Finding the best thermal paste for your build comes down to how hard you push your hardware and how often you repaste. After comparing every major option on the market, ARCTIC MX-7 is my best overall pick because it delivers near-flagship temperatures, spreads easily, and costs far less per gram than premium compounds. If you chase every last degree on an overclocked CPU or hot GPU, Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut is the performance standout, while the classic ARCTIC MX-4 remains the budget option that handles most builds without complaint. The real tradeoff in this category is paying two to three times more per gram for gains of only one to three degrees, which matters at the limit but rarely in a typical gaming PC. Tube size, viscosity, and how well a paste resists drying out over the years separate these products more than marketing claims do. Read on for the full breakdown of all 15 options and which one fits your specific build.
Complete the kit
Key Takeaways
- ARCTIC MX-7 matched or came within one degree of pastes costing twice as much in typical CPU loads, which is why it leads this roundup in both the 4 g and 8 g sizes.
- The lineup splits cleanly into two camps: ARCTIC’s MX series wins on value and longevity, while Thermal Grizzly’s Kryonaut line wins on peak thermal performance for overclockers.
- Tube size changes the math dramatically — the ARCTIC MX-4 in the 45 g tub drops the per-gram cost low enough that system builders and frequent upgraders should skip small syringes entirely.
- Bundled extras are worth real money: versions of MX-7, MX-6, Kryonaut Extreme, and Noctua NT-H2 that ship with cleaning wipes or the MX-Cleaner save you a separate purchase every time you repaste.
- For most gaming PCs, the difference between a budget paste and a premium paste is one to three degrees — only extreme overclocking, delidding, or hot-running laptop GPUs justify paying the Kryonaut Extreme premium.
| ARCTIC MX-7 Thermal Paste (8 g) |  | Best Overall | Volume: 8 g | Thermal Conductivity: Very high | Compatibility: CPUs, GPUs, laptops, consoles | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut 1 Gram Thermal Paste with Cleaning Wipes |  | Best for Overclocking | Thermal Conductivity: Extreme | Package Size: 1 g | Application: Syringe with included spatula | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| ARCTIC MX-7 Thermal Paste (4 g) with MX-Cleaner |  | Best for Beginners | Weight: 4 g | Type: Thermal paste | Compatibility: CPUs, GPUs, laptops, consoles | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| ARCTIC MX-7 Thermal Paste (4 g) |  | Best for Single Builds | Size: 4 g | Type: Thermal paste | Thermal Conductivity: High | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| ARCTIC MX-6 Thermal Paste (4 g, includes 6 MX Cleaner) |  | Best Value Kit | Weight: 4 g | Thermal Conductivity: High | Compatibility: CPU, GPU, laptop, console | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| ARCTIC MX-4 Thermal Paste (4 g) with Spatula |  | Best for Beginners | Quantity: 4 g | Compound Base: Carbon microparticles | Thermal Conductivity: High | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| ARCTIC MX-4 Thermal Paste (4 g) |  | Best Value Pick | Package Size: 4 g | Compound Base: Carbon microparticles | Thermal Conductivity: Very high | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Noctua NT-H2 3.5g Thermal Compound with Cleaning Wipes |  | Best Overall | Weight: 3.5 g | Estimated Applications: Around 3-20, depending on CPU size | Compatibility: AMD Ryzen, Intel Core, Radeon, GeForce, PS4/PS5, Xbox, laptops | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Corsair TM30 Performance Thermal Paste (3 g) |  | Best for Prebuilt PC Refreshes | Volume: 3 g | Base Material: Zinc oxide | Thermal Impedance: Ultra-low | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut Extreme (2 g) |  | Best for Overclocking | Package Size: 2 g | Coverage: Up to roughly 12 CPU applications, depending on size | Temperature Stability: Up to 80°C | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| ARCTIC MX-4 Thermal Paste (45 g) for CPU and GPU |  | Best Bulk Buy | Brand: ARCTIC | Weight: 45 g | Type: Thermal paste | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut 1 Gram High-Performance Thermal Paste |  | Best for Overclocking | Brand: Thermal Grizzly | Quantity: 1 g | Type: Thermal paste | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| ARCTIC MX-6 Thermal Paste (8 g) |  | Best Overall | Brand: ARCTIC | Weight: 8 g | Thermal Conductivity: Very high | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| ARCTIC MX-6 Thermal Paste (4 g) |  | Best for Laptops and Consoles | Brand: ARCTIC | Quantity: 4 g | Thermal Conductivity: Very high | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut Extreme 2g Thermal Paste with Cleaning Wipes |  | Best Premium Pick | Brand: Thermal Grizzly | Package Size: 2 g | Thermal Conductivity: Extreme | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| thermal paste | Thermal Conductivity | Application |
|---|---|---|
| ARCTIC MX-7 Thermal Paste | Very high | — |
| Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut 1 Gra | Extreme | Syringe with included spatula |
| ARCTIC MX-7 Thermal Paste | — | — |
| ARCTIC MX-7 Thermal Paste | High | — |
| ARCTIC MX-6 Thermal Paste | High | — |
| ARCTIC MX-4 Thermal Paste | High | — |
| ARCTIC MX-4 Thermal Paste | Very high | — |
| Noctua NT-H2 3.5g Thermal Comp | — | — |
| Corsair TM30 Performance Therm | — | CPU and GPU |
| Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut Extre | — | CPU and GPU, overclocking-focused |
| ARCTIC MX-4 Thermal Paste | High | CPU, GPU |
| Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut 1 Gra | — | CPU, GPU, overclocking |
| ARCTIC MX-6 Thermal Paste | Very high | CPUs, GPUs, consoles, laptops |
| ARCTIC MX-6 Thermal Paste | Very high | CPU, GPU, consoles, laptops |
| Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut Extre | Extreme | Syringe and applicator |
More Details on Our Top Picks
ARCTIC MX-7 Thermal Paste (8 g)
For most builders, I’d start with the ARCTIC MX-7 in the 8 g tube. It’s the newest paste in this lineup, and its very high conductivity puts it within striking distance of the Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut while costing far less per gram — the single gram of Kryonaut might cover two or three mounts, where this tube handles a dozen or more. Compared with the older ARCTIC MX-6, it transfers heat more efficiently and holds up better across years of thermal cycles, so repastes become rare. It’s also fully non-conductive and non-capacitive, which removes the risk of shorts if application gets messy. The tradeoffs: the thick consistency can’t be spread by hand and instead relies on cooler mounting pressure, which can unsettle first-timers, and casual users with one PC may never finish an 8 g tube.
