Best Thermal Pad for NVIDIA RTX 3090 to Boost Your Graphics!

So, you’ve got yourself a mighty RTX 3090 graphics card, and now you’re on a quest for the best thermal pad to keep that powerhouse running cool. Well, fear not, fellow gaming enthusiasts, because I’ve got you covered. In this article, I’ll be diving deep into the world of thermal pads specifically tailored for the almighty RTX 3090.

Picture this: You’re in the middle of an intense gaming session, your 3090 working overtime to deliver mind-blowing visuals, but suddenly, things start to heat up – quite literally. That’s where a top-notch thermal pad comes into play, ensuring optimal heat dissipation and maintaining your GPU’s temperature in the sweet spot.

Join me as we explore the top contenders in the realm of thermal pads for the RTX 3090, uncovering their heat-conducting prowess, ease of application, and compatibility. Whether you’re a seasoned overclocker or a casual gamer, I’ll help you find the perfect thermal pad to unleash the full potential of your RTX 3090 and keep it running cool, even under the most demanding gaming sessions.

That said, let’s dive in!

Overview of the Best Thermal Pads for RTX 3090

Reviewing the Best RTX 3090 Thermal Pads

1. Gelid Solutions Thermal Pad – Best Overall

I recently got my hands on the Gelid Solutions Thermal Pad for my RTX 3090, and I must say, it has exceeded my expectations. This thermal pad boasts some impressive features that make it a top choice for GPU enthusiasts like me.

First and foremost, the ultimate heat conductivity of 12 W/mK ensures efficient heat transfer from my GPU, keeping it cool even during intense gaming sessions. I no longer have to worry about thermal throttling affecting my performance.

Another standout feature is its non-electrical conductive nature, offering peace of mind knowing that it won’t cause any short circuits or damage to my precious GPU. Additionally, being non-corrosive, non-curing, and non-toxic, it ensures a safe and worry-free experience.

The Gelid Solutions Thermal Pad’s density of 2.8 g/cm3 and hardness of 35 OO provide excellent stability and durability. It maintains its shape and properties over time, offering long-lasting thermal performance.

While this thermal pad has many positives, it’s important to mention a couple of downsides. Firstly, the 80 x 40 x 2 mm size may not fit all GPU models perfectly, requiring some trimming or adjustments. Moreover, some users have reported that it can be slightly challenging to remove if re-application is needed.

To sum up, the Gelid Solutions Thermal Pad is undoubtedly the best overall choice for my RTX 3090. Its outstanding heat conductivity, non-electrical conductive nature, and excellent durability make it a must-have for GPU owners. Just keep in mind the potential sizing and removal challenges.

What I Liked

• Ultimate heat conductivity
• Non-electrical conductive
• Durable and long-lasting
• Safe and non-toxic

What I Disliked

• Sizing may require adjustments
• Removal can be challenging

2. OwlTree Thermal Pad – Most Efficient

Here we have another incredible thermal pad for RTX 3090. Made of thermal silica gel, it boasts a heat conductivity rating of 6.0 W/mK, ensuring efficient heat transfer and keeping my GPU cool under heavy loads.

One of the standout features is its reliability and durability. With a high-temperature performance range of -40 ℃ to 200 ℃, it won’t melt or degrade, making it a reliable option for demanding environments. Plus, it’s non-toxic, odorless, anti-corrosion, wear-resistant, anti-static, fire retardant, and offers excellent compression and insulation. I felt confident knowing it wouldn’t cause any damage or compromise the safety of my GPU.

The versatility of this thermal pad is worth mentioning. It finds application in various electronic and electrical products, control boards, motors, appliances, automotive machinery, and more. It’s a great choice for filling and cooling modules in computer hosts, notebook computers, DVDs, and VCDs.

The thermal pads’ dimensions of 100x100mm offer convenience, allowing for easy customization. With thickness options of 0.5mm, 1mm, 1.5mm, and 2mm, you can choose the perfect fit for your specific needs.

