Top thermal paste options for GPU include Noctua-NH1 and Cooler Master Extreme Fusion.
Top thermal paste options for GPU include Noctua-NH1 and Cooler Master Extreme Fusion.
Hi,
My Zotac gtx 970 (dual fan) tends to get very hot, reaching 80-85 degrees Celsius at full power and rising to 90 degrees Celsius at 106% power. I don’t notice any artificial effects, so the GPU seems to handle the heat well.
I’m not interested in installing an aftermarket VGA cooler right now. Recently switching to Cooler Master Value 1C paste lowered the temperatures by about 3-5 degrees Celsius. I’m considering applying a higher-quality thermal paste to further reduce the temps. My options are Noctua NH1, Cooler Master Extreme or Arctic Silver 5. Which one would perform best? Do you think an aftermarket paste can actually bring down GPU temperatures?
Hi,
I tested two thermal pastes:
1- Noctua Thermal Compound NT-H1
2- Startech
Noctua performed better, though if you don’t have any heating problems it might not matter much since a new paste could only reduce temperature by about 1-4°C at best. I used it because the GPU was very old and I had to take the PC apart to fit it into a suitcase.
If you have a good thermal paste already, then switching to another won't offer much improvement. Among the three options, I believe arctic silver is the most popular, while noctua is also decent. I haven't used cooler master personally, but it seems to fit the same category. Fresh thermal paste might lower the temperature by a few degrees, but not significantly.
Hi,
I tested two thermal pastes:
1- Noctua Thermal Compound NT-H1
2- Startech
Noctua performed better, though if you don’t have any heating problems it might not matter much since a new paste could only reduce temperature by about 1-4°C at best. I used it because the GPU was very old and I had to take the PC apart to fit it into a suitcase.
jossrik :
If you have a decent thermal paste, then a new one won't change much. Among the three, I believe arctic silver is the most popular, while noctua is also good. I haven't used cooler master before, but I think it's in the same category. A fresh thermal paste can bring a few degrees cooler, but not much.
IceMyth :
Hi,
I tested two thermal pastes:
1- Noctua Thermal Compound NT-H1
2- Startech
Noctua was the top choice, but if you don’t have any heating problems then it’s not necessary since a new paste might only reduce the temperature by about 1-4°C at best. I applied it because the GPU was very old and I had to take it apart to fit it into a suitcase.
Regards,
Temps are really high for the gtx 970, the GPU should stay cooler with just 145 watts TDP. The card is hitting its maximum temperatures.
Ravi_Singh1900 :
IceMyth :
Hello,
I tested two thermal pastes:
1- Noctua Thermal Compound NT-H1
2- Startech
Noctua was the top choice, but if you don’t have any heating problems then it’s not necessary. Applying a new paste might only reduce the temperature by about 1-4°C at best. I used it because my GPU was very old and I had to take the PC apart to fit it into a suitcase.
Best regards,
Temps are extremely high for the gtx 970. The GPU should stay cooler with just 145 watts TDP. The card is hitting the upper temperature limits.
Consider trying this before purchasing and applying the paste if you haven’t. Open one side of the case while gaming to check the temperatures. If you’re seeing normal temps (under 90°C), then the issue is likely with airflow. If not, think about getting a thermal paste.
Regards,
IceMyth :
Hi,
I tested two thermal pastes:
1- Noctua Thermal Compound NT-H1
2- Startech
Noctua seemed better, but if you don’t have any heating problems then it’s not worth the effort since a new paste might only reduce temperature by 1-4°C at most. I applied it because the GPU was very old and I had to take it apart to fit it into a suitcase.
Regards,
Temps are really high for the gtx 970. The GPU should stay cooler with just 145 watts TDP. It’s currently operating near the upper temperature limits. Try using the paste before purchasing if you haven’t already. Open one side of the case while gaming to check the temperatures. If you see normal temps (under 90°C), then the airflow might be the issue; otherwise, consider getting the paste.
HOwever, I plan to try this and update. Or maybe I’ll install a high CFM fan near the GPU and apply the paste – together they could make a noticeable difference.
Operated the Notcua Nh-1 on a GPU using the rice grain method. Made minor adjustments to the fan curve. Temperatures have decreased by 10 degrees, with a current max of 74°C after overclocking—without an OC cap it stays below 70°C.