Top Arctic Thermal Pastes for Peak PC Performance

The best Best Arctic Thermal Paste for PC is the MX-4 (4 g) Premium Performance Thermal. It’s the only one here that combines a proven track record with an easy-to-apply consistency that works for beginners and pros alike. You don’t need to overthink it.

Want maximum thermal performance instead? The MX-7 (8 g) gets you there, as long as you’re comfortable with a slightly thicker paste. That trade-off buys you a few extra degrees of headroom for overclocking.

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This guide tells you exactly what to look for, and we’ll also cover who should skip this category entirely. If you’re just upgrading a laptop or using a pre-applied pad, you might not need a tube at all.

Everything below comes from current Amazon product data, specs and each product’s owner track record, not hands-on lab testing. The goal is to help you pick the right tube without wasting money.

Quick Answer: The Best Arctic Thermal Paste for PC

The MX-4 (4 g) Premium Performance Thermal is our top pick for most builders. Here’s the full lineup in rank order:

• MX-4 (4 g) Premium Performance Thermal (Best Overall for Everyday Builds): Proven reliability and easy application.
• MX-6 (8 g) Ultimate Performance Thermal (Best for High-End Chips): Higher thermal conductivity for demanding CPUs.
• MX-7 (8 g) Ultimate Performance Thermal (Best Peak Performance): Latest formulation with top thermal conductivity.
• MX-7 (4 g incl MX-Cleaner) Ultimate (Best Beginner Kit): Includes cleaner for first-time application.
• MX-4 (4 g) Premium Performance Thermal (Best Value for Multiple Builds): Same great paste at a budget-friendly price per gram.

Thinking about skipping paste altogether? Jump to Who Should NOT Buy below before you spend anything.

Comparison Table

Here’s the lineup at a glance: photo, product, who it’s built for, and our /10 score.

Photo	Product	Best for	Score	Buy
	MX-4 (4 g) Premium Performance Thermal	Best Overall for Everyday Builds	8.8/10	Check price →
	MX-6 (8 g) Ultimate Performance Thermal	Best for High-End CPUs & GPUs	8.5/10	Check price →
	MX-7 (8 g) Ultimate Performance Thermal	Best Peak Performance for Enthusiasts	9.2/10	Check price →
	MX-7 (4 g incl MX-Cleaner) Ultimate	Best Beginner Kit with Cleaner	9.0/10	Check price →
	MX-4 (4 g) Premium Performance Thermal	Best Value for Multiple Builds	8.6/10	Check price →

Scroll sideways on small screens to see every column.

MX-4 (4 g) Premium Performance Thermal: Best Overall for Everyday Builds

#1

MX-4 (4 g) Premium Performance Thermal

MX-4Proven, easy to apply

8.8OUT OF 10

Thermal Conductivity8.5

Ease of Application9.5

Longevity8.0

Value9.0

This is the go-to thermal paste for builders who want a no-fuss solution that just works. Its consistency is almost creamy, spreading easily without being too runny. Aggregated user reviews rate it 4.8/5 across thousands of builds, from Intel i5s to Ryzen 7s.

You get a 4g tube with a spatula, enough for two or three standard CPU applications. The paste is non-conductive, so you don’t have to panic if a tiny bit squeezes out onto the socket pins.

Flaws but not dealbreakers. It doesn’t have the absolute highest thermal conductivity in this lineup, but the difference is only 1-2 degrees for most users. That won’t affect gaming or daily productivity.

Need a bit more performance? The MX-7 (8 g) further down offers a noticeable bump for extreme overclocking.

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Compatibility: Non-conductive, safe for all CPUs and GPUs. Avoid using with liquid metal applications.

Pros

• ✓Easy to apply with included spatula
• ✓Non-conductive, safe if you spill
• ✓Proven long-term performance
• ✓Great value for a single build

Cons

• ✕Not the highest thermal conductivity
• ✕4g tube may not cover multiple builds
• ✕Syringe design can be a bit stiff

Thermal Conductivity

8.5 W/m·K

Weight

4 g

Viscosity

Medium

Applicator

Spatula

Best for: First-time builders and anyone who wants a reliable, easy-to-apply paste that’s been proven over millions of PCs.

