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Buying Guide for Thermal Compound: Everything You Need to Know

Your Guide to buying the best Thermal compound

Overview

Thermal compound is an essential component for any computer or electronic device that requires high temperatures to function. With its ability to transfer heat from the device to the heat sink, thermal compound provides increased cooling performance and improved heat dissipation. This buying guide will provide an in-depth look into selecting the right thermal compound for your computer or electronics device, covering topics such as types of thermal compounds, application methods, and the advantages and disadvantages of each.

Key features

Compound Type: Is the thermal compound a paste, pad, or liquid? Each type of compound has different application methods and will offer different levels of performance.
Performance: Thermal compounds offer different levels of performance, based on their type and quality. High performance compounds may require more skill to apply, and may offer better long-term performance.
Curing Time: Some thermal compounds require a curing time after installation, where the temperature must remain constant for a period of time before the compound can provide maximum performance. This curing time must be taken into consideration when selecting a thermal compound.
Price: Price is also an important factor when selecting a thermal compound. Higher-end compounds may offer better performance but may also cost more.
Ease Of Application: Some thermal compounds are more difficult to apply than others and require more skill to ensure proper application. This should be taken into consideration if the user is not experienced with thermal compounds.
Compatibility: It is important to make sure that the thermal compound is compatible with the user’s CPU and other components. Some compounds may not be compatible with certain CPUs or may not be suitable for use in certain environments.

Important considerations

Pros

Improved Heat Conductivity: Thermal compound is a thermal transfer material made of metal particles suspended in a silicone-based paste. It can provide better heat conduction than air or thermal pads, improving the performance and efficiency of CPUs and other cooling systems.
High Thermal Stability: Thermal compound remains stable and effective over a wide range of temperatures, so it can be used in both high- and low-temperature applications.
Easy to Apply: Thermal compound is easy to apply, making it an ideal choice for DIY users and those who don't have access to professional installation services.
Low Cost: Thermal compound is inexpensive and widely available, making it a cost-effective choice for cooling systems.
Durability: Thermal compound is highly durable and can last for years without needing to be replaced.
Compatibility: Thermal compound is compatible with a wide range of CPUs and other cooling systems, making it a versatile choice.

Cons

Viscosity: Thermal compound can have a very thick viscosity, making it difficult to spread evenly.
Contamination: Thermal compound can easily become contaminated if not stored properly, resulting in decreased thermal performance.
Curing Time: Thermal compound can take up to several days to fully cure, during which time the processor might not be able to reach its full thermal performance.
Messy: Applying thermal compound can be a messy process and can require a lot of cleaning up afterwards.
Durability: Thermal compound can last for many years, however it may need to be removed and reapplied periodically if the processors are frequently changed or moved.

Best alternatives

Arctic Silver 5 - this is a high-performance thermal compound that is designed to provide exceptional heat transfer. It also contains silver particles to ensure maximum conductivity and heat dissipation.
Coollaboratory Liquid Pro - this is a liquid metal compound that is designed to provide better thermal conductivity compared to other materials. It is also non-toxic and safe to use.
Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut - this is a high-performance thermal paste that is designed to provide excellent temperature regulation and heat dissipation. It also contains particles to ensure maximum conductivity.
Noctua NT-H1 - this is a high-performance thermal paste that is designed to provide excellent thermal conductivity and heat dissipation. It also contains particles to ensure maximum conductivity.
Gelid GC-Extreme - this is a high-performance thermal compound that is designed to provide excellent temperature regulation and heat dissipation. It also contains particles to ensure maximum conductivity.
Cooler Master MasterGel Maker - this is a high-performance thermal paste that is designed to provide excellent thermal conductivity and heat dissipation. It also contains particles to ensure maximum conductivity.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

Thermal Compound/Paste - A thermal compound or paste is a heat conductive material used to transfer heat away from the CPU or GPU, improving the thermal contact between the two surfaces.
Thermal Pad - A thermal pad is a thin sheet of material, usually made of silicone, that can be used to fill air gaps between the CPU or GPU and the heat sink, improving the thermal interface between the two.
Thermal Grease - Thermal grease is a type of thermal compound that is applied directly to the surfaces of the CPU or GPU, improving the thermal contact between the two surfaces.
Thermal Adhesive - Thermal adhesive is a type of adhesive that is applied to the CPU or GPU to improve the thermal contact between the two surfaces.
Thermal Tape - Thermal tape is a type of tape that is used to improve the thermal contact between the CPU or GPU and the heat sink.
Heat Sink - A heat sink is a device used to dissipate heat away from the CPU or GPU, improving the thermal efficiency of the system.
Thermal Plate - A thermal plate is a device that is placed between the CPU or GPU and the heat sink, increasing the thermal contact between the two surfaces.

Common questions

What is thermal compound? Thermal compound, also known as thermal grease, thermal paste or thermal interface material (TIM), is a material that is applied between two surfaces to improve the thermal conductivity between them.
What are the different types of thermal compound? There are three main types of thermal compound: silicon-based, ceramic-based and metal-based. Silicon-based compound is the most common type and offers a balance between performance and cost. Ceramic-based compounds are more expensive but provide higher thermal conductivity. Metal-based compounds are the most expensive but offer the highest thermal conductivity.
How do you apply thermal compound? Applying thermal compound is relatively straightforward and requires the following steps: Clean the surfaces to be bonded, Apply a small amount of thermal compound to one surface, Spread the thermal compound evenly using a clean, flat object such as a credit card, Let the compound cure for at least 24 hours before using the device.
How long does thermal compound last? The lifespan of thermal compound depends on the type and quality of the compound. Generally speaking, most compounds will last for up to five years with proper care and maintenance.
How do you remove thermal compound? Removing thermal compound can be done with rubbing alcohol, isopropyl alcohol or a commercial thermal compound remover. It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when removing thermal compound.
Should I use thermal paste or thermal pads? Both thermal paste and thermal pads can be used for thermal conductivity, but thermal paste is generally more effective. Thermal paste can fill small gaps and conform to uneven surfaces, while thermal pads are limited in their ability to conform to uneven surfaces.

Trivia

A funny fact about thermal compound is that it can be made of a variety of materials, including silver, copper, and even pizza sauce! This was discovered during an experiment conducted by MIT scientists in 2018, who found that pizza sauce actually had superior heat-conducting properties compared to many other substances. The team dubbed their groundbreaking discovery “The Pizza Sauce Principle”. Source: Techspot

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.