Rating of the best thermal pastes for 2022

Many owners of "smart" machines encounter thermal paste for the first time when their computer suddenly shuts down. One of the reasons for this unpleasant situation is overheating of the processor. The temperature of the motherboard is regulated by special cooling equipment, for which this substance is needed.

In our detailed review, we will analyze whether it is necessary to purchase and use thermal paste, how to apply it correctly, how much the required composition costs, and which manufacturers produce a quality product that helps increase processor performance.

 

What is thermal paste?

When buying or assembling a computer on their own, some owners limit themselves to regularly removing dust from the internal mechanism. However, an important point is the replacement of thermal paste. Otherwise, you risk losing the processor.

Thermal paste is a special composition consisting of many components. The basis may include the following types of ingredients:

• metal particles - from copper, tungsten, silver, aluminum or zinc oxides, even gold particles are found - have maximum thermal conductivity, however, their electrical conductivity is high, so the use of liquid metal lubricants is associated with some risks;
• the ceramic base - graphite, diamond dust - is worse in terms of thermal conductivity, but does not conduct electricity at all and will not cause a malfunction when it hits the motherboard;
• based on silicon particles - completely safe, good dielectric material, in terms of efficiency, approximately on the same level as ceramic compounds.

The filler is ground into the smallest dust particles, bound into a single mass by some kind of synthetic oil.Ingredients can be in pure form or in the composition there is a mix of several substances. High-quality mass retains viscosity and plasticity for a long time.

How does thermal paste work?

Popular models have a high coefficient of thermal conductivity, which is necessary for improved heat transfer between the heatsink and electronic components that generate heat intensively. The plastic base fills a small gap between the processor and the cooling unit, thereby removing the air gap between the parts.

In modern powerful computers, the heat sink has become an essential attribute for long-term uninterrupted operation of the processor, RAM, and video card. Of course, the paste itself does not cool electronic components, but its functionality improves heat dissipation by 15-20%. For new processors operating at the limit of power and generating a lot of heat, such an addition is simply necessary.

Features of thermal paste

The qualitative composition has the following selection criteria:

• preservation of plasticity when heated - the qualitative composition should not dry out under the influence of constant high temperatures;
• thermal conductivity at a high level - for powerful gaming machines, 10-12 W / m * K is required, for a laptop, home or office - 1-3 W / m * K is enough;
• the absence of combustible substances in the composition, otherwise high temperatures can lead to the ignition of thermal grease;
• corrosion resistance - the product should not be destroyed by rust and lose its properties;
• dielectric properties - getting lubricant on the processor does not lead to short circuits;
• hydrophobic components - resistance to moisture absorption;
• resistance to oxidative processes;
• dispersion - depends on the size of the particles in the composition, the smaller they are, the better the paste;
• safe for humans - does not emit toxic substances when heated.

Why change thermal paste?

The ingredients of the composition are combined with the help of liquids that are not subject to evaporation. However, over time, the substance loses its plasticity and viscosity. The absence of a thermal composition or its drying leads to a decrease in the effectiveness of the protective function, systematic overheating of electronic components and emergency shutdown of equipment.

Thus, in order for the central processing unit (CPU) to operate at maximum speed and without failures, it is important to regularly update the thermal compound at home. How often to change the layer? The exact frequency depends on the intensity of computer use:

• working machines rarely used for games require replacement every 5-6 years;
• in game models, you need to change the heat-removing layer every 6-12 months.

There are no special signs to determine whether replacement is required. But there are indirect symptoms indicating that the thermal paste needs to be replaced:

• constant load on the central processor, as well as if the laptop model has an integrated video card;
• the fan begins to throw out warm or even hot air, which means that the thermal pad is almost “out of breath”;
• constant poor ventilation - especially for modern laptops that work in unsuitable conditions.

Thermal Paste Application Recommendations

It is not enough to understand which product is better to buy, it is important to know the correct use of it. Your equipment is in perfect order if the CPU heats up in moderate mode - at idle - 45-47ºС, under load, the indicators increase to 65-68ºС.If you find that the temperature consistently shows overestimated values, it's time to clean the cooler and figure out how to replace the thermal paste yourself.

