Best Thermal Pad for GPU to Speed Up Your Graphic Card!

Are you ready to take your GPU cooling game to the next level? Well, look no further because I’ve got the perfect solution for you. In today’s blog post, I’ll be sharing my top picks for the best thermal pads for GPUs that will keep your graphics card running cool and performing at its peak.

We all know that heat is the nemesis of gaming performance, causing dreaded thermal throttling and reduced lifespan. But worry not, as I’ve researched, tested, and compared various thermal pads to bring you the crème de la crème. Whether you’re a hardcore gamer, a content creator, or a casual user, I’ve got you covered.

So let’s dive in and discover the ultimate thermal pad that will revolutionize your GPU cooling experience!

Overview of the Best Thermal Pads for GPU

Reviewing the Best Thermal Pads for Graphics Card Heatsink

1. Outus Thermal Pad – Best Overall

I recently got my hands on the Outus Thermal Pad, and let me tell you, it has completely transformed my GPU cooling experience. In my opinion, this thermal pad takes the crown as the best overall choice for cooling your graphics card.

One of the standout features of this thermal pad is its impressive thermal conductivity. Made from high-quality thermal silica gel material, it boasts a thermal conductivity of 6.0 walt, which means it excels at transferring heat efficiently between electronic components. The result? My GPU temperature dropped significantly within seconds of applying this thermal pad.

Safety and stability are also key benefits of the Outus Thermal Pad. It offers electrical insulation and can withstand extreme temperatures ranging from -40 degrees Centigrade to 200 degrees Centigrade without melting. Additionally, it is wear-proof, anti-static, and fire retardant, providing reliable and long-lasting performance.

The suitable size of the thermal pads, approximately 2.6 x 0.8 inches, makes them versatile and suitable for filling contact surface gaps. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned professional, these pads are easy to work with and offer a hassle-free installation process.

While the Outus Thermal Pad excels in many aspects, it’s important to note a couple of downsides. Firstly, it might require trimming to fit specific GPU models accurately. Moreover, some users have reported that the thermal pad’s thickness can be inconsistent in certain batches.

What I Liked

• Impressive thermal conductivity for efficient heat transfer
• Offers safety and stability with electrical insulation and high-temperature resistance
• Suitable size and easy to install for both beginners and professionals
• Versatile application, replacing traditional heat sink compound grease paste

What I Disliked

• Requires trimming to fit specific GPU models accurately
• Inconsistent thickness reported in some batches

2. OwlTree Thermal Pad – Excellent Thermal Conductivity

When it comes to exceptional thermal conductivity, the OwlTree Thermal Pad reigns supreme. This thermal pad is a standout choice for those seeking top-notch heat transfer for their GPUs. With a thermal conductivity rating of 12.8 W/mK, it outperforms standard thermal pads by a significant margin.

One of the key advantages of the OwlTree Thermal Pad is its reliability and durability. Rated with a voltage capacity of up to 9.8KV, it ensures safe and efficient performance. Additionally, it boasts impressive qualities such as being non-toxic, odorless, anti-corrosion, wear-resistant, anti-static, fire retardant, and compression-resistant. These features make it a highly dependable option, as it offers good insulation and can come in contact with electrical traces without causing any damage.

This thermal pad finds its application in a wide range of electronic and electrical products, including control boards, motors, appliances, automotive machinery, computer hosts, notebooks, DVDs, VCDs, and any other materials that require efficient heat dissipation and cooling modules.

The OwlTree Thermal Pad also offers convenience and affordability. With dimensions of 100x100mm, it can be easily cut to the desired size to suit your specific needs. The package includes three pads with thicknesses of 0.5mm, 1mm, and 1.5mm, providing versatility to meet various requirements.

What I Liked

• Excellent thermal conductivity of 12.8 W/mK for superior heat transfer
• Reliable and durable with a high voltage rating and multiple protective qualities
• Wide range of applications in electronic and electrical products
• Convenient and affordable, with the ability to cut according to your needs

What I Disliked

• A bit pricey

3. Aairhut Thermal Pad – Best Easy-to-Use

If you’re looking for an easy-to-use thermal pad that delivers excellent cooling performance, look no further than the Aairhut Thermal Pad. This thermal pad stands out for its ability to cool down your electronic components effectively within seconds. With a thermal conductivity of 13W/mK, it significantly improves heat transfer and ensures optimal temperature reduction. Additionally, it offers insulation, shock absorption, and provides extra sealing and protection for your electronic elements.

The Aairhut Thermal Pad is designed for hassle-free usage. With dimensions of 100 x 100mm and a slightly sticky surface on both sides, it can be easily cut to fit your customized demands. Simply tear off the protective film, paste it onto the desired surface, and you’re good to go. The soft and compressible thermal material allows for a 30-40% compression rate, making it a perfect substitute for traditional radiator compound grease.

When it comes to reliability and safety, the Aairhut Thermal Pad shines. It exhibits high temperature resistance, performing flawlessly within a wide range of temperatures from -40℃ to 200℃. Furthermore, it is non-toxic, odorless, anti-corrosion, anti-static, flame-retardant, and provides good insulation. The silicone thermal pad has a breakdown voltage of over 10KV, ensuring that it won’t be damaged when in contact with any electronic element. It is also ROHS certified, making it an environmentally friendly choice.

