Buying Guide
The Best Thermal Pads for GPU
We weighed five GPU thermal pads on rated conductivity and thickness; the Odyssey 2.5mm has the thickest thickness, and the GP-Extreme 1.5mm costs the least.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
Memory and VRM chips on a graphics card sit at different heights, so the pad's thickness matters as much as its conductivity rating. Every pick here lists its thickness and is sold as electrically non-conductive.
Rankings weigh conductivity, thickness and sheet size as the makers state them; we did not test these GPU thermal pads ourselves, and any figure a maker omits is noted as missing.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Also Consider
Thermalright Odyssey Thermal Pad 1mm (85x45mm)
A working range of -40 to 200°C, by the maker's claim.
Best for: Buyers who want working range of -40 to 200°C, by the maker's claim.
Our take Check price for Thermalright Odyssey Thermal Pad 1mm (85x45mm) (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
Thermalright Odyssey Thermal Pad 1.5mm (85x45mm)
A working range of -40 to 200°C, by the maker's claim.
Best for: Buyers who want working range of -40 to 200°C, by the maker's claim.
Our take Check price for Thermalright Odyssey Thermal Pad 1.5mm (85x45mm) (opens in a new tab)
Thickest Pick
Thermalright Odyssey Thermal Pad 2.5mm (85x45mm)
The thickest thickness here (2.5mm).
Best for: Buyers who put thickness first.
Our take Check price for Thermalright Odyssey Thermal Pad 2.5mm (85x45mm) (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
Gelid GP-Extreme Thermal Pad 1.5mm (80x40mm)
The lowest price among these GPU thermal pads at the time of writing.
Best for: Keeping the cost under $50.
Our take Check price for Gelid GP-Extreme Thermal Pad 1.5mm (80x40mm) (opens in a new tab)
Worth a Look
Gelid GP-Extreme Thermal Pad 2.0mm (80x40mm)
A non-corrosive, non-hardening and non-toxic pad.
Best for: Buyers who want non-corrosive, non-hardening and non-toxic pad.
Our take Check price for Gelid GP-Extreme Thermal Pad 2.0mm (80x40mm) (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Also Consider1 of 5
Thermalright Odyssey Thermal Pad 1mm (85x45mm) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
What the Odyssey 1mm brings to the table is a working range of -40 to 200°C, by the maker's claim, plus a sheet that can be cut to fit.
Best for
- Buyers who want working range of -40 to 200°C, by the maker's claim.
Skip if
- Skip it if thickness matters most to you; the Odyssey 2.5mm offers 2.5mm.
Why we like it
It also offers a 12.8 W/mK (maker's figure) rated conductivity and offers a 1mm thickness. It matches the Odyssey 1.5mm and the Odyssey 2.5mm on rated conductivity (12.8 W/mK (maker's figure)). Its 1mm thickness is the thinnest in this group; the Odyssey 2.5mm leads at 2.5mm.
Like the Odyssey 1.5mm and Odyssey 2.5mm, it has an 85 x 45mm sheet size, while the GP-Extreme 1.5mm uses an 80 x 40mm sheet size. It also offers a 9.8kV breakdown voltage. Measure the gap between each memory chip and the cooler, or check a teardown for your exact card, before you pick a thickness; the wrong thickness leaves chips uncooled or bows the PCB.
When we checked, only the GP-Extreme 2mm and cheaper picks cost less, and the Odyssey 1.5mm cost more. Thickness is its weakest area, and the Odyssey 2.5mm covers it better at 2.5mm.
Key dimensions & specs
- Conductivity: 12.8 W/mK (maker's figure)
- Thickness: 1mm
- Sheet size: 85 x 45mm
- Electrically non-conductive: Yes
Pros
- Maker-rated 12.8 W/mK conductivity
- Electrically non-conductive, so contact with nearby parts is safe
- Working range of -40 to 200°C, by the maker's claim
- Sheet that can be cut to fit
Cons
- Thickness trails the Odyssey 2.5mm (2.5mm)
- Costs more than the GP-Extreme 1.5mm at the time of writing
Strong Alternative2 of 5
Thermalright Odyssey Thermal Pad 1.5mm (85x45mm) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
What the Odyssey 1.5mm brings to the table is a working range of -40 to 200°C, by the maker's claim, plus a sheet that can be cut to fit.
