Top thermal paste for laptops with both CPU and GPU.
Top thermal paste for laptops with both CPU and GPU.
I own an older MacBook from around 2010 with a 13-inch display, a Core 2 Duo 8600 processor, and a GeForce 320M. Initially, I installed a solid amount of Arctic MX5 cooling. After three days, the temperatures rose significantly—my GPU would idle above 60°C and reached a peak of 82°C before dropping to 74°C under heavy load. The fans and heatsink appear clean. Would you consider Kryonaut as a more suitable option?
Hey there,
The paste application usually involves placing a pea-sized dot in the middle of the chip. After positioning the heatsink or pipes, you should remove the screws on the heatsink in a cross pattern to ensure even distribution. Incorrect or uneven application can lead to higher temperatures than expected. Proper paste application is often what keeps new paste performing well.
The MX5 works well with laptops. I’m currently using Noctua NT H1, which I discovered produced better outcomes compared to Arctic/Cooler Master Gel/MX4.
Conductonaut is ideal for cooling with Thermal Grizzly, as it's a liquid metal. But if you're unsure about applying it properly, this might not suit you. Personally, using it myself has proven effective—it delivers 8-10°C cooler than thermal paste. It comes out of a needle and requires light pressure to extract it in a pea shape. You then use a q-tip to spread it, though initially it may feel wet and dry as it spreads. Once dry, you can add more if needed.
I understand the concerns about conductive materials, but I noticed reports indicating that liquid metal can become unsuitable after six months and may harm components like copper heat sinks and dies. Perhaps considering kryonaut could be a safer alternative.
Lol metal stays moist, otherwise your whole computer would fail. It's definitely not meant for copper.
Yes, liquid metal can be used, though it requires caution, especially when working with laptops. It’s important to handle it carefully during application. It definitely helps maintain lower temperatures. Interestingly, I just came across an article discussing how liquid metal interacts with copper, nickel, and aluminum in corrosion tests. GamersNexus covers this topic in the context of PC builds and hardware performance.