What is the best thermal paste?

If you mean CPU thermal paste, my pick for most people is ARCTIC MX-6. It performs extremely well, is non-conductive, inexpensive, and is easy to use. Tom’s Hardware currently ranks it just behind its top-performing premium paste.

• ARCTIC MX-6 Thermal Paste - 4 g - $11.99 (Micro Center)

My picks

• 🥇 Best overall/value: ARCTIC MX-6 — excellent performance without paying a premium.
• 🥇 Best premium: Thermal Grizzly Duronaut — currently the top performer in Tom's Hardware's testing, with an emphasis on long-term stability.
• 🥈 Best long-term/easy choice: Noctua NT-H2 — excellent, non-conductive, easy to apply, and very stable.
• 🔥 For serious overclocking: Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut Extreme — high-end conventional paste intended for maximum thermal performance.
• ⚠️ Liquid metal: Conductonaut can outperform conventional paste, but it's electrically conductive and requires much more care. I wouldn't recommend it for a normal build.

If you're just building/upgrading a gaming PC, buy MX-6 and don't overthink it. The difference between excellent pastes is usually only a few degrees, so cooler quality and mounting pressure matter more.

If you tell me your CPU and cooler (e.g. Ryzen 7 7800X3D + Thermalright Phantom Spirit), I can tell you which paste I'd use specifically.

The best overall thermal paste for most users is Arctic MX-6 , according to recent benchmarking by tech outlets like Tom's Hardware and community consensus. It strikes an excellent balance of top-tier performance, safe non-conductive composition, and long-term durability. [1][2][3][4]

For most PC builders and casual users, the absolute temperature difference between the top mainstream brands is incredibly small—usually within 1 to 3°C . Therefore, the "best" choice heavily depends on your specific use case, budget, and system needs.

Top Recommended Thermal Pastes

• Arctic MX-6 Thermal Paste Go to product viewer dialog for this item.:
  • Best For : The vast majority of standard gaming PCs, daily desktop builds, and routine maintenance upgrades.
  • Key Features : Outstanding price-to-performance value, completely non-conductive for safe application, and highly resistant to drying out over long periods. [1][2]
• Thermal Grizzly Duronaut:
  • Best For : High-end enthusiast systems looking for absolute maximum performance from a traditional paste paste.
  • Key Features : Ranked by extreme-testing benchmarks as the best premium paste overall, offering top-tier stability under heavy, consistent workloads.
• Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut Thermal Paste:
  • Best For : Dedicated overclockers pushing CPUs or GPUs to their limits under heavy stress loads.
  • Key Features : Exceptional thermal conductivity tailored for high-demand cooling setups. Note: Performs best under high mounting pressure. [1][2]
• Noctua NT-H2 Pro-Grade Thermal Paste Go to product viewer dialog for this item.:
  • Best For : Long-term reliability and a true "set-it-and-forget-it" system building experience.
  • Key Features : Incredible longevity that holds up for years without degrading, very easy to clean up during teardowns, and includes pre-packaged cleaning wipes.
• Arctic MX-4 Thermal Compound:
  • Best For : Budget-restricted builders, multi-build projects, and beginner PC builders.
  • Key Features : A legacy champion that is widely affordable, notoriously smooth and easy to spread evenly across components. [1][2]

Alternative: Thermal Pads & Liquid Metal

• For Laptops & Direct-Die Cooling : Phase-change pads like the Honeywell PTM7950 Go to product viewer dialog for this item. or Thermal Grizzly PhaseSheet Go to product viewer dialog for this item. are excellent options. They change states under heat to fill microscopic gaps perfectly without sufferring from the "pump-out effect" common in high-heat laptop dies. [1][2][3]
• For Extreme Benchmarking Only : Liquid metals, like Alphacool Eisfrost Extreme Go to product viewer dialog for this item. , yield the lowest raw temperatures. However, because they are electrically conductive, they present a high risk of short-circuiting and can permanently corrode aluminum components if misapplied.

To help tailor this recommendation, are you applying this to a desktop CPU, a laptop, or a GPU ? Let me know what cooler you are using as well so I can suggest the absolute best match for your setup.

The best thermal paste depends on your specific use case , balancing peak thermal performance, longevity, and ease of application.

