Thermal Paste

Whether you're building a custom PC, replacing a cooler, or refreshing an older system, choosing the best thermal paste for CPU or GPU performance can make a measurable difference. Options range from standard thermal grease for CPUs to high-performance thermal gel for GPUs, with differences in viscosity, conductivity, and longevity.

What is thermal paste?

Thermal paste, also known as thermal compound, thermal grease, CPU paste, or heatsink paste, is a material used to improve heat transfer between your processor or GPU and its heatsink. By filling tiny gaps between surfaces, it helps prevent overheating and ensures efficient cooling performance.

Do you need thermal paste for a CPU?

Yes—CPU thermal paste is essential whenever you install or replace a CPU cooler. Without it, the heat generated by your processor can’t transfer effectively to the heatsink, leading to higher temperatures and potential system instability. Whether you're building a PC from scratch or upgrading a cooler, always apply fresh computer thermal paste for optimal performance.

Best thermal paste options for CPUs and GPUs

Shoppers often ask, “What is the best thermal paste for CPUs or GPUs?” The answer depends on your system and usage:

• Standard thermal grease offers reliable conductivity for everyday builds.
• High-performance thermal compounds are ideal for gaming rigs or overclocked systems.
• Thermal gel for CPUs provides easy application with consistent results.
• GPU thermal paste helps extend the life of graphics cards and improve frame stability.

Look for specs like thermal conductivity (measured in W/mK), ease of application, and longevity.

When should you replace thermal paste?

Thermal paste degrades over time. It’s recommended to reapply every 2–3 years or anytime you remove the heatsink. Symptoms like rising temps, fan noise, or thermal throttling can be signs it’s time to clean and reapply PC thermal paste.

Related terms and what they mean

When shopping for CPU thermal paste, you may also see terms like:

• Thermal paste: The most common term. It’s applied between your CPU or GPU and the heatsink to help transfer heat more effectively.
• CPU thermal paste: Thermal paste made specifically for use with processors. Essential when installing or replacing a CPU cooler.
• Thermal compound / heatsink compound: Alternative names for thermal paste. These are often used in product specs and serve the same purpose—improving contact between your chip and heatsink.
• Thermal grease / heatsink paste: A softer, spreadable version of thermal paste. It’s easy to apply and fills tiny gaps between surfaces for better cooling.

All refer to materials designed to transfer heat away from key components like CPUs and GPUs.

Find the right thermal paste for your build

Whether you need high-end thermal paste for gaming, budget-friendly options, or easy-apply thermal gel for laptops, there’s a wide selection available to match your build and performance needs. Browse trusted brands and find the right solution to keep your system cool and stable.