Non-conductive thermal paste is the go-to solution for gamers, hardcore overclockers, and video editing enthusiasts who can’t afford to turn their laptop into a frying pan. As the name implies, it’s designed to eliminate overheating issues by bridging the gap between the CPU and its heat sink. But it also has the added benefit of reducing noise and making the device run more efficiently.
In general, most non-conductive pastes are a combination of silicone, which fills the gap between the CPU and its heat sink, and metal oxides (such as aluminum or zinc) that enhance thermal conductivity. Some silver-based pastes, like Arctic Silver 5, have a higher thermal conductivity of 3 to 8 W/m*K and use suspended particles of unoxidized silver. However, such pastes can be electrically conductive and pose a risk of shorting components in the event that they accidentally flow onto exposed metal parts of the motherboard.
When choosing a non-conductive thermal paste, look for one that’s easy to apply and won’t dry out or degrade over time. It’s also important to select a paste that has a low coefficient of thermal resistance to maximize heat transfer. In addition, look for reviews and recommendations from trusted sources or online forums to see what others have experienced with the product. You should also consider the price and whether it offers long-term stability, as this will have a direct impact on how well the product performs over the lifespan of your system.