Best CPU thermal paste in 2024, from budget to mid-range & high-end

Thermal paste is an often overlooked component for building a PC, and considering most CPU coolers come with it pre-applied these days, many users won't need to purchase any when building their PC initially.

However, it's a good idea to replace your CPU thermal paste every few years when cleaning your PC, so it's worth looking into what paste you should get.

Finding thermal paste that's best suited to your CPU and your needs can be annoying, though, so you'll find a curated list of budget, mid-range, and high-end hardware options below to ensure you get the perfect one for your PC.

The two main aspects we took into account when choosing our thermal paste recommendations were how easy it is to apply to your CPU and how it best performs in improving the efficiency of cooling, ensuring your CPU runs better. 

Pretty much all CPU thermal paste looks the same: a coloured paste that comes in a syringe - but like most parts and components for a PC, they don't all work the same, so while you may be tempted to grab the first thing you see, it's worth looking into them a little first.

ARCTIC MX-4

While the new ARCTIC MX-4 CPU thermal paste is now available, it's a different compound to the ARCTIC MX-4 and doesn't directly replace it, making the latter one of the best budget thermal pastes for those who want a super simple application process - and a notable performance improvement. 

What's more, it's made up of carbon microparticles - which guarantee high thermal conductivity - ensuring heat is dissipated quickly away from your CPU and GPU to make the parts run cooler and optimally. 

It's one of the most popular CPU thermal paste on the market for a reason, so I would highly recommend this for any new PC builders, or someone looking to top up their thermal paste for the first time.

GELID Solutions GC-Extreme

Another solid pick for thermal paste is the new GELID Solutions GC-Extreme.

It's simple to apply, with a consistent spread that will have you finishing the job within a minute. This also goes for when you need to clean it up, as GELID has prioritised ease of use for their consumers. 

Its performance improvement isn't super noticeable, with it essentially doing its cooling job and nothing more, but for novice builders, it's a good way to start out and still ensure your parts get the cooling they need.

NOCTUA NT-H2

The NOCTUA NT-H2 CPU thermal paste improved on its predecessor in nearly every way, boasting a new compound that makes it less viscous and easier to apply, and increases the bond-line thickness to lower thermal resistance and dissipate heat at a quicker rate.

The base version also gives you 3.5 grams to work with, meaning it will last you for multiple applications if you mess something up, or have to reapply it in the future. 

Corsair XTM50 High Performance

Corsair is a powerhouse of PC components and peripherals, and this extends to thermal paste too, with them offering up high-quality products for a series of budgets.

It features five grams of high-performance thermal paste that provides ultra-low thermal impedance, and is made of a long-lasting zinc oxide compound. It's super easy to apply with the narrow tip, and it will ensure optimal cooling on your CPU for a while, making it a great pick.

Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut

If you have a little extra cash spare when looking for a CPU thermal paste, the Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut is a fantastic choice. Thanks to excellent heat dissipating and cooling capabilities, it really helps squeeze the best performance out of your CPU.

As a premium thermal paste brand, care has been taken to ensure it's super easy to apply and clean up when necessary. The full package also comes with some useful extras, like a spreader to make covering the full width of the CPU even easier.

What is the best CPU thermal paste in 2024?

Prolimatech PK-3 Nano Aluminum

Our other high-end option, and my pick for the best CPU thermal paste on the market this year is the Prolimatech PK-3 Nano Aluminum, which has all the quality you'd expect for its premium price point. 

An aluminium and zinc oxide compound provides a secure and thermal-resistant barrier between the CPU and cooler, which I've found helps to dissipate heat at a better rate than most thermal paste. 

The moderately viscous compound is also one of the easiest to apply from the syringe, spreading with ease, and ensuring the process is smooth as possible. 

Check out our hardware and lists pages for more guides. Otherwise, check out our lists of the best CPU air coolers, 1440p gaming monitors, and reclining gaming chairs.

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