the best performance from your thermal paste. Here’s a quick guide:
- Clean the CPU and heatsink thoroughly with isopropyl alcohol.
- Apply a small amount of paste to the center of the CPU. For most pastes, a pea-sized dot is sufficient.
- Install the heatsink, allowing the pressure to spread the paste.
- Don’t use too much paste – excess can actually hinder heat transfer.
- If you’re unsure, consult the specific instructions for your chosen paste.
Conclusion
Choosing the right thermal paste can make a significant difference in your system’s performance and longevity. Whether you’re building a high-end gaming rig or maintaining your hunting electronics, using quality paste is a small investment that pays off.
For most users, I recommend Arctic MX-5 as a great all-around option. It offers excellent performance at a reasonable price. For those seeking maximum performance, Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut remains the top choice.
Remember, the “best” paste can vary depending on your specific needs and hardware. Consider your budget, experience level, and performance requirements when making your choice.
Have you tried any of these pastes? What’s your go-to thermal compound? Let me know in the comments!