Watch this comparison of top thermal pastes to see real-world performance differences:

23:03 Does what Thermal Paste you use, REALLY matter?844K views  · 2 years ago YouTube · JayzTwoCents

The top choices categorized by performance and value include:

Top Performance: Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut Go to product viewer dialog for this item. offers exceptional thermal conductivity tailored for high-end gaming and overclocking rigs without the risks of electrical conductivity.[1]

Best All-Rounder: Noctua NT-H1 Go to product viewer dialog for this item. is renowned because it “doesn’t require any such special preparations” or burn-in time, and is exceptionally easy to clean off.[1]

Best Value: Arctic MX-6 Go to product viewer dialog for this item. provides fantastic non-conductive heat dissipation at a budget-friendly price point while resisting pump-out and dry-out over long periods.

If you'd like, let me know:

• What CPU or GPU are you cooling?
• Are you planning to overclock your system?

For most people, the best thermal paste overall is ARCTIC MX-6. It offers excellent temperatures, is non-electrically conductive, works well on CPUs and GPUs, and is usually cheaper than the absolute premium options. Independent comparisons generally find the top conventional pastes are separated by only a few degrees, so reliability and application matter as much as peak numbers.

Best thermal pastes by use case

• 🏆 Best overall: ARCTIC MX-6

• Great for gaming PCs, workstations, GPUs, and general builds.

• Safe, easy to use, and excellent value.

• 🔥 Best high-end CPU performance: Thermal Grizzly Duronaut

• A premium option aimed at enthusiasts who want top performance and long-term stability.

• 🛠️ Best “install it and forget it” choice: Noctua NT-H2

• Very consistent, easy to apply, and a favorite for air coolers and AIO liquid coolers.

• ⚡ Best for overclocking (non-liquid metal): Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut

• Excellent for enthusiasts chasing the lowest temperatures.

• 🧪 Absolute maximum cooling (advanced users only): Thermal Grizzly Conductonaut

• Liquid metal can beat normal pastes, but it is electrically conductive and can damage aluminum surfaces if used incorrectly.

My recommendation

• Normal gaming PC / everyday PC: ARCTIC MX-6
• High-end Ryzen 9 / Core i9 build: Noctua NT-H2 or Thermal Grizzly Duronaut
• Extreme overclocking: Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut Extreme or liquid metal (only if you know the risks)

Also, don’t over-focus on the advertised W/m·K number—mounting pressure, cooler quality, and correct application often make a bigger difference than a 1–2°C paste advantage.

For a typical CPU upgrade or repaste, I’d buy MX-6 and spend the saved money on a better cooler.

The absolute best thermal paste depends entirely on your performance goals, budget, and willingness to maintain your system. Leading testing from Tom's Hardware and expert consensus point to three standout choices across distinct categories.

Add to list

• Best Premium Paste : Top-performing traditional non-conductive compound tested on modern high-TDP processors.
• Key Features : Formulated for extreme long-term stability without drying out.

Add to list

• Best Value Paste : Delivers within a fraction of a degree of premium pastes for a fraction of the cost.
• Key Features : Safe, non-conductive carbon-based formula that lasts for years.

Add to list

• Best for Laptops & Longevity : A solid phase-change pad that melts into a thin layer when heated.
• Key Features : Immune to "pump-out" degradation, making it ideal for direct-die cooling on GPUs and laptops.

Comparison of Top Thermal Compounds

Important Buying Considerations

• Paste vs. Phase Change vs. Liquid Metal : Traditional paste is best for regular desktop use. Phase-change pads excel where thermal "pump-out" happens (laptops and naked GPUs). Liquid metal offers the absolute lowest temps but is electrically conductive and can easily ruin hardware if misapplied.
• Electrical Conductivity : Stick to ceramic or carbon-based non-conductive pastes (like MX-6, Duronaut , or NT-H1). They carry zero risk of short-circuiting your components if a little bits spills off the sides. [1][2][3]
• Lifespan : Premium options like the Honeywell PTM7950 can outlast the usable life of the device , whereas standard performance pastes generally need replacement every 3 to 5 years for peak efficiency. [1][2]

To tailor this recommendation, let me know:

• What specific CPU or GPU are you cooling?
• Are you working on a desktop or a gaming laptop?
• Do you prioritize maximum temperature drops or zero long-term maintenance?