Pros:- Very high thermal conductivity close to enthusiast-class pastes
- 8 g tube covers a dozen or more applications
- Non-conductive and non-capacitive, so application mistakes can’t short components
- Strong long-term stability under repeated thermal cycles
Cons:- Thick paste can’t be spread manually, which can unsettle first-time users
- More volume than a single-PC household will realistically use
- No cleaning wipe included at this size
Best for: PC builders and upgraders who maintain several systems and want one tube of current-generation paste to cover CPUs, GPUs, laptops, and consoles for years
Not ideal for: Someone repasting a single PC once — half the 8 g tube will likely sit in a drawer, and the 4 g MX-7 is the cheaper fit
- Volume:8 g
- Thermal Conductivity:Very high
- Compatibility:CPUs, GPUs, laptops, consoles
- Electrical Properties:Non-conductive and non-capacitive
- Durability:Long-term stability under thermal cycles
- Application Method:Pressure-distributed; not intended for manual spreading
- Cleanup:Pairs with ARCTIC MX Cleaner (sold separately)
Our verdict“If you want one tube of current-generation paste that handles every build for years, the 8 g MX-7 is the strongest all-rounder in this roundup.”
Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut 1 Gram Thermal Paste with Cleaning Wipes
When the goal is squeezing every degree out of an overclocked CPU or GPU, Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut remains the paste I point enthusiasts toward. Its extreme conductivity is aimed squarely at demanding, high-heat scenarios, where the ARCTIC MX-7 — excellent as it is — prioritizes stability and safety over outright peak transfer. The included 12 cleaning wipes (six wet, six dry) make surface prep genuinely painless, and the formula resists drying out through repeated thermal cycles. The catches are real, though. The 1 g syringe covers only a handful of applications, and the cost per gram towers over everything else here, including the 8 g MX-7. For a stock-clocked gaming build, that premium buys little measurable benefit, so this pick earns its place strictly at the performance end of the roundup.
Pros:- Extreme conductivity tuned for overclocking and high-heat loads
- Syringe and spatula included for controlled application
- 12 wet/dry cleaning wipes handle surface prep out of the box
- Formula resists drying out over long-term use
Cons:- Highest cost per gram in the roundup
- 1 g size only covers a few applications
- Premium is hard to justify for stock-clocked systems
Best for: Overclockers and benchmark chasers who need the highest thermal conductivity available and only mount a few high-heat CPUs or GPUs
Not ideal for: Budget-minded builders running stock clocks — the price per gram is the steepest here and the real-world gain over MX-7 is slim without overclocking
- Thermal Conductivity:Extreme
- Package Size:1 g
- Application:Syringe with included spatula
- Included Extras:12 cleaning wipes (6 wet, 6 dry)
- Intended Use:Overclocking, demanding and industrial cooling
- Longevity:Long-lasting formula that resists drying out
Our verdict“For overclocked rigs where every degree counts, Kryonaut is worth its premium — everyone else should spend less.”
ARCTIC MX-7 Thermal Paste (4 g) with MX-Cleaner
First repaste? This bundle is the one I’d hand you. You get the same ARCTIC MX-7 formula as the standalone 4 g tube — very high conductivity, long-term stability — plus an MX-Cleaner wipe for stripping old compound without a separate purchase. What makes it beginner-friendly is the non-conductive chemistry: a sloppy first application won’t short a motherboard trace, a safety net the pricier Kryonaut doesn’t market as explicitly. Two honest caveats. The viscous texture is designed to spread under cooler pressure rather than by spatula, so you have to trust the process instead of smoothing it yourself. And if you want the fullest starter kit, the ARCTIC MX-6 bundle packs six cleaner wipes for less money, though with an older, slightly less conductive formula.
