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Thermal Paste Types: Which to Use and How to Apply

1/31/2026 · Cooling · 6 min

Thermal Paste Types: Which to Use and How to Apply

TL;DR

  • Thermal paste fills microscopic gaps between your CPU or GPU and the heatsink to improve heat transfer. It matters, but correct application and a good cooler are often more important than picking the absolute best compound.
  • Common types: metal-based for highest conductivity, ceramic for safe and stable performance, and silicone or polymer for budget builds.
  • Apply a small pea or rice grain amount for most CPUs. Too much can be worse than too little.
  • Replace paste every 2 to 5 years depending on use, temperature history, and paste type.

Why Thermal Paste Matters

  • Heatsinks and IHS surfaces look flat, but they have tiny peaks and valleys. Thermal paste fills those gaps to reduce thermal resistance.
  • Better thermal contact lowers operating temperatures, which can improve sustained performance and component longevity.

Types of Thermal Paste

  • Metal based (aluminum or silver particles suspended in a carrier): Highest thermal conductivity in many tests. Conductive electrically in some formulas, so be careful around pins and pads. Best for enthusiasts and overclockers.
  • Ceramic based (zinc oxide, aluminum oxide): Non conductive electrically, lower peak conductivity than metal pastes but safer and stable. A great balance for most users.
  • Carbon or graphene based: Often marketed as high performance and non conductive electrically. Many modern carbon pastes perform similarly to mid to high range metal pastes while avoiding electrical risk.
  • Silicone or polymer pads and pastes: Budget friendly, easy to apply, but typically lower conductivity. Useful in low power or disposable builds.

Thermal Conductivity and Real World Impact

  • Thermal conductivity numbers matter, but test conditions vary. A paste with higher thermal conductivity does not always produce dramatically lower temps on an identical system.
  • The cooling solution, mounting pressure, contact area, and application technique often dominate the final thermals.

How to Apply Thermal Paste

  • Clean both surfaces with isopropyl alcohol above 90 percent and a lint free cloth or coffee filter. Ensure no old paste or residue remains.
  • For most CPUs, apply a pea sized drop in the center of the IHS. When the cooler is seated, the paste spreads to a thin, even layer.
  • For very large IHS or older socket designs, a thin line or few small dots may be better. Check specific guides for large desktop CPUs or multi die packages.
  • For small BGA chips or odd shapes, follow manufacturer recommendations. Some coolers or cold plates come with guides.

How Much Is Too Much

  • Too much paste can act as an insulator, increase thermal resistance, and in rare conductive formulas cause shorts if it spills onto contacts.
  • Too little paste leaves gaps and reduces heat transfer. Aim for a thin continuous layer after seating. If air bubbles form, reseat and reapply.

Application Methods Compared

  • Pea method: Simple and reliable for most desktop CPUs.
  • Rice grain method: Slightly less paste for smaller IHS.
  • Line method: Useful for elongated dies like some high end desktop CPUs.
  • Spread method: Manually spreads paste across the IHS before mounting. Guarantees coverage but risks trapping dust and can be messier.

When to Replace Thermal Paste

  • Replace every 2 to 5 years for typical users. Replace sooner if you see rising idle or load temperatures, if the system runs in high heat, or after removing the cooler.
  • Some high end metal pastes can dry out slower and last longer; budget pastes may degrade faster.

Safety and Compatibility

  • If you choose a metal based paste, avoid getting it on motherboard contacts or the socket. Use low conductance ceramic or carbon paste around exposed pins or pads.
  • Avoid mixing different paste types. Clean the surfaces fully before applying a new compound.

Tools and Supplies

  • Isopropyl alcohol 90 percent or higher for cleaning.
  • Lint free cloths or coffee filters.
  • Thermal paste tube or syringe. Some pastes include application tools.
  • Latex or nitrile gloves to avoid oils from your skin.

Budget to High End Picks by Use Case

  • Budget builds and casual users: Ceramic paste or reputable budget brands. Good balance of safety and performance.
  • Gamers and sustained load users: High quality carbon or mid tier metal paste for slightly better sustained thermals.
  • Overclockers and enthusiasts: Premium metal based paste can shave a few degrees when every bit matters, but require careful handling.

Buying Checklist

  • Electrical conductivity: choose non conductive if you are unsure.
  • Thermal conductivity rating: higher is better in principle, but consider real world tests.
  • Longevity and temperature stability: premium pastes often last longer.
  • Ease of cleaning: some pastes are easier to remove.
  • Price per gram: many tubes contain more paste than a single application needs.

Bottom Line

Thermal paste is a small but important component of a cooling system. For most users, a good ceramic or carbon paste plus correct application and a solid cooler will deliver excellent results. Save premium metal pastes for overclockers and careful builders who can manage the electrical risk and want every degree of improvement.

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