Top thermal compound is currently the one that offers the best performance for your application.
Top thermal compound is currently the one that offers the best performance for your application.
Some items really catch attention, while others vary widely in size. Use about the amount you think fits comfortably—some suggest roughly the size of a grain of rice, and others describe a large rectangle spanning the entire CPU.
It varies based on your needs. For everyday tasks with an IHS, I opt for Arctic MX-4, since it offers durability and strong results. The best performance hinges on the temperature you'll face.
Relies on the specific component it's applied to. In my opinion, Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut stands out as one of the top choices for non-liquid metal options, though all leading pastes will probably be similar within a 1-2c range—essentially accounting for minor differences in cure times and performance after extended use. When it comes to how you apply them, it still varies based on the part. For regular CPUs, placing a pea-sized dot in the center with even pressure is usually sufficient. But with Ryzen chips, the arrangement isn’t as straightforward because the cores aren’t centered, so an X-shaped pattern or manual spreading might be better to achieve complete coverage. HEDT processors like Intel Extreme and AMD Threadrippers are quite different due to their large IHS size, and for AMD models, the die positions aren’t directly in the middle either.
You can adjust the timing to smooth the surface, allowing them to connect more effectively and achieving superior thermal performance compared to typical thermal pastes.
I really enjoy Thermalright TF8, TFX performs well too... it doesn't affect your IHS and coldplate. However, I had to stop and am now back to AS5 until I can reorder more. I'm noticing about 3-4c difference at the very top end.
Using high-quality paste from brands like Noctua or Artic yields similar results. Slight differences exist, but overall factors influencing temperature are more significant than the brand or model. For application, the key is simply applying enough—often just a pea-sized amount works well. If you're unfamiliar, testing different methods is fine; compare coverage and adjust accordingly. Paste is inexpensive, and you’ll use far less than you think unless you’re constantly building complex systems.
I've also tested several different TIMs along the way, each offering its own pros and cons. Understanding these matters comes from considering how the system will be used alongside other considerations. Choosing a very inexpensive TIM isn't wise; some simply fall short and are quite problematic. Right now, liquid metal is quite popular even though it's known to be corrosive to surfaces it touches. This issue usually appears within 2-3 years at most. If you're only planning to have the parts in contact—like the CPU and cooler—for that timeframe, it's acceptable if you're okay with it. However, for longer-term use, this becomes a concern. I've also noticed many mentioning "Kryonaut," which generally performs well without major problems, though some reports suggest it can scratch CPU and cooler surfaces occasionally. These cases seem to stem from certain batches, but it's unlikely you'll encounter them. It tends to be pricier compared to other TIMs that match similar performance in daily or gaming setups, making it less ideal if a cheaper option with comparable results exists. Another point is that Kryonaut was originally designed for sub-zero environments, which explains its higher cost. Any TIM built for extreme cold comes at a premium per gram, though there are more affordable alternatives that deliver similar performance under load (within a 2-3°C range). GeLid Extreme is a solid choice but can be costly for the volume you get and may degrade over time if stored too long. Alternatives like MX-4 Carbon, Noctua NT-H1, and others can handle everyday use at a lower cost without sacrificing much quality. Personally, I've found MX-4 Carbon to be a reliable all-rounder, especially for sub-zero applications, offering good spread, durability, and longevity. It doesn't feel heavy, works well in smaller quantities, and maintains performance over time. With the recent replacement I installed, it even outperformed any Kryonaut-based configurations. NT-H1 is another strong contender that's reasonably priced and long-lasting. Ultimately, it's important not to just follow trends but to evaluate each TIM based on your specific needs and what truly works best for you.