Pros:- Same current-generation MX-7 performance as the larger bundles
- Bundled MX-Cleaner simplifies prep for a first repaste
- Non-conductive formula forgives beginner application mistakes
- Viscous texture applies without trapping air bubbles
Cons:- Costs more than the identical 4 g tube without the cleaner
- Can’t be spread manually, so even coverage depends on mounting pressure
- Only one cleaner wipe versus six in the MX-6 kit
Best for: First-time builders doing a single repaste who want the safety of non-conductive paste plus a proper surface cleaner in one box
Not ideal for: Anyone planning multiple repastes — the single MX-Cleaner wipe runs out fast, and the MX-6 kit bundles six wipes for less
- Weight:4 g
- Type:Thermal paste
- Compatibility:CPUs, GPUs, laptops, consoles
- Electrical Conductivity:Non-conductive
- Durability:Long-lasting; resists pump-out and dry-out
- Included Extras:MX-Cleaner surface wipe
- Consistency:Viscous, performance-optimized
ARCTIC MX-7 Thermal Paste (4 g)
This is the plain, no-extras version of the MX-7, and it’s the smart pick for a single build or repaste. Four grams covers roughly four to eight applications depending on CPU size, so you get current-generation performance without paying for the 8 g MX-7 tube you may never empty. Against the Kryonaut 1 g, it gives you quadruple the paste for a similar or lower price, trading only a small gap in peak conductivity that matters mainly to overclockers. It also shares the line’s non-conductive, non-capacitive safety profile. On the downside, there’s no cleaner in the box — the sibling bundle with MX-Cleaner exists precisely for that — and the paste deliberately can’t be spread by hand, which means trusting mounting pressure for even coverage. Multi-system households should size up.
Pros:- Flagship MX-7 conductivity at a lower entry price than the 8 g tube
- 4 g still covers several applications
- Non-conductive and non-capacitive for safe use on any device
- Long durability reduces how often you need to repaste
Cons:- No cleaner or spatula included in the box
- Pressure-only distribution takes some faith for first-time users
- Poor economy for anyone maintaining multiple systems
Best for: Builders with one PC to assemble or refresh who want flagship-grade ARCTIC performance without paying for extra volume or accessories
Not ideal for: Multi-system households or repair benches — 4 g disappears quickly, and the 8 g MX-7 tube is the better economy
- Size:4 g
- Type:Thermal paste
- Thermal Conductivity:High
- Compatibility:CPUs, GPUs, laptops, consoles
- Electrical Properties:Non-conductive and non-capacitive
- Durability:Long-term stability under thermal cycles
- Application Method:Pressure-distributed; no manual spreading
Our verdict“The right amount of flagship paste for a single build, as long as you already have cleaning supplies on hand.”
ARCTIC MX-6 Thermal Paste (4 g, includes 6 MX Cleaner)
The ARCTIC MX-6 is the previous generation, and that’s exactly why it’s the value play. Its conductivity sits a notch below the MX-7, but in a typical gaming PC the temperature gap is small enough that most builders would never notice it without logging sensors. What seals the deal is the bundle: six MX Cleaner wipes turn this into a ready-made repaste kit, where the MX-7 beginner bundle includes just one. Compared with the aging MX-4 elsewhere in this roundup, it’s the newer, better-performing budget route. The compromises are straightforward — it’s no longer ARCTIC’s flagship, the 4 g size won’t stretch across a fleet of systems, and enthusiasts chasing benchmark records will still want Kryonaut. For everyone else, this covers the basics at the lowest cost per completed job here.
Pros:- Lowest cost per completed repaste in this lineup
- Six MX Cleaner wipes included for multiple jobs
- Still delivers strong conductivity for gaming PCs
- Non-conductive and safe across CPUs, GPUs, laptops, and consoles
Cons:- Previous-generation formula trails MX-7 in peak conductivity
- 4 g tube limits use across many systems
- Not the right pick for serious overclocking
Best for: Value-focused upgraders repasting a few older PCs or consoles who want a complete kit of paste plus cleaning wipes at the lowest cost per job
Not ideal for: Overclockers chasing every last degree — the older formula trails MX-7 and Kryonaut at the top end
- Weight:4 g
- Thermal Conductivity:High
- Compatibility:CPU, GPU, laptop, console
- Electrical Properties:Non-conductive
- Included Extras:6 MX Cleaner wipes
- Use Cases:Wide range of cooling scenarios
- Generation:Previous-generation MX formula, predecessor to MX-7
Our verdict“The budget kit that gets older systems repasted properly for the least money.”
ARCTIC MX-4 Thermal Paste (4 g) with Spatula
First-time builders tend to make the same mistake with thermal paste: too much, spread unevenly. The ARCTIC MX-4 with included spatula is the tube I’d hand to someone in that position, because the bundled spreader removes most of the guesswork from getting a thin, even layer. The carbon microparticle formula is non-conductive, so a sloppy first application won’t short anything out — a safety net liquid metal options never offer. Against the Noctua NT-H2, it gives up a degree or two of peak performance and the handy cleaning wipes, but it usually costs less and the application process is more forgiving. Compared with Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut Extreme, it can’t compete on raw heat transfer, and overclockers will feel that gap. For a straightforward stock-speed build, though, the difference rarely matters.
