Thermal paste, thermal grease, grease cleaner and thermal pads for processor and graphics card cooling, suited to PC builders and anyone refitting a cooler or replacing dried-out compound. Our range of over 20 products includes Thermal Grizzly, ARCTIC, DeepCool and Akasa, plus StarTech and Lenovo.
How to choose thermal paste and pads
Paste or pad. Paste is spread in a very thin layer between a processor and its cooler, which gives the lowest thermal resistance when it is applied correctly. Pads are solid sheets that suit gaps between chips and a heatsink, such as memory or voltage regulators, where a gap needs bridging rather than filling thinly.
Thermal conductivity. Measured in W/m·K, a higher figure means the compound moves heat more easily. Products in our range list values from about 1 W/m·K up to 8.5 W/m·K. A mid-range paste is enough for a standard office or family PC, while overclocked processors and compact cases gain more from the higher end.
Thermal resistance. Some listings give this in °C/W, and here a lower figure is better. Values of 0.12 °C/W and 0.195 °C/W appear in our range. Compare it only between products that quote the same measurement, as manufacturers test in different ways.
Operating temperature range. Check that the compound is rated well above the temperatures your hardware reaches under load. Some products here are rated for 30 to 180 °C, others for -20 to 100 °C, which matters for equipment kept in cold garages or running hot for long periods.
Cleaning and safety. Old compound should be removed before new paste goes on, so a grease cleaner is a sensible addition to a first purchase. Check certifications such as RoHS or CE if you need them, and read the label on electrical conductivity before use near exposed circuitry.
Brands we carry
- Thermal Grizzly: a German brand known among PC enthusiasts for Kryonaut paste and its liquid metal compounds, and it has the largest presence in this category.
- ARCTIC: best known for the MX series of pastes, which are popular for being easy to spread and straightforward to use.
- DeepCool: a cooling specialist that makes air coolers and liquid coolers, so its paste suits those cooler upgrades.
- Akasa: a long-standing maker of cooling accessories and fans for PCs.
Also in our range: StarTech and Lenovo.
Thermal paste and pads FAQ
How often should I replace thermal paste?
Replace it whenever you remove the cooler, and otherwise when temperatures start to climb for no clear reason. Many quality pastes last several years in a desktop PC. Laptops that run hot can need a refresh sooner.
Is thermal paste better than a thermal pad?
Paste usually transfers heat better between a processor and its cooler because the layer is extremely thin. Pads are better where there is a visible gap to fill, such as over memory chips or power components. The two are used for different jobs rather than as direct replacements.
Do I need to remove the old paste first?
Yes, old paste should be wiped away before applying new compound. Leftover residue can trap air and reduce contact. A dedicated thermal grease cleaner or a lint-free cloth with isopropyl alcohol works well.
How much thermal paste should I use?
A small dot about the size of a pea in the centre of the processor is enough for most desktop chips. The cooler's pressure spreads it across the surface. Too much can squeeze out of the edges, while too little can leave areas uncovered.
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