A thermal paste for your computer is meant to be a cooling solution. It is usually installed prior to a more sophisticated cooling system. Its main role is to allow the transfer of heat from your processor to the actual cooler, which will then dissipate it. Practically, this paste is the main necessity to keep your computer cool.
Now, choosing the best thermal paste for CPU 2020 could be a bit challenging because they all seem alike. Customer ratings and reviews could make the difference though, as well as the technologies used in the manufacturing process. So, what options do you have?
Yeechun 10 Pack
Yeechun has designed one of the most cost-efficient options on the market. The set is relatively inexpensive, but it also brings in not less than 10 different units, so you get excellent value for money – all of them covered by a good warranty.
The thermal conductivity is high – over 3W/mK. Each syringe has 1.5 grams of paste. It is polysynthetic and features a silver appearance. Since you get everything in a syringe, applying the paste through a thin nozzle will be a piece of cake.
Pros
- Good value for money
- High thermal conductivity
- Easy to apply
- Professional grade
Cons
- Feels a bit runny when compared to other alternatives
Thermalright TF4
Made of carbon particles, Thermalright’s best thermal paste for CPU 2020 will ensure a great conductivity. It is not electrical conductive due to its metal-free composition – no risks of short circuits whatsoever.
Compared to other types of thermal pastes, this one will not degrade over time. It is rated to last for at least eight years. As for the application, it should be a piece of cake – even if you have never done it before.
Pros
- Good heat dissipation
- Durable results
- Good Consistency
- Easy to apply
Cons
- Applicator may make it difficult to reach tight places
Cooler Master New Edition MasterGel Maker
Cooler Master’s paste comes in a syringe with a flat nozzle for easy applications. It has a high conductivity – 5W/mK, so it is more efficient than other alternatives.
The bottle will give you 1.5 grams of paste, which is enough for a few different jobs. After all, you are less likely to do it too often anyway.
Pros
- Precise application
- High thermal conductivity
- Durable results
- Good value for money
Cons
- Several reports of dry or flaky lots
Avntker CPU Thermal Paste
Avntker’s thermal paste brings in great value for money – enough for 30 heat plates, 40 large CPU cores and over 120 small CPU cores. It provides excellent results with its high thermal conductivity too – 5W/mK.
The thermal paste is simple to apply and easy to clean. It is not toxic or corrosive. It is also usable on water-cooled systems, chipsets on the mainboard, fans and so on.
Pros
- Good value for money
- Easy application
- High thermal conductivity
- Multiple uses
Cons
- Feels a bit watery
Bay Direct Thermal Paste
Bay Direct’s best thermal paste for CPU 2020 is excellent for multiple applications – chipsets, VGAs, CPUs and various components. It is flame retardant, odorless and safe to use – no risks to corrode anything either.
The high conductivity rate ensures quick heat dissipation. Other than that, you get five syringes, a couple of small spatulas, and seven ounces of paste.
Pros
- Suitable for more parts
- Spatulas for an easy application
- Great value for money
- Odorless and safe to use
Cons
- Conductivity rate lower than in other pastes
Corsair XTM50
Corsair’s XTM50 paste is a high-performance solution for your computer with an impressive conductivity rate – 5W/mK. It is based on quality zinc oxide and cools CPUs and GPUs. The installation is a piece of cake, as you get a stencil and a spreader.
The paste has a low viscosity, meaning you can fill in tight areas too, such as channels and abrasions – all about efficiency. There are no volatile compounds in its composition.
Pros
- Great thermal performance
- Application tools included
- Low viscosity to fill gaps
- Safe to apply
Cons
- Recipient is quite small
Noctua NT-H1
This thermal paste comes in a 3.5 gram syringe – small nozzle and an easy application. You do not need to spread it before some installations. You can also clean the mess without using any alcohol. When applied, it will keep your CPU cool for around five years.
The size allows anywhere between five and 20 applications, depending on the size of your CPU. The paste is safe to use and not conductive.
Pros
- No risks of short circuits
- Multiple awards
- Great durability
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Syringe could be confusing if this is the first time you use this paste
Arctic Silver 5
Arctic’s best thermal paste for CPU 2020 as more than 88% thermally conductive filler, as well as micronized silver, zinc oxide and aluminum oxide, not to mention the born nitride. It is currently one of the most appreciated pastes on the market, as it ensures great performance and a stable result.
The package comes with a small tool for the application. Each syringe comes with 3.5 grams of paste – about 20 small CPUs or 10 large CPUs. Basically, you can cover about 16 square inches if you stick to a thin layer.
Pros
- Lowers temperature by three to 12 degrees
- Easy application
- High thermal performance
- Stable and durable
Cons
- Spatula tool not the most useful applicator in the world
In the end, deciding on the best thermal paste for CPU 2020 is up to you, based on the performance, durability, quantity and value for money. There are more options out there and most of them do the same thing – no difference if you barely use the computer for online related stuff. But if you are into gaming, multitasking and harsh applications, you better stick to a professional paste.