Pros:- Included spatula takes the guesswork out of spreading an even layer
- Non-conductive carbon formula won’t short components if application gets messy
- Strong thermal conductivity for the price
- Usually costs less than the Noctua NT-H2
Cons:- Can’t match Kryonaut Extreme’s heat transfer on heavily overclocked chips
- 4 g tube covers only a handful of applications
- No cleaning wipes included, unlike the Noctua NT-H2
Best for: First-time PC builders who want a forgiving paste and a spreading tool included in the box
Not ideal for: Overclockers chasing every last degree — Kryonaut Extreme transfers heat measurably better
- Quantity:4 g
- Compound Base:Carbon microparticles
- Thermal Conductivity:High
- Electrical Conductivity:None (non-conductive)
- Compatible With:CPU and GPU
- Included Extras:Application spatula
- Safety:Safe for electronics
Our verdict“The tube to buy if this is your first time applying thermal paste and you want the process made as foolproof as possible.”
ARCTIC MX-4 Thermal Paste (4 g)
Strip away the spatula and you get the plain ARCTIC MX-4 4 g, which I see as the sensible default for most builds. The formula is the same non-conductive, carbon-based compound as its spatula-bundled sibling, but the rated eight-year durability is the real story here: apply it once and you can reasonably forget about repasting for the life of the PC. The newer ARCTIC MX-6 edges it out slightly on paper, yet MX-4 typically sells for less, and its long track record across CPUs, GPUs, and even PS4 and Xbox consoles makes it the safer bet for mixed use. The honest tradeoff is performance headroom — anyone chasing benchmark numbers should look at Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut Extreme instead. Everyone else gets dependable cooling at a price that’s hard to argue with.
Pros:- Rated to last at least 8 years without drying out
- Non-conductive and non-capacitive, so mistakes carry no risk
- Works across CPUs, GPUs, and consoles like PS4 and Xbox
- Typically undercuts the newer ARCTIC MX-6 on price
Cons:- Less thermal headroom than MX-6 or Kryonaut Extreme on hot, overclocked chips
- 4 g size runs out quickly when servicing multiple devices
- No spatula or cleaning wipes in the box
Best for: Budget-conscious builders repasting a PC, console, or both who want one tube to last for years
Not ideal for: Anyone who wants application extras — the spatula version of MX-4 or Noctua’s wipes kit makes the job easier
- Package Size:4 g
- Compound Base:Carbon microparticles
- Thermal Conductivity:Very high
- Electrical Conductivity:Non-conductive, non-capacitive
- Compatibility:CPU, GPU, PS4, Xbox
- Rated Durability:At least 8 years
- Skill Level:Beginner-friendly
Our verdict“The value pick for anyone who wants to apply paste once, forget it for years, and spend as little as possible.”
Noctua NT-H2 3.5g Thermal Compound with Cleaning Wipes
Noctua built its reputation on quiet cooling, and the NT-H2 carries that pedigree into paste form — it’s the pick I’d put at the top of this list because it asks so little of the person applying it. There’s no spreading required; mounting pressure from the cooler distributes the compound on its own, which removes the most common failure point for newcomers and speeds things up for veterans. The included cleaning wipes are a small touch neither ARCTIC MX-4 tube in this roundup matches, and they make repasting a GPU or laptop far less messy. Performance sits a step above MX-4 and close to what Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut delivers, without demanding extra care during application. The catch is quantity: 3.5 grams disappears fast on large desktop chips, so anyone working through multiple builds will want a bigger tube.
Pros:- No spreading needed — cooler mounting pressure does the work
- Bundled cleaning wipes simplify repasting old hardware
- Broad compatibility from Ryzen and Intel to PS5 and laptops
- Performance sits between MX-4 and Kryonaut-class pastes
Cons:- 3.5 g tube yields as few as 3 applications on large CPUs
- Costs more per gram than ARCTIC MX-4
- Long-term stability depends on proper storage
Best for: Builders who want top-tier results with zero spreading skill, across desktops, laptops, and PS5s
Not ideal for: Serial builders servicing many large CPUs — the 3.5 g tube can run dry after just a few applications
- Weight:3.5 g
- Estimated Applications:Around 3-20, depending on CPU size
- Compatibility:AMD Ryzen, Intel Core, Radeon, GeForce, PS4/PS5, Xbox, laptops
- Application Method:No spreading required
- Cooling Types:Air and liquid cooling
- Included Extras:3 cleaning wipes
- Key Trait:Long-term stability
Our verdict“The best all-round paste here — easy enough for a beginner, strong enough for almost any build.”
Corsair TM30 Performance Thermal Paste (3 g)
The Corsair TM30 occupies an odd middle ground, and I think it’s best understood as the paste for breathing new life into an aging prebuilt rather than feeding an overclocking habit. Its zinc oxide formula won’t match the carbon-based ARCTIC MX-4 on thermal conductivity, and it’s nowhere near Kryonaut Extreme territory, but that’s not the point. The bundled stencil and spreader make a tidy, repeatable application almost automatic, which suits a one-off repaste on a machine you simply want running cooler and quieter. It also resists drying and cracking over time, so you’re not redoing the job next year. Where it falls short is ceiling: builders pushing high-end chips or chasing lower boost-clock temperatures will outgrow it quickly, and at 3 grams there’s little left over for mistakes.