Best for
- Buyers who want working range of -40 to 200°C, by the maker's claim.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the GP-Extreme 1.5mm, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It also offers a 12.8 W/mK (maker's figure) rated conductivity and offers a 1.5mm thickness. It matches the Odyssey 1mm and the Odyssey 2.5mm on rated conductivity (12.8 W/mK (maker's figure)). Like the Odyssey 1mm and Odyssey 2.5mm, it has an 85 x 45mm sheet size, while the GP-Extreme 1.5mm uses an 80 x 40mm sheet size.
It also offers a 9.8kV breakdown voltage. Measure the gap between each memory chip and the cooler, or check a teardown for your exact card, before you pick a thickness; the wrong thickness leaves chips uncooled or bows the PCB. This sheet is 1.5mm thick, so it only suits positions where the original pad was about that thickness. When we checked, only the Odyssey 1mm and cheaper picks cost less, and the Odyssey 2.5mm cost more.
Key dimensions & specs
- Conductivity: 12.8 W/mK (maker's figure)
- Thickness: 1.5mm
- Sheet size: 85 x 45mm
- Electrically non-conductive: Yes
Pros
- Maker-rated 12.8 W/mK conductivity
- Electrically non-conductive, so contact with nearby parts is safe
- Working range of -40 to 200°C, by the maker's claim
- Sheet that can be cut to fit
Cons
- Costs more than the GP-Extreme 1.5mm at the time of writing
Thickest Pick3 of 5
Thermalright Odyssey Thermal Pad 2.5mm (85x45mm) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Odyssey 2.5mm stands out for a working range of -40 to 200°C, by the maker's claim, and it adds a sheet that can be cut to fit.
Best for
- Buyers who put thickness first.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the GP-Extreme 1.5mm cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It also offers a 12.8 W/mK (maker's figure) rated conductivity and offers a 2.5mm thickness. On rated conductivity it ties with the Odyssey 1mm and the Odyssey 1.5mm at 12.8 W/mK (maker's figure). Its 2.5mm thickness is the thickest here; the GP-Extreme 2mm comes next at 2mm.
It shares an 85 x 45mm sheet size with the Odyssey 1mm and Odyssey 1.5mm; the GP-Extreme 2mm goes with an 80 x 40mm sheet size. It also comes with a 9.8kV breakdown voltage. Measure the gap between each memory chip and the cooler, or check a teardown for your exact card, before you pick a thickness; the wrong thickness leaves chips uncooled or bows the PCB.
This sheet is 2.5mm thick, so it only suits positions where the original pad was about that thickness. It was the most expensive pick when we checked, so weigh what it adds over the Odyssey 1.5mm.
Key dimensions & specs
- Conductivity: 12.8 W/mK (maker's figure)
- Thickness: 2.5mm
- Sheet size: 85 x 45mm
- Electrically non-conductive: Yes
Pros
- Maker-rated 12.8 W/mK conductivity
- Electrically non-conductive, so contact with nearby parts is safe
- Working range of -40 to 200°C, by the maker's claim
- Sheet that can be cut to fit
Cons
- Costs more than the GP-Extreme 1.5mm at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here4 of 5
Gelid GP-Extreme Thermal Pad 1.5mm (80x40mm) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
What the GP-Extreme 1.5mm brings to the table is a non-corrosive, non-hardening and non-toxic pad, plus six thickness options from 0.5mm to 3.0mm.
Best for
- Keeping the cost under $50.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when rated conductivity of 12 W/mK (maker's figure), behind the Odyssey 1mm (12.8 W/mK (maker's figure)) is a problem.
Why we like it
It also offers a 12 W/mK (maker's figure) rated conductivity and offers a 1.5mm thickness. It shares an 80 x 40mm sheet size with the GP-Extreme 2mm; the Odyssey 2.5mm goes with an 85 x 45mm sheet size. It also offers a size aimed at VGA cards, laptops and memory ICs.
