Best Thermal Paste for Overclocking to Boost Your CPU & GPU

Are you an overclocking enthusiast looking to take your system performance to the next level? Well, hold onto your thermal fans because I’ve got the ultimate guide for you. Finding the best thermal paste for overclocking can be a daunting task, but fear not, because I’ve done the research for you.

In this article, I’ll be sharing my in-depth analysis and personal experiences with the top contenders in the thermal paste arena. We’ll explore the ones that deliver exceptional heat dissipation, allowing you to push your CPU and GPU to their absolute limits. From maximizing clock speeds to achieving rock-solid stability, we’ll cover it all.

So, grab your liquid nitrogen, tighten those screws, and get ready to unleash the true potential of your rig. It’s time to dive into the world of overclocking and discover the best thermal pastes that will keep your system cool and performance soaring.

No more waiting – let’s get started!

Overview of the Best Thermal Pastes for Overclocking Your CPU & GPU

Comparison Table

Aspect	ARCTIC MX-6	Noctua NT-H1	Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut
Thermal Conductivity (W/m·K)	Improved composition	Optimal heat transfer	Very high conductivity (12.5)
Performance	20% better than MX-4	Lower temperatures compared to stock pastes	Outstanding results, top-performing
Application Method	Versatile application scenarios	Easy to apply, no spreading required	Specially constructed spatula included
Longevity	Up to 4-5 years	Long-term stability, recommended usage time up to 5 years	Long-lasting effectiveness, no drying out
Awards/Recommendations	Best Overall	Long-Lasting Pick	Highest-Performance Option
Pack Size	4g	3.5g for 3-20 applications (depending on CPU size)	11.1g, usable for up to 66 CPUs (depending on size)

Ranking List

Reviewing the Best Thermal Pastes for Overclocking On the Market

1. ARCTIC MX-6 – Best Overall

This ARCTIC MX-6 thermal paste has proven to be the best overall choice for my overclocking adventures. With its improved composition, it boasts a remarkable 20% better performance than its predecessor, the MX-4. The lower thermal resistance ensures efficient heat dissipation, keeping my CPU and GPU temperatures in check even during demanding overclocking sessions.

One of the standout features of the MX-6 is its risk-free application. Being non-conductive and non-capacitive, I can confidently apply it without worrying about short circuits or discharges that could potentially damage my components. Its versatile application makes it suitable for various scenarios, including direct-die cooling for GPUs and console processors.

The MX-6’s viscosity allows for easy and smooth spreading, ensuring optimal coverage and contact between the CPU/GPU and the heatsink. Additionally, ARCTIC’s 20 years of experience in the PC cooling market gives me peace of mind regarding the product’s quality and performance.

But it’s important to note that the MX-6 may not be the most budget-friendly option compared to some other thermal pastes on the market. Also, some users have reported that the paste tends to dry out over time, necessitating reapplication.

To sum up, the ARCTIC MX-6 has been my go-to thermal paste for overclocking due to its superior performance, risk-free application, and versatile usage. It ensures efficient heat transfer, mitigates the risk of electrical issues, and offers peace of mind with its authenticity check feature.

What I Liked

• 20% better performance than MX-4
• Risk-free application, non-conductive and non-capacitive
• Versatile for various application scenarios
• Authenticity check for genuine product

What I Disliked

• Relatively higher price
• May require reapplication over time.

2. Noctua NT-H1 – Long-Lasting Pick

When it comes to a long-lasting thermal paste for overclocking, the Noctua NT-H1 is my top choice. This premium-grade thermal compound has gained a stellar reputation for its exceptional heat-transfer capabilities, ensuring optimal cooling performance for both CPUs and GPUs. It has received over 150 awards and recommendations, a testament to its quality and effectiveness.

One of the standout features of the NT-H1 is its user-friendly application. Unlike some pastes, it doesn’t require spreading before installing the heatsink, making the process hassle-free. Cleaning is also a breeze, as it can be easily wiped off with a dry paper towel or tissue, eliminating the need for cleaning alcohol.

The NT-H1 is compatible with various cooling setups, including air and liquid coolers for CPUs, GPUs, gaming consoles, and laptops. It has proven to significantly lower temperatures compared to stock thermal pastes on popular hardware platforms like AMD Ryzen and Intel Core CPUs, as well as AMD Radeon and Nvidia GeForce GPUs.

Notably, Noctua’s reputation for quality and long-term stability shines through with the NT-H1. It is recommended for storage up to 3 years and can provide reliable thermal performance on the CPU for up to 5 years. With a 3.5g pack, you can expect around 3 to 20 applications depending on the CPU size.