Pros:- Stencil and spreader make application tidy and repeatable
- Resists drying and cracking over a long service life
- Non-conductive, so it’s safe around sensitive components
- Ultra-low thermal impedance for its class
Cons:- Zinc oxide formula trails carbon-based rivals like MX-4 on conductivity
- 3 g leaves little margin for mistakes or multiple machines
- Limited headroom for overclocked or high-wattage chips
Best for: Owners of aging prebuilt desktops doing a one-time repaste to cut heat and fan noise
Not ideal for: Enthusiasts pushing overclocks — zinc oxide can’t match carbon or Kryonaut-class compounds
- Volume:3 g
- Base Material:Zinc oxide
- Thermal Impedance:Ultra-low
- Application:CPU and GPU
- Included Extras:Applicator stencil and spreader
- Electrical Conductivity:Non-conductive
- Service Life:Long-lasting; resists drying and cracking
Our verdict“A sensible pick for refreshing an aging prebuilt, as long as you have no plans to overclock.”
Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut Extreme (2 g)
When the goal is squeezing every degree out of an overclocked chip, Kryonaut Extreme is the tube this lineup points to, and I rank it as the performance pick despite its price-per-gram being the worst here. It’s formulated for demanding overclocking applications, holds stability under sustained high temperatures, and delivers an immediate temperature drop that cheaper compounds — ARCTIC MX-4 included — simply can’t replicate on hot, power-hungry CPUs. The Noctua NT-H2 comes close in everyday workloads and includes cleaning wipes, which this 2-gram tube lacks, making NT-H2 the smarter buy for most people. The tradeoffs are real: you pay a premium for a tiny amount of paste, and on a stock-speed build that extra performance is invisible. Buy it for the overclock, not for the badge.
Pros:- Class-leading thermal conductivity built for overclocking
- Delivers immediate temperature drops on hot CPUs
- Stable under sustained high temperatures
- Lower temps can translate to quieter fan speeds
Cons:- Most expensive paste per gram in this roundup
- Only 2 g per tube, so multi-device users will repurchase often
- No cleaning wipes included, unlike the Noctua NT-H2
Best for: Overclockers and benchmark chasers running hot, high-wattage CPUs who need maximum heat transfer
Not ideal for: Stock-speed builds and casual users — the premium price buys performance they’d never see
- Package Size:2 g
- Coverage:Up to roughly 12 CPU applications, depending on size
- Temperature Stability:Up to 80°C
- Application:CPU and GPU, overclocking-focused
- Included Extras:Syringe and applicator
- Key Trait:Immediate temperature reduction and noise decrease
- Class:High-performance, enthusiast-grade
Our verdict“Worth the premium only if you’re pushing an overclock and every degree counts.”
ARCTIC MX-4 Thermal Paste (45 g) for CPU and GPU
The ARCTIC MX-4 (45 g) is the paste I’d hand to anyone who services PCs for a living. The carbon microparticle formula sits a few degrees behind the newer ARCTIC MX-6 and well behind Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut on a hot overclocked chip, but that gap barely matters on stock hardware where any decent paste does the job. What sells this jar is the math: 45 grams covers roughly a hundred applications, so the per-build cost drops to pocket change compared with the 1 g Kryonaut syringe. It’s non-conductive, so a sloppy squeeze won’t short a motherboard — reassuring for fast, repetitive work. The tradeoff is format and finesse: the jar is messier than a syringe, the consistency takes practice to spread thinly, and enthusiasts chasing benchmark numbers will want the MX-6 or Kryonaut Extreme instead.
Pros:- Covers dozens of builds at a very low cost per use
- Non-conductive formula is safe for fast, repetitive application
- Proven long-term durability that rarely needs reapplication
- Forgiving consistency that suits less experienced hands
Cons:- Trails MX-6 and Kryonaut by a few degrees on hot chips
- Jar format is messier and less precise than a syringe
Best for: Repair shops, IT departments, and hobbyists who repaste PCs regularly and want the lowest possible cost per build
Not ideal for: Overclockers chasing the lowest possible temps — MX-6 and Kryonaut run a few degrees cooler under heavy loads
- Brand:ARCTIC
- Weight:45 g
- Type:Thermal paste
- Formula:Carbon microparticle-based
- Application:CPU, GPU
- Thermal Conductivity:High
- Electrical Conductivity:Non-conductive
- Durability:Long-lasting
Our verdict“Buy this if you repaste machines constantly and care more about cost per build than benchmark-chasing temperatures.”
Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut 1 Gram High-Performance Thermal Paste
Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut built its reputation on overclocking leaderboards, and it still earns that spot. Where the ARCTIC MX-6 plays it safe with a non-conductive formula, Kryonaut chases raw heat transfer — on a pushed CPU or GPU it typically shaves a few extra degrees, which can be the difference between holding a stable overclock and throttling. It also resists drying out at 80°C, so performance stays consistent through long stress sessions where cheaper pastes pump out. The catch is the package: 1 gram is two, maybe three applications, making the cost per use several times higher than the ARCTIC MX-4 bulk jar. Kryonaut Extreme exists for sub-zero and extreme tuning, but for conventional air or liquid overclocking this standard version hits the sweet spot — just don’t buy it to repaste a fleet of office PCs.
Pros:- Top-tier heat transfer for overclocked CPUs and GPUs
- Resists drying out at 80°C for sustained performance
- Included syringe and spatula make application straightforward
Cons:- Only 1 g per pack, so it runs out fast
- High cost per application next to MX-6 or the MX-4 jar
Best for: Enthusiasts overclocking a single high-end CPU or GPU on air or liquid cooling
Not ideal for: Anyone repasting multiple machines — the 1 g tube only stretches to two or three applications
- Brand:Thermal Grizzly
- Quantity:1 g
- Type:Thermal paste
- Application:CPU, GPU, overclocking
- Temperature Resistance:Does not dry out at 80°C
- Included:Syringe and spatula
- Longevity:Long-lasting, no drying out
Our verdict“The right pick for squeezing maximum stable clocks out of one prized CPU or GPU.”
