Quick answer: For most people in 2026, the best thermal paste with high conductivity is the Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut (1g) — our #1 rated choice. See the full ranked comparison, alternatives and buying advice below.
Top Thermal Paste High Conductivity Picks for 2026
Here are our current top thermal paste high conductivity picks, compared on real Amazon owner reviews, price, and features. Live prices update below.
Thermal paste fills the microscopic gaps between your CPU or GPU and its cooler so heat transfers efficiently, and high conductivity is the spec that describes how well a paste moves that heat — measured in watts per metre-kelvin (W/mK), where higher is better. The honest complication is that the industry has become inconsistent about publishing this number: Thermal Grizzly markets a high W/mK figure for its Kryonaut paste, while Arctic and Noctua have deliberately stopped quoting W/mK because they argue the marketing figure does not reflect real-world performance. So this guide leads with the highest published-conductivity pick, then ranks trusted performers, and is upfront about where a W/mK number simply is not advertised.
Our picks were chosen on thermal performance, ease of application, longevity and value, and they are all standard non-conductive ceramic/metal-oxide pastes — none here is liquid metal, which we treat as a separate, riskier category noted in the guide below. Prices run from around $5 up to around $9. Below is an at-a-glance comparison ordered to put conductivity first, then a closer look at each paste and a buyer’s guide built around conductivity, application and the realistic difference a few degrees makes.
Best High-Conductivity Thermal Paste at a Glance
| Thermal Paste | Best For | Conductivity & Standout Spec | Approx Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut (1g) | Highest published W/mK | Marketed high W/mK, enthusiast favourite | around $9 |
| ARCTIC MX-4 (4g) | Best all-round value | W/mK not published; proven performer | around $9 |
| ARCTIC MX-4 (8g) | Best value in bulk | W/mK not published; large 8g tube | around $7 |
| ARCTIC MX-4 + Spatula (4g) | Easy first application | W/mK not published; includes spatula | around $5 |
| Noctua NT-H1 (3.5g) | Long-life reliability | W/mK not published; pro-grade compound | around $9 |
| Corsair TM30 (3g) | Low thermal impedance | Low impedance CPU/GPU paste | around $8 |
1. Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut – 1 Gram – Extremely High Performance Thermal Paste
Prime Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut - 1 Gram - Extremly High Performance Thermal Paste - for Demanding Applications and Overclocking CPU/GPU/PS4/PS5/Xbox
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated.
The Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut is our lead pick precisely because of this keyword: it is the paste here that publishes the highest thermal-conductivity figure and built its reputation as an enthusiast and overclocking favourite. Thermal Grizzly markets a high W/mK rating, and Kryonaut is widely used by people chasing the lowest possible temperatures, from extreme overclockers to careful builders. At around $9 for a 1-gram tube it is priced as a premium, performance-first compound.
This is the paste to choose when maximum rated conductivity and a strong performance reputation are the priority. It is engineered to stay stable under high heat, which is why it is popular for overclocked CPUs and demanding GPUs, and it applies cleanly as a standard non-conductive paste with none of the risk of liquid metal. If you specifically want the highest published-W/mK option on this list and are happy to pay a little more for an enthusiast staple, the Kryonaut is the clear standout and the right place to start.
Pros: Highest published thermal conductivity here, enthusiast/overclocking favourite, stable under heat, non-conductive.
Cons: Premium price per gram; small 1g tube suits one or two applications.
2. ARCTIC MX-4 (4 g) – Premium Performance Thermal Paste for All Processors
Prime ARCTIC MX-4 (4 g) - Premium Performance Thermal Paste for All Processors (CPU, GPU - PC, PS4, Xbox), Very high Thermal Conductivity, Long Durability, Safe Application, Non-Conductive, Non-capacitive
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated.
The ARCTIC MX-4 is the best all-round value pick, and here we have to be honest about the spec: Arctic no longer publishes a W/mK figure for MX-4, arguing the marketing number does not reflect real-world results. What MX-4 does have is one of the strongest reputations in the business — it is a go-to recommendation precisely because it performs within a hair of pricier pastes while being easy to apply and long-lasting. At around $9 for 4 grams it is a sensible default for almost any build.
This is the paste to choose when you want near-top performance without fixating on a published conductivity number. MX-4 is non-conductive and safe, spreads smoothly without curing time, and holds up for years, which is why it is so widely recommended for CPUs and GPUs alike. It will not claim the headline W/mK figure of the Kryonaut, but in practice the temperature difference between good modern pastes is small — and MX-4’s blend of performance, ease and value is hard to beat.
