The Best ARCTIC Thermal Paste

It forgives a clumsy first application, and 4g covers several builds. You also get a consistency ARCTIC pitches at first-time builders. Clean off old paste with isopropyl alcohol first, then apply a pea-sized dot or a thin line on the heatspreader; on large Intel chips an X or a line covers the longer die better.

Another plus: maker-rated for up to 8 years without reapplying. Worth noting: carbon microparticle formula. It makes the most sense for buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the MX-4 with spatula, since it offers the cheapest way into this group, below the MX-4 with spatula. It was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the MX-4 with spatula was the next step up.

Each pack carries an authenticity code, a useful check given how often MX-4 is counterfeited. It also offers metal-free carbon microparticles. Clean off old paste with isopropyl alcohol first, then apply a pea-sized dot or a thin line on the heatspreader; on large Intel chips an X or a line covers the longer die better.

Another plus: 4g is enough for several applications. You also get this: electrically non-conductive, so spills are harmless. Before buying, weigh one limit: costs more than the MX-4 at the time of writing. Its price falls between the MX-4 and the MX-7, based on our last check.

It cannot be spread by hand, so apply a dot and let the cooler's pressure do the work. You also get resistance to pump-out, dry-out and bleeding. Clean off old paste with isopropyl alcohol first, then apply a pea-sized dot or a thin line on the heatspreader; on large Intel chips an X or a line covers the longer die better.

Do not pre-spread it; let the cooler's mounting pressure distribute it. Another plus: electrically non-conductive, so spills are harmless. On price it sat third of 5, between the cheaper MX-4 with spatula and the pricier MX-6 with cleaner, at the time of writing.

It is neither electrically conductive nor capacitive, which makes it safe for bare GPU dies. It also offers lower thermal resistance than ARCTIC's MX-4, by the maker's measure and a viscosity suited to direct-die GPU and console chips. Clean off old paste with isopropyl alcohol first, then apply a pea-sized dot or a thin line on the heatspreader; on large Intel chips an X or a line covers the longer die better.

Another plus: 4g is enough for several applications. You also get this: electrically non-conductive, so spills are harmless. When we checked, only the MX-7 and cheaper picks cost less, and the MX-6 cost more.

It is the value choice for regular use. It also comes with lower thermal resistance than ARCTIC's MX-4, by the maker's measure and a viscosity suited to direct-die GPU use. Clean off old paste with isopropyl alcohol first, then apply a pea-sized dot or a thin line on the heatspreader; on large Intel chips an X or a line covers the longer die better.

Worth noting: 4g is enough for several applications. It was the most expensive pick when we checked, so weigh what it adds over the MX-6 with cleaner. If tube size is your priority, the MX-4 (4g) is the stronger choice.