Best Thermal Paste for MacBook Pro to Speed Up Your MacBook

Are you ready to take your MacBook Pro’s performance to the next level? Well, you’re in luck because I’ve got some insider knowledge on the best thermal pastes for your beloved MacBook Pro. Trust me, I’ve done all the research so you don’t have to. In this article, I’ll guide you through the world of thermal pastes and help you choose the perfect one to keep your MacBook Pro running cool, and efficient.

First things first, let’s talk about the importance of thermal pastes. They play a crucial role in ensuring optimal heat transfer between your MacBook Pro’s components, preventing overheating and potential damage. Whether you’re a tech-savvy professional or a casual user, finding the right thermal paste is essential for maintaining your laptop’s longevity and performance.

So, get ready to discover the top thermal pastes that will make your MacBook Pro purr like a contented cat. From high-performance options to budget-friendly choices, I’ve got you covered. Let’s dive in and explore the best thermal pastes available for your MacBook Pro’s needs!

Overview of the Top MacBook Pro Thermal Pastes

Comparison Table

Thermal Paste	Thermal Conductivity (W/m·K)	Ease of Application	Check Price
Corsair TM30	3.8	Easy	Check on Amazon
Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut	12.5	Medium	Check on Amazon
Noctua NT-H1	Not specified	Medium	Check on Amazon
CoolerCube Thermal Paste	12.8	Medium	Check on Amazon
ARCTIC MX-4	Not specified	Easy	Check on Amazon

Ranking List

1. Corsair TM30 – Best Overall

Corsair TM30 takes the top spot due to its premium zinc oxide composition, optimal thermal performance, improved CPU cooling, and easy installation with included application stencil and spreader.

2. Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut – Most High-Performance

Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut earns its high-performance title with exceptional thermal conductivity, easy application with the included spatula, outstanding results, and suitability for demanding configurations.

3. Noctua NT-H1 – Long-Lasting Pick

Noctua NT-H1 is a long-lasting pick thanks to its renowned quality, excellent long-term stability, ease of application without spreading, and compatibility with a wide range of CPUs and GPUs.

4. CoolerCube Thermal Paste – Best Easy to Apply

CoolerCube Thermal Paste stands out for its balance of high thermal conductivity and viscosity, ensuring easy application, enhanced wettability, and efficient heat dissipation.

5. ARCTIC MX-4 – Most Versatile

ARCTIC MX-4 earns the title of most versatile with its well-proven quality, excellent thermal conductivity, safe application, authenticity verification, and user-friendly consistency suitable for beginners.

Reviewing the Best Thermal Pastes for MacBook Pro

1. Corsair TM30 – Best Overall

I recently got my hands on the Corsair TM30 thermal paste, and let me tell you, it’s the best overall thermal paste for MacBook Pro owners like me. This premium zinc oxide-based compound has truly impressed me with its optimal thermal performance, ensuring my CPU and GPU stay cool even during intense tasks.

One of the standout features of this thermal paste is its ultra-low thermal impedance, which effectively reduces CPU temperatures compared to other common thermal pastes. This means my MacBook Pro runs at lower temperatures, allowing for better overall performance and longevity.

Installation was a breeze, thanks to the included application stencil and spreader. It took the guesswork out of applying the paste to my CPU cooler, ensuring an even and efficient distribution. Plus, the low-viscosity nature of the paste allowed it to effortlessly fill microscopic abrasions and channels, maximizing thermal transfer.

What I love most about the Corsair TM30 is its long service life. Unlike some other thermal pastes I’ve used in the past, this one has shown no signs of drying, cracking, or changes in consistency over time. It has truly proven to be a reliable and durable choice.

However, it’s important to note a couple of downsides. Firstly, the thermal paste may be a bit on the expensive side compared to other options in the market. Also, some users have reported that it takes a little longer to cure compared to other thermal pastes.

In summary, the Corsair TM30 is a fantastic choice for MacBook Pro owners looking to optimize their CPU and GPU cooling. Its premium performance, easy installation, longevity, and efficient thermal transfer make it a standout thermal paste. Just keep in mind the slightly higher price tag and longer curing time as minor considerations.

What I Liked

• Optimal thermal performance
• Easy installation with included stencil and spreader
• Long service life with no drying or cracking
• Efficiently fills microscopic abrasions for peak thermal transfer

What I Disliked

• Relatively higher price
• Longer curing time

2. Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut – Most High-Performance

Here I’ve got another incredible thermal paste for MacBook Pro and let me tell you, it’s the most high-performance option out there. If you’re a MacBook Pro owner looking to push your machine to its limits, this is the thermal paste for you.

One of the standout features of the Kryonaut is its incredibly high thermal conductivity, boasting an impressive 12.5W/(m·K). This makes it perfect for demanding configurations, ensuring efficient heat transfer even under heavy workloads.