What I Liked

• Exceptional heat transfer for optimal cooling
• Easy to apply and clean
• Compatible with various cooling setups
• Trusted Noctua quality with excellent long-term stability

What I Disliked

• Very limited quantity

3. Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut – Highest Performance

Last but not least, when it comes to achieving the highest performance in overclocking, the Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut is my go-to thermal paste. With its impressive thermal conductivity rating of 12.5W/(m·K), it excels in efficiently transferring heat, making it ideal for even the most demanding configurations.

The Kryonaut stands out for its user-friendly application. It comes with a specially constructed spatula, making it easy to spread the thermal grease evenly. This ensures optimal coverage and contact between the CPU or GPU and the heatsink.

What sets the Kryonaut apart is its long-lasting effectiveness. Its unique structure allows it to maintain its performance even at high temperatures of up to 80 degrees Celsius without drying out. This longevity ensures sustained cooling performance over time.

Using the Kryonaut yields outstanding results. It immediately lowers temperatures, reducing equipment noise and improving user comfort during intense overclocking sessions. Multiple tests have confirmed its top-performing nature, satisfying the highest quality criteria for both standard computer users and enthusiastic overclocking enthusiasts.

With its generous 11.1-gram pack, the Kryonaut provides enough thermal paste for multiple applications, making it usable for up to 66 CPUs, depending on their size.

What I Liked

• Very high thermal conductivity for superior heat transfer
• Easy to use with included spatula
• Long-lasting effectiveness even at high temperatures
• Outstanding results in temperature reduction and user comfort
• Top-performing option with proven quality

What I Disliked

• A bit pricey

Also, check out our guide on the best thermal pastes for Ryzen 5 5600 & 5600x, in case you have a Ryzen processor.

Does a Thermal Paste Help With Overclocking?

Yes, a high-quality thermal paste can significantly aid in the process of overclocking. Overclocking involves pushing the limits of your CPU and GPU to achieve higher clock speeds and performance. This increased performance generates more heat, which can lead to higher temperatures and potential stability issues.

A thermal paste acts as a medium between the CPU/GPU and the heatsink, filling in microscopic gaps and imperfections to ensure optimal heat transfer. By using a high-performance thermal paste with excellent thermal conductivity, you can enhance heat dissipation and lower temperatures.

Lower temperatures are crucial for successful overclocking, as they help maintain system stability and prevent thermal throttling. A well-applied thermal paste creates better contact between the heat-generating component and the heatsink, allowing heat to be efficiently transferred away from the CPU/GPU. This enables you to push your hardware to higher frequencies while keeping temperatures within safe limits.

Things to Consider When Choosing a Thermal Paste to Overclock Your Computer

Non-Conductive

When it comes to overclocking, it’s crucial to use non-conductive thermal pastes. Overclocking involves pushing the limits of your CPU and GPU by increasing voltage and clock speeds, which generates more heat. Non-conductive thermal pastes are formulated to provide effective heat transfer without the risk of electrical conductivity.

This is essential because overclocking already puts components under additional stress, and any conductive paste could potentially lead to short circuits and damage sensitive electronic pathways. By using non-conductive thermal pastes, you minimize the risk of electrical mishaps, ensuring the safety and longevity of your hardware while achieving optimal cooling performance during overclocking sessions.

We’ve rounded up the best non-conductive thermal pastes here.

Longevity

The longevity factor is alst important to consider when choosing a thermal paste for overclocking. Overclocking puts additional stress on the CPU and GPU, leading to higher temperatures and increased wear over time. Using a thermal paste with good longevity ensures that it maintains its effectiveness for an extended period.

A paste with a longer lifespan or recommended usage time can withstand prolonged heat and maintain optimal heat transfer capabilities. By selecting a thermal paste with good longevity, you can ensure that your overclocked components remain cool and stable, reducing the need for frequent reapplications and providing reliable performance throughout your overclocking journey.

Thermal Conductivity

Thermal conductivity is also a critical factor to consider when choosing a thermal paste for overclocking. Overclocking intensifies the heat generated by the CPU and GPU due to increased voltage and clock speeds. A thermal paste with high thermal conductivity efficiently transfers heat from these components to the heatsink, ensuring effective cooling.

With better thermal conductivity, the paste can dissipate heat faster, maintaining lower temperatures and improving overall stability during overclocking. This factor becomes increasingly significant as overclocking pushes the limits of your hardware. Choosing a thermal paste with high thermal conductivity enables better heat dissipation, minimizing the risk of overheating and maximizing the potential for higher overclocking performance.

Frequently Asked Questions