Thermal greases and cooling accessories for CPUs and graphics cards, mainly thermal pastes plus related items for fitting and maintaining coolers. It suits PC builders, upgraders and anyone replacing dried-out paste under an existing cooler. Leading brands in our range include Thermal Grizzly, Deepcool, Gamemax and Arctic, with Noctua and Qoltec also well represented.
How to choose thermal grease
Type of compound. Most pastes are non-conductive ceramic or metal-oxide compounds, which are the safest option for general use and for first-time builders. Liquid metal conducts electricity and can short components if it spills, and it should not be used on bare aluminium surfaces, so keep it for experienced users.
Paste or pad. Paste suits the thin gap between a processor lid or graphics chip and a cooler base. Thermal pads are meant for larger or uneven gaps, such as memory chips and voltage regulators on graphics cards, and they come in set thicknesses that must match the gap.
Thermal performance and ease of use. Manufacturers quote thermal conductivity, but the figures are measured differently between brands and should not be compared too literally. Reviews and the manufacturer's intended use count for more. A thicker paste is harder to spread, while a softer one is easier to apply and clean.
Quantity and packaging. Small syringes cover a few applications on a desktop processor. Larger tubes make sense if you build or repair several PCs, or if you need to cover a bigger surface such as a workstation processor.
Spreaders and cleaning supplies. A spatula, spreader or cleaning wipes make a tidy application easier. Check whether the product already includes them before buying them separately.
Brands in this category
- Thermal Grizzly: German brand known for the Kryonaut paste and Conductonaut liquid metal, popular with overclockers.
- Deepcool: best known for CPU air coolers, liquid coolers and PC cases, so its accessories fit naturally alongside its coolers.
- Gamemax: makes gaming cases, power supplies and fans, and also offers cooling accessories for budget-minded builds.
- Arctic: known for the MX series of non-conductive pastes and for quiet case fans and coolers.
- Noctua: Austrian cooling specialist, whose NT-H1 and NT-H2 pastes are usually supplied with its coolers.
- Qoltec: Polish brand of computer and power accessories, with cooling consumables among them.
- Zalman: Korean brand with a long record in CPU coolers.
Also in our range: Thermal Hero, Savio, Kolink, Polartherm and Rampage.
Thermal paste FAQ
How often should thermal paste be replaced?
Thermal paste is usually replaced every few years, or whenever the cooler is removed. Replace it sooner if processor temperatures rise noticeably without any change in workload. Quality pastes can last longer, but they can dry out or pump out from the gap over time.
Is liquid metal thermal paste safe?
Liquid metal is safe when applied carefully, but it carries more risk than ordinary paste. It conducts electricity, so any spill on nearby contacts or components can cause damage. It can also react with aluminium, so it is best left to experienced users with compatible copper or nickel-plated surfaces.
How much thermal paste should I use?
A pea-sized dot in the centre of the processor is enough for most desktop chips. Pressure from the cooler spreads it into a thin layer. Too much does not improve cooling and can squeeze out over the socket.
Should I use thermal paste or thermal pads?
Use paste between a processor or graphics chip and its cooler, and pads where the gap is wider or uneven. Pads are common on graphics card memory and power components. Choose a pad thickness that matches the gap, because one that is too thin leaves an air gap and one that is too thick stops the cooler seating properly.