If you mean CPU thermal paste, my pick for most people right now is ARCTIC MX-6. Tom’s Hardware’s June 2026 testing ranks it #2 among traditional pastes, while noting excellent performance, stability, easy cleanup, and low cost.

• ARCTIC MX-6 8g - $10.99 (Best Buy)

My picks

• 🥇 Best overall/value: ARCTIC MX-6 — excellent temperatures without paying a premium; non-conductive and suitable for CPUs and GPUs.

• 🏆 Best absolute conventional paste: Thermal Grizzly Duronaut — Tom’s Hardware currently has it as its top-performing paste, with particularly good long-term stability.

• 🔥 Best enthusiast/overclocking: Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut — excellent high-temperature performance and a long-standing enthusiast favorite.

• Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut 1g - $13.49 (Best Buy)

• 🧊 Best easy/long-term choice: Noctua NT-H2 — excellent performance, straightforward application, and included cleaning wipes.

• Noctua NT-H2 3.5g - $14.95 (newegg.com)

• ⚠️ Liquid metal: Can beat conventional paste, but it's electrically conductive and requires much more care. I wouldn't recommend it for a normal PC build.

If you're just building or repasting a gaming PC, I'd buy MX-6. The temperature difference between top-tier conventional pastes is generally small enough that spending substantially more isn't worthwhile for most systems.

If you tell me your CPU + cooler (e.g. Ryzen 7800X3D + Thermalright Peerless Assassin), I can tell you which paste I'd use specifically.

The absolute best thermal pastes for most PC builders and enthusiasts are Arctic MX-6 Go to product viewer dialog for this item. for its balanced performance and affordability, and Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut Go to product viewer dialog for this item. for maximum enthusiast performance. For a set-and-forget solution that won't degrade or pump out over time, phase-change pads like the Honeywell PTM7950 Go to product viewer dialog for this item. have become highly recommended alternative options. [1][2][3][4]

The top-performing thermal compounds across various categories, based on independent testing by outlets like Tom's Hardware and community feedback, include:

Top Premium & Performance Picks

Add to list

• Best For : Maximum raw thermal dissipation.
• Standout Feature : Highest standard thermal conductivity without risks of electrical conductivity.
• Key Consideration : More expensive per gram and tends to degrade faster under high temperatures (>80°C) over extended periods. [1]

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• Best For : Ultimate premium standard paste.
• Standout Feature : Outperforms standard pastes on high-TDP processors. [1][2]

Add to list

• Best For : Enthusiasts seeking long-term stability.
• Standout Feature : Very easy to apply and clean up, includes integrated cleaning wipes.[1]

Best Value & All-Around Picks

Add to list

• Best For : Optimal balance of cost, longevity, and temperature drops.
• Standout Feature : Marginally thicker consistency prevents "pump-out" effect on direct-die GPUs and high-load CPUs.
• Key Consideration : Slightly more viscous to spread manually compared to its predecessor, the MX-4. [1][2][3]

Add to list

• Best For : Ultra-budget builds and everyday standard replacements.
• Standout Feature : Low viscosity zinc-oxide base makes application completely foolproof.[1]

Best Alternative Materials (Pads & Phase Change)

Add to list

• Best For : Laptop overhauls, GPUs, and zero-maintenance desktop setups.
• Standout Feature : Solid at room temperature but melts into a highly efficient thin layer under heat, completely eliminating drying or pump-out. [1][2]

Add to list

• Best For : Completely reusable, dry graphene thermal interface.
• Key Consideration : Electrically conductive, so precise alignment on the CPU die is critical. [1][2]

If you would like to narrow down the choice, let me know:

• What specific CPU or GPU model are you cooling?
• Are you using an air cooler, AIO liquid cooler, or custom loop?
• Are you looking for a one-time application or something that lasts for many years?

If you mean CPU thermal paste for a PC, my top pick right now is Thermal Grizzly Duronaut. Tom’s Hardware’s latest testing, updated June 2026, ranked it as the best-performing thermal paste they tested, with long-term stability as a major advantage.