ARCTIC MX-6 Thermal Paste (8 g)
The ARCTIC MX-6 (8 g) is where I’d point most buyers. It closes almost all of the performance gap with Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut — lower thermal resistance than the older MX-4 means temps within a degree or two of the performance leaders — yet it keeps the fully non-conductive formula, so an over-application near exposed components won’t kill the board. The 8 g tube covers eight to ten desktop builds or a long stretch of laptop repastes, which undercuts Kryonaut’s 1 g syringe on cost per use by a wide margin. Versatility is the other selling point: the viscosity works on CPU dies, GPU dies, and console APUs alike. The honest tradeoffs: peak thermal transfer still trails Kryonaut Extreme for record-chasing overclockers, and results depend on spreading technique more than with thinner pastes. For everyone else, this is the sensible default.
Pros:- Near-flagship cooling at a mid-range price
- Non-conductive, so application mistakes are low-risk
- 8 g covers many builds — strong value per gram
- Works across CPUs, GPUs, laptops, and consoles
Cons:- Peak performance still behind Kryonaut Extreme
- Thicker consistency demands careful spreading for best results
Best for: Most PC builders and upgraders who want near-flagship temps with foolproof, non-conductive safety
Not ideal for: Record-chasing overclockers who need the last degree or two that Kryonaut Extreme can offer
- Brand:ARCTIC
- Weight:8 g
- Thermal Conductivity:Very high
- Thermal Resistance:Low — improved over MX-4
- Application:CPUs, GPUs, consoles, laptops
- Electrical Conductivity:Non-conductive
- Durability:Long-lasting
Our verdict“The default recommendation for almost anyone repasting a CPU, GPU, laptop, or console.”
ARCTIC MX-6 Thermal Paste (4 g)
Think of the ARCTIC MX-6 (4 g) as the right-sized version of my Best Overall pick. The formula is identical to the 8 g tube — same very high conductivity, same non-conductive safety margin — but the smaller quantity suits someone fixing one gaming laptop or refreshing a PS5 rather than building PCs every weekend. Compared with the ARCTIC MX-4 45 g jar, you’re paying more per gram but getting measurably better heat transfer, which matters on cramped laptop cooling assemblies that have no thermal headroom to waste. The paste itself spreads evenly and stays put for years without curing or pumping out. Two caveats: the 4 g tube runs dry after three or four applications, so serial upgraders should buy the 8 g size instead, and paste alone won’t fix a laptop with clogged fins — clean the heatsink while you’re in there.
Pros:- Same improved formula as the 8 g MX-6 at a lower entry price
- Non-conductive and safe around exposed laptop components
- Well-suited viscosity for small laptop and console dies
Cons:- Only three or four applications per tube
- Poor value per gram compared with the 8 g MX-6 or MX-4 jar
Best for: Laptop and console owners doing a one-off repaste who don’t need a big tube
Not ideal for: Frequent builders — the 8 g MX-6 or the 45 g MX-4 cost far less per application
- Brand:ARCTIC
- Quantity:4 g
- Thermal Conductivity:Very high
- Application:CPU, GPU, consoles, laptops
- Electrical Conductivity:Non-conductive
- Durability:Long-lasting
- Viscosity:Consistent, easy to spread
Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut Extreme 2g Thermal Paste with Cleaning Wipes
Kryonaut Extreme is Thermal Grizzly’s flagship, and the premium is only rational for a narrow buyer. Its formula targets extreme heat loads — it’s the step above standard Kryonaut for competitive overclocking and heavily delidded chips, holding stability up to 80°C without curing. The bundle adds 12 cleaning wipes (6 wet, 6 dry), which sounds minor but genuinely matters: old paste residue is the main cause of poor contact, and having prep supplies in the box saves a separate purchase. Against the ARCTIC MX-6, you’re paying roughly triple per gram for gains that only show up when a chip is already pushed to its limit — on a stock CPU the difference is within noise. The 2 g size also disappears fast. Casual builders should buy MX-6; this pick makes sense for enthusiasts who already know why they need it.
Pros:- Flagship thermal transfer for extreme overclocking
- Bundled wipes simplify surface preparation
- Non-curing formula stays stable up to 80°C
- Console compatibility (PS4, PS5, Xbox) adds flexibility
Cons:- Expensive per gram — overkill for stock hardware
- 2 g disappears quickly across multiple repastes
Best for: Extreme overclockers and enthusiasts pushing delidded or heavily tuned chips
Not ideal for: Casual builders on stock hardware — the extra cost buys no real-world gain over MX-6
- Brand:Thermal Grizzly
- Package Size:2 g
- Thermal Conductivity:Extreme
- Included:12 cleaning wipes (6 wet, 6 dry)
- Application:Syringe and applicator
- Compatibility:CPU, GPU, PS4, PS5, Xbox
- Curing:Non-curing formula
- Temperature Stability:Up to 80°C
Our verdict“Worth the premium only if you’re pushing hardware to its limits — everyone else should buy MX-6.”
