The Best Thermal Paste in Small Tubes

It is a low-cost option for a CPU or GPU repaste. On tube size it ties with the TFX at 2g. 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 12.8 W/mK conductivity. You also get this: electrically non-conductive, so spills are harmless. It makes the most sense for buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the TF8 EX, since it offers the cheapest way into this group, below the TF8 EX. It cost the least of the 5 picks at the time of writing, with the TF8 EX the next step up.

At this price it is hard to fault for a mainstream build. Thermalright rates it stable from -220°C to 380°C, and it contains no metal particles. Nothing else here matches its 2.9g tube size; the Ceramique 2 comes closest at 2.7g.

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. You also get this: electrically non-conductive, so spills are harmless. On price it sat second of 5, between the cheaper TF7 and the pricier Kryonaut, at the time of writing.

It is enough for one or two large CPUs. On tube size it trails the group at 1g, while the TF8 EX comes in at 2.9g. It also offers a maker claim that it does not dry out at 80°C.

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. When we checked, only the TF8 EX and cheaper picks cost less, and the Ceramique 2 cost more. Tube size is its weakest area, and the TF8 EX covers it better at 2.9g.

The maker claims 2 to 10 degrees lower full-load temperatures compared with typical pastes. Its 2.7g tube size ranks second of 5 here, behind the TF8 EX (2.9g) and ahead of the Kryonaut (1g). It also comes with a compound that will not separate, run or bleed.

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. Its price falls between the Kryonaut and the TFX, based on our last check. Buyers who need a confirmed top rated temperature should compare it with the TF8 EX, which offers 380°C.

The maker admits it is thick and dry, so it takes more effort to apply than most. It lists up to 14.3W/mK conductivity and comes in a syringe, and the maker says it is a little dry to spread. It matches the TF7 on tube size (2g).

It also offers a low-volatility grease built for long service. 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. It was the most expensive pick when we checked, so weigh what it adds over the Ceramique 2.