My picks

• 🥇 Best overall: Thermal Grizzly Duronaut — excellent performance + designed for long-term stability.

• 💰 Best value: ARCTIC MX-6 — extremely close to the premium options in real-world temperatures and non-conductive.

• ARCTIC MX-6 4 g - $11.99 (Micro Center)

• 🏆 Best enthusiast/overclocking: Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut Extreme — aimed at maximum conventional-paste performance.

• Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut Extreme 2 g - $24.99 (Micro Center)

• 🧊 Best easy, reliable choice: Noctua NT-H2 — excellent performance, easy application, and very consistent.

For most people, I'd buy MX-6. The temperature difference between excellent modern pastes is usually only a few degrees, so paying substantially more often isn't worthwhile.

If you tell me your CPU (e.g. Ryzen 7 7800X3D / i7-14700K) and cooler, I can tell you which paste I'd use specifically for that setup.

If you want the best thermal paste for a normal CPU, my pick right now is Thermal Grizzly Duronaut. Tom’s Hardware’s latest large-scale testing ranks it as the best-performing thermal paste they’ve tested, while also emphasizing its long-term stability.

• Thermal Grizzly Duronaut 6g - $26.99 (Best Buy)

My picks

• 🥇 Best overall: Thermal Grizzly Duronaut — excellent cooling plus good long-term stability.

• 💰 Best value: ARCTIC MX-6 — extremely close to premium pastes in performance, non-conductive, inexpensive, and easy to recommend for almost any PC.

• 🏆 High-end/overclocking: Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut Extreme — aimed at extracting the last bit of cooling performance.

• 🔧 Easy, reliable alternative: Noctua NT-H2 — excellent performance, easy application, and good longevity.

• Thermal Grizzly Duronaut 6g - $26.99 (Best Buy)

• ARCTIC MX-6 4g - $11.99 (Micro Center)

• Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut Extreme 2g - $24.99 (Micro Center)

• Noctua NT-H2 3.5g - $14.95 (newegg.com)

If it were my money: I'd buy MX-6 for a regular gaming PC and Duronaut if I wanted the absolute best conventional paste.

If you tell me your CPU and cooler (e.g. Ryzen 7 7800X3D + Thermalright Peerless Assassin), I can tell you which one makes the most sense and roughly how much temperature difference to expect.

The overall best thermal paste for most users is Arctic MX-6 Go to product viewer dialog for this item. due to its superb balance of high-end cooling performance , long-term durability, and safe, non-conductive application.[1]

While premium performance pastes vary by only a few degrees, choosing the right tube depends on whether you value maximum thermal conductivity, budget friendliness, or low maintenance. [1][2]

Top Recommended Thermal Pastes

Add to list Excellent overall performance that acts as a safe, thick carbon-based paste. It is non-conductive, prevents short circuits, and matches premium options within less than a degree at a fraction of the cost. Available at newegg.com. [1][2]

Add to list Best for absolute beginners and hassle-free installation. It features a smooth consistency that does not require manual spreading—the pressure of the cooler distributes it evenly. Available at Micro Center and newegg.com. [1][2]

Add to list The top choice for hardware enthusiasts and heavy overclockers. It features extremely high thermal conductivity and delivers the absolute lowest possible temperatures for hot, high-TDP processors. [1][2]

Add to list Best reliable budget option. It uses a low-viscosity zinc oxide formula designed to effortlessly fill microscopic imperfections between your cooler and chip. Available at B&H Photo-Video-Audio, Best Buy , and Micro Center.[1]

Thermal Paste Comparison

Crucial Buying Tips

• Avoid Liquid Metal for Normal Builds : Liquid metal offers the absolute lowest temperatures but is highly electrically conductive. It will permanently damage aluminum coolers and can instantly short-circuit your motherboard if it leaks. [1][2][3]
• Consider Phase Change Pads : If you hate re-pasting your CPU every few years, look into solid phase-change material sheets like Honeywell PTM7950 Go to product viewer dialog for this item. or the Thermal Grizzly Cryosheet Go to product viewer dialog for this item. . They do not pump out or dry out over time. [1][2]

To help you find the absolute perfect match, what CPU or GPU are you cooling, and are you planning on overclocking your system?