The included specially constructed spatula for spreading the thermal grease made the application process a breeze. It allowed for easy and precise distribution, ensuring optimal coverage on my CPU.

What really impressed me about the Kryonaut is its long-lasting effectiveness. Its unique structure allows it to remain effective even at temperatures up to 80 degrees Celsius without drying out. This means I can rely on its performance for extended periods without worrying about degradation.

Using the Kryonaut immediately resulted in lower temperatures for my MacBook Pro. This not only reduced equipment noise but also improved my overall user comfort during intensive tasks.

The Kryonaut has been tested and confirmed as a top-performing thermal paste, meeting the highest quality criteria for both standard computer users and enthusiastic overclocking fans. And with 5.55 grams of product, it’s enough to cover up to 33 CPUs, depending on the size of your DIY projects.

However, it’s worth mentioning that the Kryonaut is on the pricier side compared to other thermal pastes. Moreover, some users have reported that it can be a bit challenging to spread due to its thicker consistency.

In summary, the Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut is the go-to thermal paste for MacBook Pro owners seeking exceptional performance. Its high thermal conductivity, ease of use, long-lasting effectiveness, and outstanding results make it a top choice. Just be mindful of its higher price point and the slightly thicker consistency during application.

What I Liked

• Very high thermal conductivity
• Easy to use with included spatula
• Long-lasting effectiveness even at high temperatures
• Immediate temperature reduction for improved user comfort

What I Disliked

• Higher price compared to other options
• Slightly thicker consistency may be challenging to spread

If you have an Xbox 360, see our guide on the best Xbox 360 thermal pastes to find a decent paste for your console.

3. Noctua NT-H1 – Long-Lasting Pick

The Noctua NT-H1 thermal paste is a fantastic long-lasting pick for MacBook Pro owners. This premium-grade thermal compound has received over 150 awards and recommendations, and it certainly lives up to the hype.

One of the standout features of the NT-H1 is its optimal heat transfer capabilities. Whether you’re using it on your CPU or GPU, this thermal paste ensures efficient heat transfer from the processor to the heatsink. The result is lower temperatures and improved overall performance.

Applying the NT-H1 is a breeze. Unlike some other thermal pastes, there’s no need to spread it before installing the heatsink. Additionally, it’s easy to clean with a dry paper towel or tissue, eliminating the need for cleaning alcohol.

What impressed me most about the NT-H1 is its versatility. It’s suitable for both air and liquid coolers, making it a great choice for various setups, including DIY or all-in-one solutions. It can significantly lower temperatures compared to stock thermal pastes on a wide range of systems, including AMD Ryzen and Intel Core CPUs, AMD Radeon and Nvidia GeForce GPUs, as well as gaming consoles like PS4/PS5 and Xbox, and even laptops.

Noctua is known for its trusted quality, and the NT-H1 is no exception. It offers excellent long-term stability, with a recommended storage time of up to 3 years and a recommended usage time on the CPU of up to 5 years. This ensures reliable performance over an extended period.

With a 10g pack, you’ll have plenty of thermal paste for multiple applications. Depending on the size of your CPU, you can expect to get around 9 to 60 applications from a single pack.

However, it’s important to note that the NT-H1 may not provide the absolute highest thermal conductivity compared to some other high-performance options on the market. Apart from that, the lack of a spreading tool may require some extra care during application to ensure even coverage.

In summary, the Noctua NT-H1 is a fantastic long-lasting thermal paste for MacBook Pro owners. Its renowned quality, easy application and cleaning, temperature-lowering capabilities, and versatile usage make it an excellent choice. Just keep in mind the slightly lower thermal conductivity compared to some competitors and the need for careful application.

What I Liked

• Optimal heat transfer for improved performance
• Easy to apply and clean
• Suitable for various systems and coolers
• Trusted Noctua quality with long-term stability

What I Disliked

• Slightly lower thermal conductivity compared to some competitors
• Requires careful application without a spreading tool

4. CoolerCube Thermal Paste – Best Easy to Apply

The CoolerCube Thermal Paste is a unique performer that offers some impressive features for MacBook Pro owners. With a high thermal conductivity of 12.8 W/m.K, this thermal paste strikes a balance between thermal resistance and viscosity, resulting in enhanced wettability and improved thermal conductivity. It ensures that heat is dissipated quickly and efficiently, keeping your MacBook Pro running cool.

One of the standout features of the CoolerCube is its safe application. It is non-volatile, flame retardant, metal-free, and non-conductive. This eliminates the risk of short circuits and discharges, as well as corrosion damage to the radiator bottom. You can have peace of mind knowing that your MacBook Pro is protected.

Durability is another area where the CoolerCube shines. It is a high stability and reliability polysynthetic thermal compound that can last for at least 5 years without the need for additional applications. This means you can rely on its performance and longevity for an extended period.