1. Remove the old layer of paste from the processor cover and cooler surface.
2. With a cotton swab dipped in an alcohol solution, degrease the places where the thermal paste is applied.
3. Apply a drop of coolant to the CPU cover.
4. With a special spatula or, for example, a plastic card, evenly distribute the composition in a thin layer over the entire surface, in length and width.
5. Use a cotton swab to remove excess grease from the edge of the device.
6. Put the cooler back in place.

How you apply the product is also important. Some inexperienced computer scientists believe that the thicker the layer, the better the composition performs its functions. But that's not the case at all. It is supposed to be thin and uniform for maximum air displacement between the processor and the cooler. Excessive thickness will impair heat dissipation.

Tips for choosing the right thermal paste

It is not always possible to answer which thermal interface of which company is better. There are many brands on the market and their quality is about the same. First of all, you need to pay attention to the composition. One of the best, and therefore having the highest price, are thermal pastes containing silver. The middle price segment are compositions with aluminum oxide, and cheap types are represented by inefficient ceramic fillers.

What you should pay attention to when choosing - you need to take into account the thermal conductivity of the substance. Domestic manufacturers produce products with a value of 0.7-1 W / (m * K). There are already species with higher rates of 1.5 or more.

To acquire a quality composition, adhere to the following indicators:

• thermal conductivity coefficient - not lower than 1.2-1.3 W / (m * K);
• thermal resistance coefficient - not higher than 0.3-0.4 K * cm² / W.

In addition to the characteristics of the composition, you can also choose packaging that is convenient for application. The release form has several modifications:

• in bags - in such containers, manufacturers offer a small amount at a time;
• tubes, jars, bottles are a more reliable option that retains the contents for a long time, but the inconvenience is that it is difficult to dose and determine how much to apply substances;
• a syringe is the best and most convenient container, which implies a long-term preservation of qualities and the imposition of exactly the amount that is needed.

Comparative table of characteristics of thermal pastes of different price categories

CHARACTERISTICS	STEEL Frost Zinc (STP-1)	Gembird GF-01-1.5	KPT-8	Arctic MX-2	Deepcool Z3	Zalman ZM-STG2	Zalman ZM-STG2	Noctua NT-H2-10G	Arctic Cooling MX-2 Thermal Compound
WEIGHT(g)	3	1.5	20	4	1.5	3.5	3.5	10	65
PACKAGE	syringe	syringe	tuba	syringe	syringe	syringe	syringe	syringe	syringe
THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY (W/(m*K))	4,7-4,9	1.63	0.8	5.6	1.13	4.1	4.1	8.9	8.5
VISCOSITY(pz)	90-95	-	130-180	85	73	-	2.88	-	850
Cost, rub)	85	53	62	413	270	360	1060	2319	3090

Rating of high-quality thermal pastes with a price of up to 100 rubles

STEEL Frost Zinc (STP-1)

According to the manufacturer, the composition based on zinc copes well with the increased temperature of the processor. The optimal size of zinc granules conducts heat from the CPU to the heatsink and ensures stable operation of the device.

Chinese-made paste does not dry for a long time, so its replacement is less frequent. A small syringe keeps the contents in working order and accurately dispenses the right amount of paste. The manufacturer guarantees the shelf life of thermal grease for 1095 days. The kit comes with a special spatula for uniform application of the composition and a degreasing cloth.The packaging contains step-by-step instructions for using the product. The cost is 85 rubles, an order is available from AliExpress.

• low price;
• long shelf life;
• low viscosity;
• additional equipment.

• no.

Gembird GF-01-1.5

The developed low-cost composition of metal oxide and carbon substances most effectively removes excess heat from the working processor to the cooler. A convenient spatula in the kit allows you to apply a thin layer of thermal grease with your own hands, ensuring tight contact between the parts. The substance has an average thermal conductivity and a wide range of operating temperatures - from -30 to + 300ºС. The cost is 53 rubles.

• low price;
• works at sub-zero and high plus temperatures;
• spatula with a long handle;

• a small amount is only enough for one time.

KPT-8

Russian-made organosilicon paste improves heat transfer between electronic parts of computers and laptops. The heat-resistant mass of white color has a high viscosity. Safe for humans, non-flammable, anti-corrosion. The minimum operating temperature is -60ºС, the maximum is +180ºС. Widespread due to stable quality. The cost is 62 rubles.

