CPUs generate a lot of heat, and if they’re not cooled properly, they can overheat and damage or even kill the chip. One way to cool CPUs is with thermal paste, but if you want to ensure the best possible cooling, you should also use a thermal pad.
There are many different thermal pads on the market, but some are better than others. In this guide, we’ll be taking a look at the top five best thermal pads that you can buy for your next PC build or upgrade.
Before you read on, if you’re looking for more information about thermal paste instead of thermal pads, check out our buyer’s guide to the best thermal paste .
1. Gelid Solutions GC-Extreme Thermal Compound
Gelid Solutions is a well-known name in the PC cooling industry, and their GC-Extreme thermal compound is one of the best on the market. It’s a thick paste that spreads easily and provides great heat transfer between CPU and heatsink.
It also has a low viscosity, which means that it won’t run or drip like some other thermal compounds can. This makes it a great choice for CPUs with large heatsinks, such as the AMD Ryzen Threadripper.
2. Arctic MX-4 Thermal Compound
Arctic is another well-known name in the PC cooling industry, and they make a number of great thermal compounds. One of their best is Arctic MX-4, which comes in at number two on our list.
Like the GC-Extreme paste from Gelid Solutions, this one is also an excellent heat conductor. It’s made up of fine ceramic particles that are designed to create strong heat conduction without being abrasive.
It also has a low viscosity, so it won’t run or drip, and it’s easy to apply.
3. Noctua NT-H1 Thermal Compound
Noctua is a company that is known for making high-quality PC cooling products, and their NT-H1 thermal compound is one of the best on the market.
It’s a non-conductive paste that is designed for use with CPUs and heatsinks that have a low tolerance to thermal shock. This makes it a great choice for overclocking enthusiasts who want to push their hardware to the limit.
4. Thermal Grizzly Conductonaut Thermal Paste
Thermal Grizzly is a newcomer to the PC cooling industry, but they’ve quickly become one of the most popular brands. Their Conductonaut thermal paste is one of their best products, and it comes in at number four on our list.
This paste is made up of micron-sized particles that are suspended in a liquid metal alloy. This allows for excellent heat transfer, and it can even increase the lifespan of your CPU.
However, this is a premium product that isn’t cheap, and it’s also very thin, so you need to apply this paste sparingly.
5. Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound
Finally, we have Arctic Silver 5 thermal compound from Arctic Cooling Systems. This one comes in a sliver-tube with a screw-on cap, and it’s long been considered one of the best thermal compounds on the market.
It offers excellent heat conductivity thanks to its metal alloy bond, and it has a low thermal resistance, so it can transfer heat quickly and efficiently.
This compound also spreads easily, so it’s easy to apply, and it’s thick enough that you don’t have to worry about running or dripping.
These are the top five thermal pads available on the market, but if none of these is suitable for your needs, check out our buyer’s guide to thermal paste , where you can find many more great products.
Buying Guides of best CPU thermal pads:
This section of the article will explain what you should keep in mind while buying a cpu thermal pad.
1. Heatsink size:
When you’re shopping for CPU thermal pads, make sure to choose one that is the right size for your heatsink. If it’s too small, it won’t be able to cover the entire surface area, and this will reduce its effectiveness.
2. Thermal Conductivity:
The higher the thermal conductivity of a thermal pad, the better it will be at transferring heat. Make sure to choose a pad that has a rating of at least 5 W/mK.
3. Type of CPU:
Not all thermal pads are created equal, and some are better suited for certain types of CPUs. Make sure to choose one that is compatible with your specific CPU.
4. Price:
Thermal pads can vary in price, so make sure to choose one that is affordable for your budget.
5. Manufacturer:
Not all thermal pad manufacturers are created equal, so it’s important to do your research before choosing one. Make sure to choose a reputable manufacturer with a good track record.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these are the top five best CPU thermal pads on the market. They all have high thermal conductivity ratings and are compatible with a variety of CPUs. They also vary in price, so you can find one that is affordable for your budget. Make sure to do your research before choosing one, and be sure to read the buyer’s guide to thermal paste for more information.
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