Check current price on Amazon →

MX-6 (8 g) Ultimate Performance Thermal: Best for High-End CPUs & GPUs

#2

MX-6 (8 g) Ultimate Performance Thermal

MX-6High conductivity, thick

8.5OUT OF 10

Thermal Conductivity9.5

Ease of Application8.0

Longevity8.5

Value8.0

This is the pick for enthusiasts who are running a high-TDP CPU or an overclocked GPU. The MX-6 has a thermal conductivity of 10.5 W/m·K, which is a clear step up from the MX-4. Aggregate user reviews note that it lowers peak temperatures by 2-3 degrees compared to the MX-4 under heavy load.

The paste is thicker, so you need to apply a bit more pressure when spreading it. That’s fine for a single build, but it makes the first application slightly less forgiving. The 8g tube gives you plenty for multiple builds or a large GPU die.

Flaws but not dealbreakers. Because it’s thick, you might see a small air bubble if you use the pea method. A thin spread works better. Also, the price per gram is higher than the MX-4.

If you want the absolute best thermal performance available, the MX-7 (8 g) is the next step up, but the MX-6 offers a sweet spot for most power users.

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Application: Thicker paste requires a little more effort to spread evenly. Use a credit card or the included spatula.

Pros

• ✓High thermal conductivity (10.5 W/m·K)
• ✓Good longevity, rated for 8+ years
• ✓Non-conductive, safe for all components
• ✓Large 8g tube for multiple uses

Cons

• ✕Thicker consistency harder to spread
• ✕More expensive per gram than MX-4
• ✕Not ideal for beginners

Thermal Conductivity

10.5 W/m·K

Weight

8 g

Viscosity

Thick

Applicator

Spatula

Best for: Overclockers and gamers who need every degree of cooling and are comfortable with a thicker paste.

Check current price on Amazon →

MX-7 (8 g) Ultimate Performance Thermal: Best Peak Performance for Enthusiasts

#3

MX-7 (8 g) Ultimate Performance Thermal

MX-7Top-tier conductivity

9.2OUT OF 10

Thermal Conductivity9.8

Ease of Application8.5

Longevity9.0

Value8.5

This is the newest formulation from Arctic, and it delivers the highest thermal conductivity in the lineup. With a rated 11.5 W/m·K, it outperforms the MX-6 by about 1 degree on average, according to aggregate user benchmarks. It’s designed for extreme overclocking and high-power chips like the Intel Core i9-14900K or AMD Ryzen 9 7950X.

The consistency is still on the thicker side, but it’s a little easier to work with than the MX-6. The 8g tube is generous, and the paste is non-conductive, so it’s safe even if you accidentally bridge a connection between pins.

Flaws but not dealbreakers. It’s the most expensive option here, and the performance gain over the MX-6 is marginal for most users. You’re paying a premium for that last 1-2 degrees.

If you’re on a tighter budget, the MX-6 (8 g) is a strong alternative that still offers excellent thermal performance for less.

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Price: This is the premium tier. Only buy if you truly need the extra cooling headroom for high-end overclocking.

Pros

• ✓Highest thermal conductivity (11.5 W/m·K)
• ✓Excellent long-term durability
• ✓Non-conductive, safe for all builds
• ✓Generous 8g tube for multiple applications

Cons

• ✕Most expensive option in the lineup
• ✕Thicker consistency requires careful application
• ✕Marginal gain over MX-6 for most users

Thermal Conductivity

11.5 W/m·K

Weight

8 g

Viscosity

Medium-Thick

Applicator

Spatula

Best for: Enthusiasts who want the absolute best thermal performance and are building a high-end PC with a top-tier CPU or GPU.

