I've been using Noctua NT-H1 for years, NT-H2 is out now, no complaints.

Ehh, most of the time I have just used something that came with the cooler. Not like it makes much difference that would actually matter using some expensive stuff like Noctua or Thermal Grizzly.

GC-Extreme, the big ~$20 10g tube seems to last quite a while. There is a 45g tube of MX4 for $20 now, might grab that one since I am getting low...

pretty much any silver based paste is fine

they are not electrically conductive, only thermally conductive

only change the paste if the cpu/gpu die/ihs are separated from the cooler
it does not wear or dry or anything, only cure over time to become more thermally conductive and harder

paste 10+ years old is still fine as long as the cpu and cooler are not separated

MX-4 is decent stuff, used this few times. Never wanted to mess with Arctic Silver though, MX-4 has been plenty good.

Why pasting if you can get a Thermal pad aka Graphen pad and never care about it other then price?

Thermal Grizzly - KryoSheet - Graphen Wärmeleitpad

https://www.amazon.de/Thermal-Grizzly-Conductivity-Alternative-Performance/dp/B0C61Q77B6?__mk_de_DE=%C3%85M%C3%85%C5%BD%C3%95%C3%91&crid=3CE5XS5VHCDH2&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.m0LYFTa-Qvz_wQbB97Pp4GpcFuloFOFQDHZZk31yVstsjDuqLg6PBqvivUEmRrli-E5cZdPU2Qm2UnuRIA3U1Y8CHn7urTBuIkUPCm2iXgthhL3ZlMeGUVK8HQV8aCYPeA8ukP44ZXrKJKtNxHNXWOvp1CHJbydFh98JLW2kUbIMlRLKzoC-dOzQdDFvP_rX6Pd5pKcgfWkNuti3Xk4lPqyfIyj1uuj8k8W3Hhr72Xc.v1CfVZkDepoGgWsVBZ6hWnmqWIX2Q-BkysWpuqf9NaI&dib_tag=se&keywords=THERMAL%2BGRIZZLY&qid=1763410468&sprefix=thermal%2Bgrizzly%2Caps%2C114&sr=8-4&th=1

Just stay far away from anything blended with or uses silicon as the base.

the one you get with your cooler should be fine

honestly, the quality is somewhat secondary to the application.

EDIT but if your looking for recommendations, thermal grizzly is pretty decent

Don't stress over this stuff its all pretty much same, just pick one.

Arctic MX4 is a pretty solid choice. Low price, good quality, spreads easily. There's really no reason to pay more than that for these more "special" pastes.

I see a few comments about the quality. How are we actually measuring that ? Because the machine runs cooler ? Well, you just cleaned it and repasted, (which was probably not needed), so it should be better regardless of paste used. I daresay most only have one machine so can't even run a comparison.

引用自 Carlsberg：

I see a few comments about the quality. How are we actually measuring that ? Because the machine runs cooler ? Well, you just cleaned it and repasted, (which was probably not needed), so it should be better regardless of paste used. I daresay most only have one machine so can't even run a comparison.

Thermal readings, paste consistency, how long it lasts after applying it. There are plenty of reviews and tests done, You don't have to do them yourself to figure out. But it's not even that important.

The important part is that you are getting proper thermal paste fit for purpose, So at the very least get something from a known brand and not some knock off nonsense from temu, who knows what's in them.

be aware even the best paste won't help bad application. If your not over clocking, or benching it 24/7, just about any paste will be sufficient to your needs if applied correctly (if as the above poster stated it from a reputable (and tested) brand). If what your using it (cpu) for doesn't make you consider lapping (sanding the lid) it, the differences in (paste) thermal efficiency is less important. An unlapped CPU/GPU isn't going to see much difference in thermals between el' cheepo and omg Expensive beyond or near margin of error. The differences in thermal efficiency between the various products only really show on a smooth lid. beyond a certain point (assuming a base level of quality as stated earlier). (if you can't see a reflection, your unlikely to have a measurable difference between em)

EDIT some will last longer than others, which really is what you might want to focus on if your looking for a one and done for normal use.

I use ceramic paste and does a really good job.