Pros: Excellent real-world performance, non-conductive and safe, easy application, long life, great value.
Cons: Arctic does not publish a W/mK figure; not marketed on conductivity numbers.
3. ARCTIC MX-4 (8 g) – Premium Performance Thermal Paste for All Processors
Prime ARCTIC MX-4 (8 g) - Premium Performance Thermal Paste for All Processors (CPU, GPU - PC), Very high Thermal Conductivity, Long Durability, Safe Application, Non-Conductive
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated.
The ARCTIC MX-4 8-gram tube is the bulk-value pick, the same acclaimed MX-4 compound in a larger quantity for people who reapply often. As with the 4g version, Arctic does not publish a W/mK number for it — the case for MX-4 rests on its proven, near-top real-world performance rather than a marketing figure. At around $7 the 8g tube is outstanding value per gram for anyone doing multiple builds or repastes.
This is the paste to choose if you build or service PCs regularly, mount and remount coolers often, or simply want a big supply of a trusted compound on hand. The 8g tube covers many applications at a low cost per use, MX-4’s non-conductive formula is safe and easy to spread, and its longevity means each application lasts. For a high-performing, no-drama paste bought in quantity, the 8g MX-4 is the smart, economical option — just note, like its sibling, it is not sold on a published conductivity spec.
Pros: Same proven MX-4 compound in 8g, best cost per gram here, non-conductive, easy to apply.
Cons: No published W/mK figure; large tube is overkill for a single build.
4. ARCTIC MX-4 (incl. Spatula, 4 g) – Premium Performance Thermal Paste
Prime ARCTIC MX-4 (incl. Spatula, 4 g) - Premium Performance Thermal Paste for All Processors (CPU, GPU - PC), Very high Thermal Conductivity, Long Durability, Safe Application
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated.
This ARCTIC MX-4 4-gram bundle adds an application spatula, making it the easiest first-application pick for newcomers. It is the same well-regarded MX-4 compound — for which, in keeping with our honesty rule, Arctic publishes no W/mK figure — with a small tool to help you spread an even layer if you prefer not to use the dot-and-mount method. At around $5 it is the lowest-priced MX-4 option here.
This is the paste to choose for a first build or a nervous repaste, where the included spatula takes some guesswork out of getting an even, thin layer. You get MX-4’s safe, non-conductive formula and dependable real-world performance, plus the convenience of a spreading tool, at the most affordable price in the MX-4 family on this list. As an easy, beginner-friendly introduction to a trusted high-performance paste, this bundle is an excellent starting point — with the same caveat that it is not marketed on conductivity numbers.
Pros: Includes a spatula for easy even spreading, proven MX-4 compound, non-conductive, lowest MX-4 price here.
Cons: No published W/mK figure; spatula method is optional, not essential.
5. Noctua NT-H1 3.5g, Pro-Grade Thermal Compound Paste
Prime Noctua NT-H1 3.5g, Pro-Grade Thermal Compound Paste (3.5g)
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated.
The Noctua NT-H1 is the long-life reliability pick, a pro-grade compound from a brand synonymous with cooling. Like Arctic, Noctua chooses not to publish a W/mK figure for NT-H1, instead pointing to its proven track record — it is famous for excellent real-world performance, very easy application and outstanding longevity, often holding up for years without needing a repaste. At around $9 for 3.5 grams it is a trusted, set-and-forget choice.
This is the paste to choose when you value reliability and easy, fuss-free application as much as raw numbers. NT-H1 is non-conductive and forgiving to apply, requires no cure time, and stays stable for a long service life, which is why Noctua bundles it with its premium coolers. It is not sold on a headline conductivity figure, and in practice it sits right alongside the other top pastes here on temperatures. For a dependable, long-lasting compound from a cooling specialist, the NT-H1 is a reassuring, high-quality pick.
Pros: Outstanding longevity, very easy and forgiving application, non-conductive, pro-grade reputation.
Cons: No published W/mK figure; performance is proven by reputation, not a spec sheet.
6. Corsair TM30 Performance Thermal Paste – Ultra-Low Thermal Impedance CPU/GPU
Prime Corsair TM30 Performance Thermal Paste | Ultra-Low Thermal Impedance CPU/GPU | 3 Grams|w/applicator, Silver for Desktop
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated.
Rounding out the list is the Corsair TM30, which approaches the conductivity question from a slightly different angle. Rather than leading with a W/mK figure, Corsair markets the TM30 on its ultra-low thermal impedance — essentially how little resistance it adds to heat flow between the chip and cooler — for CPUs and GPUs. At around $8 for a 3-gram tube it is a competitively priced option from a major PC-hardware brand.