In terms of affordability, the package includes four thermal pads, each with different thicknesses (0.5mm, 1mm, 1.5mm, and 2mm). This provides excellent value for money and ensures you have the right options available.

What I Liked

• Excellent thermal conductivity
• Reliable and durable
• Versatile application
• Convenient dimensions and thickness options

What I Disliked

• None identified in my experience

Also, check out our guide on the best thermal pads for CPU if you’re looking to apply one to your processor too.

3. ARCTIC TP-3 – Best Thermal Conductivity

Last but not least, the Arctic thermal paste is another great option for RTX 3090 graphics cards. After thoroughly testing it, I’m sure that it truly lives up to its reputation as the best thermal conductivity option.

The primary highlight of this pad is its exceptional ability to minimize thermal resistance. Its thinness allows for lower thermal resistance, resulting in efficient heat transfer. Moreover, the pad’s softness and good compression properties ensure optimal heat conduction, making it an excellent performer.

The ARCTIC TP-3 offers versatility in its applications. It serves as a heat-conducting, vibration-damping, and electrically insulating pad, making it suitable for various components such as RAM, chipsets, and ICs in PCs, laptops, consoles, and graphic cards. Furthermore, it can be easily cut to size, allowing for a customized fit.

Safety is another significant advantage of this thermal pad. It contains no metal particles, making it electrically insulating and non-capacitive. This means it can safely come into contact with electrical parts without causing any damage or risks.

Last but not least, the ARCTIC TP-3 thermal pad excels in thermal conductivity. Its ability to minimize thermal resistance, versatility in applications, and safe handling make it an outstanding choice for cooling various components. It’s a reliable and efficient solution for optimizing heat dissipation and maintaining optimal temperatures.

What I Liked

• Minimizes thermal resistance
• Versatile applications
• Safe handling with no risk of damage
• High-performance heat conduction

What I Disliked

• Could be a bit cheaper

Things to Consider When Choosing a Thermal Pad for Your RTX 3090

Thermal Conductivity

Thermal conductivity is a crucial factor to consider when choosing a thermal pad for your RTX 3090. A thermal pad with high thermal conductivity enables efficient heat transfer from the GPU to the cooling solution. This means that heat generated by the GPU can be dissipated quickly, resulting in lower temperatures and improved overall performance.

By selecting a thermal pad with high thermal conductivity, you can ensure that your RTX 3090 operates at optimal temperatures, reducing the risk of thermal throttling and potential performance degradation. This not only helps maintain stable and consistent performance but also extends the lifespan of your GPU.

Thickness

When selecting a thermal pad for your RTX 3090, the thickness is also an important consideration. Different GPU models and cooling solutions may necessitate specific thicknesses for optimal contact and heat dissipation. It is important to ensure compatibility with your GPU and cooling setup by choosing the appropriate thickness.

A thermal pad that is too thin may result in insufficient contact, reducing heat transfer efficiency. Conversely, a pad that is too thick may create uneven pressure and hinder heat dissipation. By selecting the right thickness, you can ensure proper contact and maximize the thermal performance of your RTX 3090, keeping it cool and operating at its best.

Also, check out our guide on the best thermal pads for GPU to explore my top GPU thermal pads.

Longevity

Also, consider longevity when choosing a thermal pad for your RTX 3090. Opt for a thermal pad that is durable and designed to withstand continuous use over time. A high-quality thermal pad will maintain its thermal conductivity and performance over an extended period, ensuring consistent heat dissipation.

Look for thermal pads that are resistant to drying out, hardening, or degrading under high temperatures. Longevity is essential to ensure that the thermal pad continues to provide effective heat transfer and protection for your RTX 3090 throughout its lifespan. By selecting a reliable and long-lasting thermal pad, you can enhance the longevity and reliability of your GPU while maintaining optimal temperatures.

Frequently Asked Questions