Measure the gap between each memory chip and the cooler, or check a teardown for your exact card, before you pick a thickness; the wrong thickness leaves chips uncooled or bows the PCB. This sheet is 1.5mm thick, so it only suits positions where the original pad was about that thickness. It undercut the GP-Extreme 2mm and every other pick on price at the time of writing. The main gap: rated conductivity of 12 W/mK (maker's figure), behind the Odyssey 1mm (12.8 W/mK (maker's figure)). If that matters, the Odyssey 1mm offers 12.8 W/mK (maker's figure).
Key dimensions & specs
- Conductivity: 12 W/mK (maker's figure)
- Thickness: 1.5mm
- Sheet size: 80 x 40mm
- Electrically non-conductive: Yes
Pros
- Maker-rated 12 W/mK conductivity
- Electrically non-conductive, so contact with nearby parts is safe
- Non-corrosive, non-hardening and non-toxic pad
- Six thickness options from 0.5mm to 3.0mm
Cons
- Rated conductivity of 12 W/mK (maker's figure), behind the Odyssey 1mm (12.8 W/mK (maker's figure))
Worth a Look5 of 5
Gelid GP-Extreme Thermal Pad 2.0mm (80x40mm) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The GP-Extreme 2mm is built around a non-corrosive, non-hardening and non-toxic pad, with six thickness options from 0.5mm to 3.0mm on top.
Best for
- Buyers who want non-corrosive, non-hardening and non-toxic pad.
Skip if
- Skip it if rated conductivity matters most to you; the Odyssey 1mm (12.8 W/mK offers maker's figure).
Why we like it
On the spec sheet, it offers a 12 W/mK (maker's figure) rated conductivity and offers a 2mm thickness. Its 2mm thickness ranks second of 5 here, behind the Odyssey 2.5mm (2.5mm) and ahead of the Odyssey 1mm (1mm). Like the GP-Extreme 1.5mm, it has an 80 x 40mm sheet size, while the Odyssey 1mm uses an 85 x 45mm sheet size.
It also comes with a size aimed at VGA cards, laptops and memory ICs. Measure the gap between each memory chip and the cooler, or check a teardown for your exact card, before you pick a thickness; the wrong thickness leaves chips uncooled or bows the PCB. This sheet is 2mm thick, so it only suits positions where the original pad was about that thickness.
When we checked, only the GP-Extreme 1.5mm cost less, and the Odyssey 1mm cost more. Rated conductivity is its weakest area, and the Odyssey 1mm covers it better at 12.8 W/mK (maker's figure).
Key dimensions & specs
- Conductivity: 12 W/mK (maker's figure)
- Thickness: 2mm
- Sheet size: 80 x 40mm
- Electrically non-conductive: Yes
Pros
- Maker-rated 12 W/mK conductivity
- Electrically non-conductive, so contact with nearby parts is safe
- Non-corrosive, non-hardening and non-toxic pad
- Six thickness options from 0.5mm to 3.0mm
Cons
- Rated conductivity trails the Odyssey 1mm (12.8 W/mK (maker's figure))
- Costs more than the GP-Extreme 1.5mm at the time of writing
How We Chose These Thermal Pads for GPU
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- The figures behind the order
- We compared five thermal pads on rated conductivity, thickness, sheet size and electrically non-conductive as the makers state them. These are research figures, not bench results, and every compared field is stated for all 5 picks.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the Odyssey 1mm to the GP-Extreme 2mm, state rated conductivity, thickness and sheet size and share electrically non-conductive.
- Who each pick suits
- The Odyssey 1mm for a working range of -40 to 200°C, by the maker's claim; the Odyssey 1.5mm for a working range of -40 to 200°C, by the maker's claim; the Odyssey 2.5mm for the thickest thickness here (2.5mm).
- Price range
- From the GP-Extreme 1.5mm to the Odyssey 2.5mm, all sat in the under $50 tier when we checked.
What to Look for in a Thermal Pad for GPU
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
How much rated conductivity you need
The Odyssey 1mm tops rated conductivity at 12.8 W/mK (maker's figure) and the GP-Extreme 2mm sits lowest at 12 W/mK (maker's figure); 3 picks share the top figure. Start with the Odyssey 1mm if rated conductivity decides it.
Thickness
Here thickness runs from 1mm on the Odyssey 1mm to 2.5mm on the Odyssey 2.5mm, a 150% spread. For less, the GP-Extreme 2mm is the runner-up at 2mm.