The versatility of the Aairhut Thermal Pad is another notable feature. It can be applied to a wide range of electronic components and cooling modules, including electronics PCB surfaces, controllers, CPUs, GPUs, radiators, power supplies, graphics cards, game consoles, car electrical appliances, and more.

What I Liked

• Excellent thermal conductivity of 13W/mK for rapid heat transfer
• Easy to use with customizable dimensions and sticky surfaces
• Reliable and safe with high temperature resistance and protective features
• Wide application for various electronic components and cooling modules

What I Disliked

• Could be a bit more effective

4. ARCTIC TP-3 – Highest-Performance

When it comes to maximizing thermal performance, the ARCTIC TP-3 takes the lead. This thermal pad is designed to minimize thermal resistance, ensuring optimal heat transfer between electronic components. Its impressive compression properties and soft heat conduction make it an excellent heat conductor, surpassing high-performance pads, especially in cases of closely spaced chips with height differences.

The ARCTIC TP-3 offers versatility in its applications. It serves as a heat-conducting, vibration-damping, and moldable solution. Additionally, it provides electrical insulation, making it suitable for a wide range of uses. Whether it’s RAM, chipsets, or ICs in PCs, laptops, consoles, or graphic cards, this thermal pad can be easily cut to the desired size to fit various components perfectly.

Safety is a top priority with the ARCTIC TP-3. The pad is free from metal particles, ensuring it is electrically insulating and non-capacitive. This feature guarantees safe handling, as contact with electrical parts will not cause any damage or issues.

What I Liked

• Minimizes thermal resistance for optimal heat transfer
• High-performance properties, especially for height differences in closely spaced chips
• Versatile applications, including heat conduction, vibration damping, and electrical insulation
• Safe handling, free from metal particles and electrically insulating

What I Disliked

• A bit pricey

5. Gelid Solutions – Non-Toxic Pick

Last but not least, when it comes to a non-toxic thermal pad with excellent heat conductivity, the Gelid Solutions thermal pad is a top pick. This pad offers ultimate heat conductivity, ensuring efficient heat transfer between electronic components. What sets it apart is its non-electrical conductive and non-corrosive properties, making it safe to use without the risk of electrical issues or component damage.

With a density of 2.8 g/cm3 and a hardness of 35 OO (Shore), the Gelid Solutions thermal pad strikes a balance between flexibility and stability. This allows for easy installation and ensures optimal contact between the pad and the components.

The size of the pad is 80 x 40 x 2mm, providing ample coverage for most applications. Its dimensions make it versatile and suitable for a wide range of electronic components, including CPUs, GPUs, chipsets, and more.

With a thermal conductivity of 12 W/mK, this pad excels in effectively transferring heat away from the components. This high thermal conductivity ensures that your hardware stays cool, maximizing performance and longevity.

What I Liked

• Ultimate heat conductivity for efficient heat transfer
• Non-electrical conductive and non-corrosive, ensuring safety
• Balanced density and hardness for easy installation and optimal contact
• Versatile size suitable for various electronic components

What I Disliked

• Not that affordable
• Requires trimming to fit your GPU

Things to Consider When Choosing a Thermal Pad for Your GPU

Thermal Conductivity

When selecting a thermal pad for your GPU, one crucial factor to consider is thermal conductivity. Thermal conductivity refers to the material’s ability to conduct and transfer heat efficiently. A thermal pad with high thermal conductivity ensures that heat generated by the GPU is effectively dissipated, preventing overheating and potential damage.

Remember, the higher the thermal conductivity value, the better the pad’s ability to transfer heat. A good thermal conductivity range for a thermal pad is typically between 6 to 12 W/mK. Choosing a thermal pad with sufficient thermal conductivity ensures optimal cooling performance and helps maintain the longevity and stability of your GPU.

Ease of Installation

When choosing a thermal pad for your GPU, ease of installation is also an important consideration. Opting for a thermal pad that offers easy installation can save you time and effort. Look for pads that come in pre-cut shapes or sizes that align with your GPU’s components, as this eliminates the need for additional cutting or trimming.

Moreover, thermal pads with adhesive properties simplify the installation process by securely holding the pad in place. Easy installation ensures a hassle-free experience, especially for users who may not have much experience with GPU maintenance. By selecting a thermal pad that offers ease of installation, you can ensure a smooth and efficient cooling solution for your GPU.

Size and Thickness

Last but not least, size and thickness are also crucial considerations when selecting a thermal pad for your GPU. The size of the pad should be compatible with the surface area of your GPU’s components, ensuring proper coverage and heat transfer. It’s important to choose a thermal pad that matches the specific dimensions of your GPU to maximize its effectiveness.

Apart from that, the thickness of the pad plays a role in achieving optimal thermal conductivity. A pad that is too thick may impede proper contact between the GPU and the heat sink, while one that is too thin may not provide sufficient thermal transfer. Selecting the right size and thickness ensures an ideal fit, allowing for efficient heat dissipation and optimal GPU performance.

Frequently Asked Questions