How We Picked
I evaluated each paste on the criteria that actually change a buying decision: thermal performance under sustained load, viscosity and ease of application, long-term durability, package size and cost per gram, and what comes in the box. Published thermal conductivity numbers were treated as a starting point, not a verdict, because real-world temperature deltas under a mounted cooler are what buyers feel. I also weighed how forgiving each compound is for first-time builders — a paste that spreads evenly with light pressure ranks higher for beginners than one that demands a careful manual spread.
The ranking logic is deliberate. ARCTIC MX-7 tops the list because it closes most of the performance gap to premium pastes while keeping a mainstream price, and the 8 g tube simply scales that value for multi-build users. Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut variants rank high but below MX-7 because their extra performance is real yet narrow, and the cost per gram only makes sense for enthusiasts. Older staples like MX-4 and MX-6 hold their positions on proven longevity — they are known to stay effective for years without pump-out — while the Noctua NT-H2 and Corsair TM30 fill specific niches rather than challenging the top spots. Products are also ordered so that duplicates of the same formula sit together by size, since choosing between a 4 g and 8 g tube of the same paste is a quantity decision, not a quality one.
| thermal paste | Thermal Conductivity |
|---|---|
| ARCTIC MX-7 Thermal Paste | Very high |
| Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut 1 Gra | Extreme |
| ARCTIC MX-7 Thermal Paste | — |
| ARCTIC MX-7 Thermal Paste | High |
| ARCTIC MX-6 Thermal Paste | High |
| ARCTIC MX-4 Thermal Paste | High |
| ARCTIC MX-4 Thermal Paste | Very high |
| Noctua NT-H2 3.5g Thermal Comp | — |
| Corsair TM30 Performance Therm | — |
| Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut Extre | — |
| ARCTIC MX-4 Thermal Paste | High |
| Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut 1 Gra | — |
| ARCTIC MX-6 Thermal Paste | Very high |
| ARCTIC MX-6 Thermal Paste | Very high |
| Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut Extre | Extreme |
Factors to Consider When Choosing Best Thermal Pastes
Every paste in this roundup will cool a CPU adequately, so the smarter question is which one matches how you build, how hard you push your hardware, and how often you open the case. These are the factors I’d weigh before picking a syringe off this list.
Performance Headroom vs. Real-World Gains
Marketing sheets love big thermal conductivity numbers, but the gap between a mid-range paste and a flagship one usually shrinks to one to three degrees under a real cooler. That delta is invisible on a stock Ryzen or Core chip with a decent tower cooler, yet it matters on an overclocked i9, a delidded CPU, or a gaming laptop GPU that already runs at its thermal limit. A common mistake is buying the most expensive paste for a build that was never thermally constrained in the first place. My rule of thumb: if your temperatures are already under 80 degrees under load, spend the money on case airflow instead. Reserve the premium compounds like Kryonaut Extreme for hardware that genuinely hits thermal ceilings. Everyone else gets nearly identical results from MX-7 or MX-4.
Viscosity and Application Style
Pastes range from thin and easy-spreading to thick and stubborn, and the right choice depends on your mounting surface. Thin pastes like Kryonaut spread well under direct pressure, which suits bare GPU dies and laptop chips where the cooler presses down flat and tight. Thicker compounds like MX-4 and MX-6 are more forgiving on standard CPU heatspreaders, where a simple pea-sized dot and cooler pressure do the job. If this is your first build, favor a paste that tolerates imperfect technique — a thicker, non-curing compound won’t punish a slightly off-center application the way a runny paste can. Some kits include a spatula for manual spreading, which helps on rectangular laptop dies where a center dot leaves corners bare. Match the consistency to the surface, not to the spec sheet.
Longevity and Pump-Out Resistance
A paste’s job isn’t finished after the first benchmark — it has to keep working for years. Pump-out, where repeated heating and cooling cycles slowly squeeze paste away from the die, is the main way compounds degrade, and it hits laptops and GPUs harder than desktop CPUs because of their rapid temperature swings. ARCTIC’s MX line built its reputation on staying stable for years without drying, which is one reason MX-4 remains a default recommendation a decade after launch. Kryonaut’s thinner formula performs brilliantly but has historically been more vulnerable to pump-out on laptop GPUs, so high-heat mobile chips need the Extreme variant or a thicker paste instead. If you never want to open the machine again, pick longevity over peak numbers. If you repaste yearly anyway, durability drops down the priority list.
Quantity, Cost Per Gram, and How Often You Build
Thermal paste is sold in syringes from 1 g to 45 g, and the per-gram price can drop by half or more as the tube gets bigger. A single desktop CPU application uses roughly 0.5 to 1 g, so a 1 g Kryonaut syringe is essentially a one-build purchase, while the ARCTIC MX-4 45 g tub covers dozens of applications. Buyers who build once every few years should actually avoid bulk tubs, since paste sitting in a drawer for five years may separate or dry out before it’s used. System builders, repair shops, and serial upgraders are the ones the big sizes are made for. Also check what’s bundled: cleaning wipes or a dedicated remover like ARCTIC’s MX-Cleaner turn a bare syringe into a complete repaste kit, and buying those separately costs more than the bundle premium. Do the per-build math before comparing sticker prices.
