Which thermal material do I need?
Five types of thermal interface material exist. Each has a specific job. The table below shows which fits your use case.
| Use case | Thermal Paste | Thermal Pads | Thermal Putty | Liquid Metal | Phase Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CPU (desktop, IHS on) | Best | – | – | Advanced | Premium |
| CPU die (delidded) | Yes | – | – | Best | Yes |
| GPU die (main chip) | Best | – | – | Never | Yes |
| GPU VRAM / VRM chips | – | Best | Alternative | Never | – |
| Laptop CPU / GPU die | Yes | – | – | Expert | Yes |
| Laptop VRAM / VRM chips | – | Best | – | Never | – |
| Console (PS5 / Xbox) | Yes | Yes | – | Never | Yes |
| M.2 SSD | – | Best | – | Never | – |
| Irregular / multi-height | – | Sometimes | Best | – | – |
What does my device need?
Quick answers for the most common scenarios.
Desktop CPU repaste
Thermal Paste
Dot method on the IHS. For a premium long-term build, Phase Change is an excellent alternative.
GPU repaste
Paste + Pads
Thermal paste on the GPU die; fresh thermal pads on VRAM and VRM chips. Most GPU repastes need both.
Laptop repaste
Thermal Paste
Paste on the CPU/GPU die. Replace VRAM pads if they are dried out. Phase Change is a solid premium option.
Console (PS5 / Xbox)
Thermal Paste
Standard paste works well. Phase Change is also compatible. Never use liquid metal on consoles; the die is surrounded by SMD components that liquid metal will permanently damage.
M.2 SSD
Thermal Pad
Cut a pad to match the SSD footprint. Check your SSD or heatsink specs for gap thickness before ordering.
Delidded CPU / extreme overclocking
Liquid Metal
Maximum performance. Requires a copper or nickel-plated heatsink and full masking of the socket area. Advanced users only.
Irregular chips / DIY electronics
Thermal Putty
Handles varying component heights without pre-measuring. Mould to shape and it fills every gap.
Detailed comparisons
Still deciding between two options? These pages go deeper.
Thermal Paste vs. Liquid Metal
Performance vs. risk. When the extra degrees are worth the extra care.
Thermal Paste vs. Thermal Pads
Two tools for two different jobs. Why most GPU builds use both.
Thermal Paste vs. Phase Change
Both work on the same surfaces. Which one suits your build?
Thermal Putty vs. Thermal Pads
Both fill gaps. The difference is the shape of what you are cooling.
Ready to order?
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