Best Thermal Paste to Buy in 2026 (PC, Laptop, Console)
How we choose (quick)
We prioritize real‑world stability over marketing numbers. Our picks for best thermal paste are based on:
- Performance under sustained load: Not just peak, but long gaming/render sessions.
- Spreadability & viscosity: Ease of use on desktop IHS vs. small laptop dies.
- Pump‑out resistance: Holds performance after months of heat cycles.
- Electrical safety: Non‑conductive is safer for most users.
- Value & availability: Easy to buy worldwide in 1–10g sizes. Some niche options like PTM7950 may require sourcing from specialized retailers (MODDIY, Ebuy, etc.) rather than Amazon.
Tip: Re‑paste desktops every 2–3 years (or when temps creep). Laptops can benefit every 12–24 months, depending on heat and dust.
Quick Picks (TL;DR)
- Best overall (most builds): Arctic MX‑6 — balanced performance, easy to apply, reliable over time.
- Best premium high‑performance: Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut Extreme — top‑tier temps for high‑end CPUs/GPUs.
- Best long‑term & easy cleanup: Noctua NT‑H2 — great temps, forgiving application, low cure fuss.
- Best for GPUs/laptops (high viscosity): Thermalright TFX — excellent under pressure; less pump‑out.
- Best budget classic: Arctic MX‑4 — safe, consistent, widely available.
- Best enthusiast liquid metal: Thermal Grizzly Conductonaut Extreme — unmatched performance with strict safety.
- Best pad alternative (laptops): Honeywell PTM7950 (phase‑change pad) — superb for many laptop dies if applied correctly.
Best Overall: Arctic MX‑6
Why it’s great: Delivers consistently low temps without being finicky. Smooth consistency makes it easy to apply on large desktop IHS and small mobile dies alike, and it holds up well through heat cycles.
Best for: Gaming/workstation desktops and most laptops.
Highlights: Non‑conductive · user‑friendly viscosity · strong long‑term stability · available in multiple sizes.
Best Premium: Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut Extreme
Why it’s great: A favorite for overclocked and HEDT builds. Excellent peak and sustained results if you mount with good contact pressure. Slightly pricier but ideal when every degree matters.
Best for: High‑TDP CPUs/GPUs, custom loops, small‑form‑factor builds with limited airflow.
Highlights: Non‑conductive · top‑tier performance · prefers correct pressure for best results.
Best Long‑Term & Easy Cleanup: Noctua NT‑H2
Why it’s great: Consistently close to the very top with very forgiving application. Cleans off easily during service, making it perfect for frequent tinkerers or IT pros repasting many machines.
Best for: First‑time builders, long‑term desktop use, fleets.
Highlights: Non‑conductive · broad temperature stability · low cure fuss · includes cleaning wipes in many kits.
Best for GPUs & Laptops: Thermalright TFX
Why it’s great: High‑viscosity paste that resists pump‑out under high pressure and heat cycling — great for vertical GPU mounts and laptop clamping systems. Can be a bit thicker to spread; use the pressure of the heatsink, not a spatula.
Best for: Powerful laptop CPUs/GPUs, hot desktop GPUs.
Highlights: Non‑conductive · excellent stability · shines in compact thermal designs.
Best Budget: Arctic MX‑4
Why it’s great: The long‑standing go‑to: safe, predictable, widely stocked, and inexpensive. Not the absolute coolest but more than good enough for mainstream builds.
Best for: Budget gaming PCs, office desktops, older consoles.
Highlights: Non‑conductive · easy to apply · great price per gram.
Liquid Metal (Experts Only): Thermal Grizzly Conductonaut Extreme
Why it’s great: When maximum heat transfer is the goal, liquid metal leads. Fantastic for delidding or direct‑die setups where you fully control insulation and pressure.
Best for: Advanced users comfortable with short‑circuit risk mitigation.
Highlights: Electrically conductive · can corrode aluminum · requires masking/insulation and careful application.
⚠️ Safety Warning:
- Liquid metal conducts electricity and reacts with aluminum. Use only on nickel‑plated coppersurfaces.
- Mask nearby SMDs with Kapton tape or nail varnish.
- Apply sparingly, avoid drips, and re‑inspect after transport.
Pad Alternative (Laptops): Honeywell PTM7950 (Phase‑Change)
Why it’s great: A phase‑change thermal pad that behaves paste‑like at operating temps, often matching or beating mid/high‑tier pastes on laptop CPUs/GPUs. One‑time install with clean service later.
Best for: Modern laptops with flat, even dies and tight heatsink tolerances.
Highlights: Mess‑free · repeatable mounting · excellent under clamp pressure.
Notes: Requires correct thickness (typically 0.2mm or 0.25mm) and proper warm‑up cycles after install. Not ideal for large gaps or repeated heatsink removals.
Comparison Table (at a glance)
| Product | Type | Safety | Ease of Use | Where it excels |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arctic MX‑6 | Paste | Non‑conductive | Easy | Most desktop/laptop builds |
| TG Kryonaut Extreme | Paste | Non‑conductive | Moderate | High‑TDP/OC CPUs & GPUs |
| Noctua NT‑H2 | Paste | Non‑conductive | Very easy | Long‑term, frequent service |
| Thermalright TFX | Paste | Non‑conductive | Moderate (thick) | Laptops & GPUs, pump‑out resistance |
| Arctic MX‑4 | Paste | Non‑conductive | Very easy | Budget builds, consoles |
| TG Conductonaut Extreme | Liquid metal | Conductive | Expert only | Delid/direct‑die/max performance |
| Honeywell PTM7950 | Phase pad | Non‑conductive | Easy (install‑specific) | Laptops with tight tolerances |
Application Tips (don’t skip)
- Surface prep: Clean both surfaces with isopropyl alcohol (≥90%) and lint‑free wipes.
- Amount: Pea/rice‑sized dot for desktop CPUs; thin X or small line for elongated laptop dies. Let the mount pressure spread the paste.
- Mounting: Tighten screws in a cross pattern to even pressure.
- Check contact: If temps are high, inspect for uneven contact or too much/too little paste.
- Liquid metal: Mask with Kapton/nail varnish; use very little; avoid aluminum.
FAQs
Q: Do thermal conductivity (W/m·K) numbers matter?
A: They’re often not comparable across brands. Real‑world results depend more on contact pressure, flatness, viscosity, and pump‑out resistance.
Q: How often should I replace paste?
A: Desktop: 24–36 months. Laptop: 12–24 months. Replace sooner if you see sudden temp spikes or after heatsink removal.
Q: Pattern vs. spreader?
A: Letting the heatsink pressure spread the paste typically yields the best, repeatable coverage.
Final Thoughts
For most builders, Arctic MX‑6 strikes the right balance. Chasing the last few degrees? Kryonaut Extreme or NT‑H2are safe picks. Repasting a laptop or GPU? Try Thermalright TFX or consider PTM7950 if your layout supports pads. Only reach for liquid metal if you fully understand the trade‑offs. Apply carefully, mount evenly, and you’ll reclaim both temps and acoustics.
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