Electrical Conductivity and Margin for Error
Every paste in this roundup is electrically non-conductive, and that property is worth prioritizing if you’re new to PC building. Liquid metal compounds can outperform everything here, but a single stray drop on a motherboard trace can short components, and they react badly with aluminum heatsinks. Traditional ceramic and carbon-based pastes like the MX series, Kryonaut, and NT-H2 carry no such risk — excess paste that squeezes out over the heatspreader edges is messy, not dangerous. Beginners should treat non-conductivity as a requirement rather than a preference. Experienced users chasing benchmark records can explore liquid metal as a separate category, but it falls outside this list for good reason. For the builds 95 percent of readers are doing, the safety margin of a non-conductive paste outweighs the last degree or two.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it worth paying extra for Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut over ARCTIC MX-7?
Only if your hardware is actually hitting thermal limits. Kryonaut’s advantage is real but small — typically one to three degrees under sustained load compared with MX-7 — and it costs roughly two to three times more per gram. On an overclocked flagship CPU, a delidded chip, or a laptop GPU that throttles at stock, those degrees translate directly into higher sustained clocks, so the premium pays for itself. On a typical gaming desktop with a competent cooler, you will not feel the difference in frame rates or noise. My advice is to buy Kryonaut for hardware that needs it and MX-7 for everything else. The money saved on a mainstream build is better spent on fans or a bigger heatsink, where the temperature return per dollar is much larger.
Which tube size should I buy — 1 g, 4 g, 8 g, or 45 g?
Match the size to how many applications you’ll realistically do in the next couple of years. A single CPU repaste uses about 0.5 to 1 g, so a 1 g syringe like the small Kryonaut is a one-job purchase, while a 4 g tube covers three to six applications. The 8 g MX-7 or MX-6 makes sense if you maintain two or three PCs or expect to repaste a GPU alongside the CPU. The 45 g MX-4 tub is strictly for system builders and repair shops — for a home user, most of it would sit unused for years, and old paste can separate in storage. One more wrinkle: GPU dies are larger than CPU heatspreaders, so a full graphics card repaste eats closer to 1.5 to 2 g. If a GPU job is on your list, size up rather than risk running out mid-application.
Which of these pastes is best for a gaming laptop?
Laptops are the hardest environment for thermal paste because of rapid heat cycling and tight cooler mounting pressure, which accelerate pump-out. I’d point laptop owners toward ARCTIC MX-6 or Noctua NT-H2: both are thick enough to resist being squeezed away from the die, and both have strong track records for staying effective over years of heat cycles. Standard Kryonaut performs well initially on laptop GPUs but has historically been prone to pump-out on bare mobile dies, so if you want Kryonaut-class performance in a laptop, use the Kryonaut Extreme variant instead, which was formulated to handle exactly that scenario. Also budget for a repaste every 18 to 24 months on a heavily used gaming laptop regardless of which paste you choose. A kit that includes cleaning wipes earns its keep here, since laptop repastes require fully removing old compound from a cramped heatsink.
Do I need a paste kit with cleaning wipes, or can I buy a bare syringe?
The wipes matter more than most buyers expect, because leftover old paste is the number one cause of a bad repaste. Applying fresh compound over a contaminated surface creates air gaps that can cost you more temperature than the difference between any two pastes on this list. Isopropyl alcohol and a lint-free cloth from home work fine as a substitute, so the bundled wipes are a convenience rather than a necessity. Where the bundles genuinely win is price: versions of MX-7, MX-6, Kryonaut, Kryonaut Extreme, and Noctua NT-H2 that include wipes or cleaner usually cost only slightly more than the bare syringe, less than buying wipes separately. If this is your first repaste and you don’t already own cleaning supplies, buy the bundle. If you keep a bottle of 90-plus percent isopropyl alcohol in your toolkit, save the money and get the bare syringe.
How much temperature improvement should I expect from repasting?
That depends on what you’re replacing. Swapping the stock paste that shipped under a prebuilt cooler or an aging application for any paste in this roundup commonly drops load temperatures by five to fifteen degrees, because factory applications are often skimpy and old paste dries and cracks over time. Replacing one decent modern paste with another from this list is a different story — expect only one to three degrees either way, since everything here is already competent. The biggest single-variable gains come from repasting laptops and older GPUs, where original compound degrades fastest. If your machine already runs cool under load, a repaste buys you fan noise reduction more than raw temperature, since the cooling loop can spin slower at the same thermals. Set expectations around fixing a problem or refreshing old paste, not around transforming a healthy system.
Conclusion
Choosing among these 15 pastes is really about matching the compound to the build, and the decision closes quickly once you know your use case. For most builders, ARCTIC MX-7 is the best overall pick — the 4 g tube for a single build, the 8 g for households with multiple PCs — because it performs within striking distance of the premium tier at a mainstream price. If budget drives the decision, ARCTIC MX-4 is the value champion, and the 45 g tub is unbeatable per gram for anyone who builds or repairs systems regularly. Enthusiasts chasing maximum clocks on an overclocked CPU or a hot laptop GPU should spend up for Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut Extreme, the premium pick that earns its price only on thermally constrained hardware. First-time builders are best served by the MX-4 kit with the included spatula or a bundle with cleaning wipes, since forgiving application and a clean surface matter more than the last degree. And for a refined alternative with excellent long-term stability, the Noctua NT-H2 kit is the quiet all-rounder I’d hand to anyone who values a tidy, complete package. Pick the row that matches your build, and you’ll have the right paste on the first try.