This is the paste to choose if you are already invested in Corsair’s ecosystem or simply want a capable, fairly priced compound from a familiar name. The TM30 is a standard non-conductive paste, so it applies safely without the risk of liquid metal, and its low-impedance formulation is designed for efficient heat transfer on modern hardware. It is described in impedance terms rather than a published W/mK number, which is a reminder that conductivity is only one way to express performance — for a solid, brand-backed paste at a fair price, the TM30 rounds out the list well.
Pros: Low thermal impedance formula, non-conductive, brand-backed, fair price for 3g.
Cons: Marketed on impedance rather than a W/mK figure; reputation is newer than the staples.
How to Choose High-Conductivity Thermal Paste
The honest first lesson when shopping for high-conductivity thermal paste is that the published W/mK figure is a less reliable guide than it sounds. Thermal conductivity (watts per metre-kelvin) does describe how well a paste moves heat, and on this list the Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut leads on its marketed figure. But major brands including Arctic (MX-4) and Noctua (NT-H1) have deliberately stopped publishing W/mK, arguing the number is measured in ways that do not translate to real builds. So use the spec to shortlist, but do not assume the highest advertised number guarantees the lowest temperature.
What matters almost as much is the realistic size of the difference. Between good modern non-conductive pastes — which is every option here — the real-world temperature gap is typically only a degree or two on a well-mounted cooler. That means application quality, contact pressure and your cooler matter as much as the paste itself. Chase the highest published conductivity, like the Kryonaut, if you are overclocking and squeezing out every degree; otherwise a proven all-rounder like MX-4 or NT-H1 will perform within a whisker for less stress.
Application and safety are the next consideration, and here the standard pastes on this list have a real advantage. Every pick here is a non-conductive ceramic or metal-oxide compound, which means a stray smear will not short out your board. That is worth stressing because the next tier up — liquid metal — can offer higher conductivity but is electrically conductive, can corrode bare aluminium, and demands meticulous, experienced application. For most builders the small thermal gain is not worth the risk, so we have kept this list to safe, easy-to-apply pastes and treat liquid metal as a separate, advanced choice.
Finally, weigh quantity, longevity and value. A small 1g tube like the Kryonaut is fine for one or two applications, while a larger MX-4 4g or 8g tube suits builders who repaste often and lowers the cost per use. Longevity matters too: compounds like NT-H1 and MX-4 are known for staying effective for years. Decide whether you want the highest published conductivity for overclocking or a trusted, easy all-rounder, match the tube size to how often you build, and pick the paste on this list that fits — remembering that good application on a good cooler matters more than the last fraction of a W/mK.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which thermal paste here has the highest conductivity?
On published figures, the Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut leads — it is marketed with a high W/mK rating and is an enthusiast and overclocking favourite, which is why we ranked it first for this keyword. Be aware, though, that other top brands like Arctic (MX-4) and Noctua (NT-H1) deliberately do not publish W/mK numbers, so a direct spec comparison is not possible across all of them. In real builds the difference between these good pastes is small.
Why don’t Arctic and Noctua publish a W/mK number for their paste?
Both brands have stated that the W/mK figure is measured under conditions that do not reflect real-world use, so they consider it misleading marketing and have stopped quoting it. Instead they let MX-4 and NT-H1 stand on their proven real-world performance and reputation. It is an honest position, and in practice both pastes perform right alongside compounds that do advertise high conductivity numbers.
Should I use liquid metal for even higher conductivity?
For most people, no. Liquid metal can offer higher conductivity than the standard pastes on this list, but it is electrically conductive (so a spill can short components), can corrode bare aluminium, and requires careful, experienced application. Every paste here is a safe, non-conductive compound, and the few degrees liquid metal might save are rarely worth the risk unless you are an experienced enthusiast with the right setup.
How much does high-conductivity paste actually lower temperatures?
Less than the marketing suggests. Between good modern non-conductive pastes — like all six here — the real-world difference is usually only a degree or two when the cooler is mounted well. Your cooler, the contact pressure and a clean, even application matter as much as the paste’s rated conductivity. Buy a quality paste, apply it properly, and you have captured the vast majority of the benefit.
Related Guides
- Best CPU Coolers
- Best AIO Liquid Coolers
- Best CPUs for Gaming
- Best PC Cases for Airflow
- Best Case Fans
- Best Budget Gaming Setup
Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. If you click a link and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Prices and availability are accurate as of publication and may change.
