Thermal paste is an indispensable thermal interface material within the heat dissipation systems of electronic devices. Its primary function is to fill the microscopic air gaps between chips-such as CPUs and GPUs-and their respective heat sinks. By reducing thermal contact resistance and enhancing thermal conductivity, it effectively regulates the operating temperatures of electronic components, thereby preventing performance degradation or hardware damage caused by overheating.
1. Thermal Paste: Core Functions and Working Principles
Thermal paste (also known as thermal grease) is essentially a highly thermally conductive, electrically insulating silicone-based composite material. It is formulated by incorporating thermally conductive fillers-such as aluminum oxide, boron nitride, or silver powder-into a silicone oil matrix. While air possesses a thermal conductivity of only approximately 0.02 W/m·K, high-quality thermal paste can achieve values ranging from 1.0 to over 17.5 W/m·K, significantly improving the efficiency of heat transfer from the chip to the heat sink.
Key Point: Thermal paste does not actively "dissipate" heat itself; rather, it acts as a "thermal bridge" to eliminate the insulating air layer between metal contact surfaces, thereby enabling the heat sink to perform its intended function effectively.
2. COXBYTE TG-30: A High-Performance Product Recommendation
If you are seeking an efficient cooling solution for a high-performance computer (such as a system equipped with an RTX 4090 graphics card or a high-end CPU), consider products featuring high thermal conductivity:
COXBYTE TG-30: Boasting a thermal conductivity of up to 17.5 W/m·K, this 2.2-gram package is specifically designed for gaming laptops and high-end desktop PCs, effectively addressing the thermal management challenges posed by high-power-consumption chips.
COXBYTE TG-25: With a thermal conductivity of 13.8 W/m·K, this 2-gram package offers exceptional value for money, making it an ideal choice for routine system upgrades and maintenance. COXBYTE Thermal Paste (CPU/GPU Cooling Compound) TG-30 (2.2g "Wukong" Extended Edition / Conductivity 17.5) - High-Tech Cooling Solution for RTX 4090 Gaming Graphics Cards
3. Supercooling GT-1: A Practical Choice
For average users or those handling batch maintenance tasks, mid-range products offer a more practical solution:
Supercooling GT-1: An 8g large-capacity package priced at just 26.9 RMB. It is ideal for maintaining multiple devices, offers stable thermal conductivity, and is suitable for use with mainstream CPUs and graphics cards.
Supercooling GT-3: Features a thermal conductivity of 12.8 W/m·K. Available in a 2g package, it is suitable for users with specific requirements regarding thermal dissipation performance.
Supercooling Official Flagship Store (JD.com)
4. NVV NT-11: A Large-Capacity Professional Choice
If you frequently perform computer cleaning and thermal paste replacement services, or require a supply for long-term use, the NVV NT-11 offers a 20g package with a thermal conductivity of 11 W/m·K. While not a top-tier performer, its significant advantage lies in its large volume and extremely low unit cost, making it an excellent choice for professional workshops or DIY enthusiasts.
Usage Tips and Precautions
Application Principle: Thinner is better. Generally, a pea-sized amount is sufficient; applying too much will actually increase thermal resistance.
Replacement Cycle: It is recommended to replace the thermal paste once every 2 to 3 years. In environments involving prolonged high-temperature operation, replacement should be performed more frequently.
Storage Conditions: Store in a sealed container in a cool, dark place (below 25°C) to prevent the silicone oil from evaporating, which could compromise performance.
Safety Note: Standard thermal paste is an electrically insulating material; however, avoid direct contact with circuit pins to prevent contamination.
