Top thermal paste offers the best performance for heat dissipation.
Top thermal paste offers the best performance for heat dissipation.
I'm using stock thermal paste from my 240mm H100 Pro RGB and it's not performing well during gaming. Temperatures often reach up to 80°C on Cyberpunk, averaging around 70-80°C. I'm thinking about switching to a better option like Kryonaught Thermal Paste. It's reported to lower temperatures by about 4°C in most tests. Any suggestions for the top choices? Also, I'm looking into replacing my AIO with a 360mm radiator and would appreciate your advice on which model would work best if I upgrade the cooler. My setup includes an i9 9900K, MSI MPG Z390M, and the rest of the components listed.
I've been using artic silver for years and have never experienced any problems.
After my old MB failed, I used liquid metal for replacement. It’s not something I revisit much, and it’s simpler to apply compared to paste.
Kryonaut stands out as premium. The gap in temperature between comparable items is minimal. You prepared the surfaces and applied the liquid metal using a cotton swab or similar tool, without worrying about its high electrical conductivity. Liquid metal is typically placed under the CPU with easily removable IHS. Applying it correctly requires careful handling. When using paste, a grain-sized amount is placed centrally in the IHS and is ready to use.
The challenge lies in placing a small amount of paste precisely in the middle of the IHS, especially when comparing it to spreading it on both sides—like the cooler base. Even though LM is much more conductive, getting it to apply evenly isn’t as straightforward as using regular paste.
Liquid metal offers superior thermal transfer properties for cooling above freezing temperatures. The main drawback is its electrical conductivity, which can cause issues if overused. It's commonly employed between die and IHS components where efficient heat movement is critical and safety concerns are manageable. Pastes such as TG hydronaut often work well, maintaining temperatures close to LM levels, making LM less appealing despite the risks. The 9900k application for sTIM showed mixed results, with some units running excessively hot—though this isn't particularly useful given the dangers of delidding.