Check current price on Amazon →

MX-7 (4 g incl MX-Cleaner) Ultimate: Best Beginner Kit with Cleaner

#4

MX-7 (4 g incl MX-Cleaner) Ultimate

MX-7Includes cleaner

9.0OUT OF 10

Thermal Conductivity9.5

Ease of Application9.0

Longevity8.5

Value9.0

This is the same MX-7 paste but bundled with Arctic’s MX-Cleaner, a dedicated cleaning solution. It’s perfect for first-time builders who want to remove old thermal paste properly before applying the new one. The cleaner is a spray that evaporates quickly and leaves no residue.

The 4g tube is enough for one or two CPU applications. The paste itself has the same 11.5 W/m·K thermal conductivity as the larger MX-7 tube, so you don’t sacrifice performance. Aggregate user reviews rate it 4.8/5, with many praising the convenience of the included cleaner.

Flaws but not dealbreakers. The 4g tube is smaller than the 8g version, so it’s not ideal if you plan to reuse the paste on multiple builds. The cleaner adds a bit to the cost, but it’s a fair trade-off for a beginner.

If you already have isopropyl alcohol at home, you can save money by getting the MX-7 (8 g) instead, which gives you more paste for the price.

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Kit: The cleaner is a spray. Use it on a lint-free cloth, not directly on the motherboard.

Pros

• ✓Includes dedicated MX-Cleaner spray
• ✓High thermal conductivity (11.5 W/m·K)
• ✓Easy to apply with included spatula
• ✓Perfect for beginners

Cons

• ✕Smaller 4g tube than the standalone MX-7
• ✕Cleaner adds cost vs. using isopropyl alcohol
• ✕Only one applicator included

Thermal Conductivity

11.5 W/m·K

Weight

4 g

Included

MX-Cleaner spray

Applicator

Spatula

Best for: First-time builders who want a complete kit with paste and cleaner to ensure a proper application.

Check current price on Amazon →

MX-4 (4 g) Premium Performance Thermal: Best Value for Multiple Builds

#5

MX-4 (4 g) Premium Performance Thermal

MX-4Budget-friendly staple

8.6OUT OF 10

Thermal Conductivity8.5

Ease of Application9.5

Longevity8.0

Value9.8

This is the same MX-4 paste as the top pick, but we’re highlighting it here for its unbeatable value. If you’re building multiple PCs or servicing a fleet of laptops, buying a 4g tube of MX-4 gives you the lowest cost per gram of any Arctic paste. It’s the same proven formula with 8.5 W/m·K thermal conductivity.

The paste is easy to work with, and the 4g tube is enough for two or three standard CPU applications. It’s non-conductive, so it’s safe for use on any processor or graphics card.

Flaws but not dealbreakers. It’s not the highest-performance paste, but for the price, it’s hard to beat. The 4g tube also means you’ll need to buy multiple tubes for large-scale projects.

If you want the best performance per dollar, stick with this. If you need more thermal headroom, the MX-6 (8 g) is a solid upgrade.

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Value: This is the best budget option. It’s not the best performer, but it’s more than adequate for most users.

Pros

• ✓Lowest cost per gram in the lineup
• ✓Easy to apply with included spatula
• ✓Non-conductive, safe for all builds
• ✓Proven reliability over many years

Cons

• ✕Not the highest thermal conductivity
• ✕Small 4g tube for multiple builds
• ✕No dedicated cleaner included

Thermal Conductivity

8.5 W/m·K

Weight

4 g

Viscosity

Medium

Applicator

Spatula

Best for: Budget-conscious builders who need a reliable paste for multiple builds or upgrades without spending a lot.

Check current price on Amazon →

Buying Guide: Thermal Conductivity, Consistency, and Value

Picking the right thermal paste comes down to three main factors. Let’s break them down so you can make a confident choice.

Thermal Conductivity: How Much Do You Really Need?

Thermal conductivity, measured in W/m·K, tells you how efficiently the paste transfers heat from the CPU to the cooler. The Arctic lineup spans from 8.5 W/m·K (MX-4) to 11.5 W/m·K (MX-7).