• large volume;
• low price;
• wide operating temperature range.

• low thermal conductivity.

Rating of popular thermal pastes with a price of 100 to 1000 rubles

 

Arctic MX-2

The popular composition is released in a convenient syringe, packed in a durable bag. The weight of the substance is 4 grams, which will allow you to use thermal paste for several years.The convenient dispenser spout makes it easy to apply just the right amount of lubricant to the CPU. The substance does not flow and holds the parts firmly. The cost is 413 rubles, you can order from China.

• convenient dispenser;
• optimal viscosity;
• high thermal conductivity.

• no.

Deepcool Z3

The inexpensive composition is packaged in a convenient syringe with a dosing spout. The weight is 1.5 grams, which will allow you to use the mass 2 times. The composition has a reduced dielectric properties >5.1 and a thermal resistance of 0.201ºС sq. inch/W. The test showed that the maximum operating temperature at which thermal grease retains its properties is +300ºС. The kit includes a thin spatula for precise application of the composition to the processor. The cost is 270 rubles, you can order online.

• low price;
• convenient dispenser;
• low dielectric index;
• wide operating temperature range;
• equipped with spatula.

• light weight.

Zalman ZM-STG2

The thick jelly-like paste is packaged in a dosing syringe. Thermoface is suitable for use with motherboard chipsets, video cards and other electronic components that need cooling during the workflow.

It has high dielectric properties. The composition contains metal oxides, which gives good values ​​for thermal conductivity. Works at a minimum temperature of -40ºС, and at a maximum of + 150ºС. The cost is 360 rubles. It has a high buyer rating of 4.5, and according to reviews, the best price / quality ratio is noted.

• low price;
• high thermal conductivity;
• comfortable volume.

• high viscosity makes application difficult.

Rating of popular thermal pastes with a price of over 1000 rubles

Zalman ZM-STG2

In a syringe convenient for dosing, there is 3.5 grams of thermal paste. According to buyers, this amount is usually enough for 3-4 replacements. The composition retains its working properties at temperatures from -40 to +150ºС. The dosing spout allows you to apply the substance to any part of the device, and durable plastic will retain its operational properties for a long time. Ultra-low thermal resistance ensures high heat transfer between the processor and heatsink. The average price is 1060 rubles.

• big weight;
• convenient dispenser;
• the composition works at low and high temperatures.

• increased viscosity does not allow the paste to be applied in a thin layer;
• high price.

Noctua NT-H2-10G

The thermal interface is suitable for both air-cooled and water-cooled processors. The novelty is very high quality, does not dry out for a long time. Large volume allows you to repeatedly change the composition. At the same time, it is stored for three years, and works for 5 years.

Additionally, the kit comes with a set of three napkins designed to clean the old layer. The active substance is metal oxides. Lubrication does not require additional smearing. It is enough to drop it into the center of the processor wafer and cover it with a cooler part, it will spread itself over the surface. The cost is 2319 rubles.

• stored for a long time;
• does not require distribution;
• does not dry out for a long time.

• high price.

 

Arctic Cooling MX-2 Thermal Compound 2019 Edition

The popular thermal interface was released by the manufacturer in a large package, which can be appreciated by people who use the power of a personal computer to the fullest. In terms of 1 gram, the cost of a known composition has a low price.

The transparent syringe is equipped with a special sticker with divisions, which allows you to quickly and easily squeeze out the right amount of the composition. The consistency of the gray mass is quite viscous, does not spread, but is easily distributed with a spatula. The dielectric has a high thermal conductivity and retains its properties for 8 years. The cost is 3090 rubles.

• The huge volume;
• high thermal conductivity;
• optimal consistency.

• high price.

Thermal paste occupies a very small area between the central processor and the cooling cooler. But at the same time, it performs an important function of lowering the temperature and protects the motherboard from overheating and destruction.

Choosing the right lubricant is not easy, it is not always possible to do this only on price. For a powerful, gaming computer, you should not save and buy cheap models, and for ordinary PC users, you can use medium-priced pastes. Choose the best manufacturers and carefully read user reviews before buying thermal paste in the online store.