I'm looking for recommendations on thermal pastes that offer great quality without breaking the bank. Any suggestions?
5 Answers
I've heard great things about Arctic pastes, especially the MX-6 and MX-7. They work well and are pretty affordable. You can snag an 8g tube for around $10, which is a good deal if you need to do multiple applications.
Honestly, for most CPUs, any decent thermal paste like MX-4 or MX-6 should work just fine. If you're working on something like a GPU or a laptop without liquid metal, consider the TPM7950—it’s super effective, especially for those tricky setups.
If you're doing long-term applications, Arctic MX-4 is solid! I just reapplied mine after three years and it was still in good shape. Plus, MX-6 should provide even better longevity!
Be cautious when choosing. The differences in performance between average and high-quality pastes are pretty minor—like 5%—but the price can be way higher. If you're using a good amount, it might be better to invest in something reliable instead of going the cheap route.
I just got a huge tube of GD900 for a steal—way cheaper than the smaller options. It’s thick and lasts longer too, which is a bonus!

Good point! I heard that the TPM7950 performs really well in those scenarios.