Electrically non-conductive
The Odyssey 1mm, the Odyssey 1.5mm, the Odyssey 2.5mm, the GP-Extreme 1.5mm and the GP-Extreme 2mm have it.
Extras that separate them
The Odyssey 1mm: a sheet that can be cut to fit. The GP-Extreme 1.5mm: six thickness options from 0.5mm to 3.0mm.
Budget
All 5 sat in the under $50 tier when we checked, from the GP-Extreme 1.5mm at the low end to the Odyssey 2.5mm at the top, so decide on features first.
How to Choose a Thermal Pad for GPU
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who want working range of -40 to 200°C, by the maker's claim | Odyssey 1mm | A working range of -40 to 200°C, by the maker's claim |
| Buyers who want working range of -40 to 200°C, by the maker's claim | Odyssey 1.5mm | A working range of -40 to 200°C, by the maker's claim |
| Buyers who put thickness first | Odyssey 2.5mm | The thickest thickness here (2.5mm) |
| Keeping the cost under $50 | GP-Extreme 1.5mm | The lowest price among these GPU thermal pads at the time of writing |
| Buyers who want non-corrosive, non-hardening and non-toxic pad | GP-Extreme 2mm | A non-corrosive, non-hardening and non-toxic pad |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Odyssey 1mm leads on rated conductivity at 12.8 W/mK (maker's figure), ahead of the Odyssey 1.5mm at 12.8 W/mK (maker's figure).
| Thermal Pad | Conductivity | Thickness | Sheet size | Electrically non-conductive |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Odyssey 1mm | 12.8 W/mK (maker's figure) | 1mm | 85 x 45mm | Yes |
| Odyssey 1.5mm | 12.8 W/mK (maker's figure) | 1.5mm | 85 x 45mm | Yes |
| Odyssey 2.5mm | 12.8 W/mK (maker's figure) | 2.5mm | 85 x 45mm | Yes |
| GP-Extreme 1.5mm | 12 W/mK (maker's figure) | 1.5mm | 80 x 40mm | Yes |
| GP-Extreme 2mm | 12 W/mK (maker's figure) | 2mm | 80 x 40mm | Yes |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the GP-Extreme 2mm compare with the Odyssey 2.5mm on thickness?
Between the top two, it is 2.5mm on the Odyssey 2.5mm against 2mm on the GP-Extreme 2mm, a 25% difference. The Odyssey 1mm is at the other end of this group with 1mm.
What does the Odyssey 2.5mm add over the GP-Extreme 1.5mm?
On paper it adds rated conductivity (12.8 W/mK (maker's figure) against 12 W/mK (maker's figure)) and thickness (2.5mm against 1.5mm). Both sat in the under $50 tier when we checked, so the gains in rated conductivity and thickness cost little extra by tier.
Why is the Odyssey 2.5mm our Thickest Pick?
It earns the label for the thickest thickness here (2.5mm). On thickness it leads the GP-Extreme 2mm, 2.5mm against 2mm, a 25% margin. It suits anyone who puts thickness first.
Do the Odyssey 1mm and the GP-Extreme 1.5mm differ on sheet size?
The Odyssey 1mm, the Odyssey 1.5mm and the Odyssey 2.5mm use 85 x 45mm; the GP-Extreme 1.5mm and the GP-Extreme 2mm use 80 x 40mm.
What extras do the Odyssey 1mm and the Odyssey 1.5mm include?
The Odyssey 1mm: a working range of -40 to 200°C, by the maker's claim. The Odyssey 1.5mm: a working range of -40 to 200°C, by the maker's claim. The Odyssey 2.5mm: a working range of -40 to 200°C, by the maker's claim.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Odyssey 1mm, chosen for a working range of -40 to 200°C, by the maker's claim. Look at the Odyssey 1.5mm for a working range of -40 to 200°C, by the maker's claim, the Odyssey 2.5mm for the thickest thickness here (2.5mm) and the GP-Extreme 1.5mm for the lowest price among these GPU thermal pads at the time of writing if those matter more to you.
Measure the old pads or look up a teardown of your exact card before buying, because the wrong thickness can leave memory uncooled.