The CoolerCube is easy to use and suitable for beginners. It can be widely used for CPUs, GPUs, coolers, IC processors, heatsinks, and DIY heat dissipation devices. Whether you’re a novice or experienced user, you’ll find it user-friendly and effective in optimizing thermal performance.

With the CoolerCube, you’ll get 2 grams of silicon thermal compound, along with a spatula, scraper, and clean packaging. Additionally, the company offers refund or replacement services if the delivery is damaged, ensuring customer satisfaction.

However, it’s important to note that the thermal conductivity of the CoolerCube is slightly lower compared to some other high-performance thermal pastes on the market. Also, the package size of 2 grams may not be sufficient for multiple applications, depending on the size of your projects.

In summary, the CoolerCube Thermal Paste offers unique performance and notable features for MacBook Pro owners. Its high thermal conductivity, safe application, high durability, and ease of use make it a solid choice. Just keep in mind the slightly lower thermal conductivity compared to some competitors and the package size for potential limitations.

What I Liked

• High thermal conductivity for efficient heat dissipation
• Safe application with non-volatile and non-conductive properties
• High durability for long-lasting performance
• Easy to use and suitable for beginners

What I Disliked

• Slightly lower thermal conductivity compared to some competitors
• Package size of 2 grams may be limiting for larger projects

If you have PS3, see our guide on the best PS3 thermal pastes to find a decent paste for your gaming console.

5. ARCTIC MX-4 – Most Versatile

Last but not least, the ARCTIC MX-4 thermal paste is a well-proven quality option that lives up to its reputation. While the design of the packaging may have changed over time, the formula of the composition has remained unchanged, ensuring a consistently high-quality product.

One of the standout features of the MX-4 is its excellent performance. Made of carbon microparticles, this thermal paste guarantees extremely high thermal conductivity. This means that heat from your MacBook Pro’s CPU/GPU is dissipated quickly and efficiently, resulting in optimal cooling performance.

Safety is a top priority with the MX-4. It is metal-free and non-electrical conductive, eliminating any risks of causing short circuits. This adds an extra layer of protection for your CPU and VGA cards, giving you peace of mind during operation.

ARCTIC takes authenticity seriously, and with the MX-4, you can verify the authenticity of every single product through their Authenticity Check. This ensures that you’re getting a genuine and reliable thermal paste.

Application of the MX-4 is a breeze. It has an ideal consistency that makes it very easy to use, even for beginners. You can achieve a smooth and even application, maximizing the effectiveness of the thermal paste.

However, it’s important to note that the MX-4 may have slightly lower thermal conductivity compared to some other high-performance options on the market. Apart from that, some users have reported that it may require more frequent reapplication over time for optimal performance.

In summary, the ARCTIC MX-4 is a well-proven quality thermal paste for MacBook Pro owners. Its excellent performance, safe application, authenticity verification, and ease of use make it a reliable choice. Just keep in mind the slightly lower thermal conductivity and the potential need for more frequent reapplication.

What I Liked

• Well-proven quality with unchanged formula
• Excellent thermal conductivity for efficient heat dissipation
• Safe application with metal-free and non-electrical conductive properties
• Authenticity verification for genuine products

What I Disliked

• Slightly lower thermal conductivity compared to some competitors
• May require more frequent reapplication

Things to Consider When Buying a Thermal Paste for MacBook Pro

Thermal Conductivity

When selecting a thermal paste for your MacBook Pro, one crucial factor to consider is thermal conductivity. Thermal conductivity measures the paste’s ability to transfer heat effectively. A higher thermal conductivity rating indicates better heat dissipation. For optimal performance, I recommend choosing a thermal paste with a thermal conductivity value of at least 3 W/m·K or higher. This ensures efficient heat transfer, resulting in lower temperatures and improved overall cooling performance for your MacBook Pro’s processor and GPU.

Longevity and Durability

When choosing a thermal paste for your MacBook Pro, longevity and durability are also key considerations. Opting for a thermal paste with excellent longevity ensures that it will maintain its thermal properties and effectiveness over an extended period. Look for thermal pastes that offer durability for at least 3-5 years of reliable performance without significant degradation. This ensures that you won’t need to frequently reapply the paste, saving you time and effort while maintaining optimal heat dissipation and temperature management for your MacBook Pro.

Quantity

Last but not least, when selecting a thermal paste for your MacBook Pro, considering the quantity is important. The quantity of thermal paste provided in a package determines how many applications you can get from it. Look for thermal pastes that offer an adequate amount for multiple uses, typically ranging from 2 grams to 10 grams. This ensures that you have enough paste to cover your CPU and GPU adequately and potentially allows for future reapplications if needed. Be mindful of the quantity provided to ensure you have enough for your intended usage and potential future needs.

If you have a Ryzen processor too, see our guide on the best Ryzen 5 5600 & 5600x thermal pastes to find a decent paste for your processor.

Frequently Asked Questions