For a standard gaming PC or office build, 8.5 W/m·K is more than enough. You’ll see maybe 1-2 degrees difference between the MX-4 and the MX-6 under load. For extreme overclocking or a high-end CPU like the Intel Core i9-14900K, the extra headroom from the MX-7 can make a real difference.

But for most people, the MX-4 is the sweet spot.

Consistency and Application

Thicker pastes like the MX-6 and MX-7 can be harder to spread evenly. They require a bit more pressure and care to avoid air bubbles. The MX-4 is much easier to work with, which is why it’s the top choice for beginners.

If you’re new to building, the MX-4 (4 g) Premium Performance Thermal is the safest bet. If you’re experienced and want peak performance, the MX-7 (8 g) Ultimate Performance Thermal is worth the extra effort.

Value and Quantity

The 4g tubes are enough for one or two CPU applications. The 8g tubes give you more paste for the money, making them better for multiple builds or if you’re servicing a GPU as well.

The MX-4 offers the best value per gram, while the MX-7 is the premium option. The MX-6 sits in the middle, offering a good balance of performance and price.

Who Should NOT Buy Best Arctic Thermal Paste for PC

This category is the wrong purchase for two kinds of buyers. Here’s who they are, and what to look at instead.

You’re Just Using a Stock Cooler with Pre-Applied Paste

If you’re building a basic PC with a stock Intel or AMD cooler, the cooler already has a thermal pad or paste pre-applied. You don’t need to buy extra paste. Just install the cooler as is, and you’re good to go.

You’re Using a Laptop and Don’t Plan to Repaste

Laptop CPUs and GPUs are often soldered or use a thermal pad that’s not designed for replacement. If you’re not planning to open up your laptop and repaste the processor, skip this category entirely. You’ll waste money on a tube you’ll never use.

If you do plan to repaste a laptop, any of the Arctic pastes here will work, but the MX-4 is the easiest to apply in tight spaces.

Final Verdict

The MX-4 (4 g) Premium Performance Thermal is the best overall pick for most builders. It’s easy to apply, reliable, and delivers solid performance for everyday use.

Want maximum thermal performance for overclocking? Get the MX-7 (8 g) Ultimate Performance Thermal. It’s the top performer in the lineup, but you’ll pay a premium for that extra headroom.

Need a complete kit for your first build? The MX-7 (4 g incl MX-Cleaner) Ultimate includes a cleaner spray, making it a great choice for beginners.

If you’re on a tight budget or building multiple PCs, the second MX-4 (4 g) Premium Performance Thermal option offers the best value per gram.

And if you’re not sure you need paste at all, go back to the Who Should NOT Buy section above before you spend anything.

FAQ

What’s the best Arctic Thermal Paste for PC overall?

The MX-4 (4 g) Premium Performance Thermal is the best overall pick. It offers a great balance of performance, ease of use, and price for most builders.

Is Arctic MX-7 better than MX-6?

Yes, the MX-7 has a higher thermal conductivity (11.5 W/m·K vs. 10.5 W/m·K) and is the newer formulation. It delivers about 1-2 degrees better cooling under load, but it also costs more.

How often should I replace thermal paste?

Every 3-5 years for a desktop PC. If you notice higher CPU temperatures or your fans running louder, it might be time to repaste. Laptops may need repasting more often due to smaller cooling solutions.

Is Arctic MX-4 non-conductive?

Yes, the MX-4 is non-conductive. It’s safe to use on all CPUs and GPUs, even if you accidentally get a small amount on the motherboard or socket pins.

Can I use Arctic thermal paste on a GPU?

Absolutely. Arctic pastes are safe for GPUs and are commonly used for repasting graphics cards. The MX-4 and MX-6 are both popular choices for GPU repasting.

What’s the difference between 4g and 8g tubes?

The 4g tube is enough for one or two CPU applications. The 8g tube gives you more paste, making it better for multiple builds or for repasting both a CPU and GPU at the same time.