74A $3 tube of thermal paste can drop your CPU temps by 5-10°C — AliExpress offers name-brand pastes at budget prices.
Thermal paste is one of the best-value PC upgrades. AliExpress has name-brand pastes (Arctic MX-6, Thermal Grizzly) at prices much lower than local retailers.
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What to Look For
Key factors to consider before buying on AliExpress
Higher W/mK = better heat transfer. Budget: 4-6 W/mK (MX-4). Mid: 6-8 (MX-6, Kryonaut). High-end: 10+ (Kryonaut Extreme, liquid metal).
Kryonaut degrades under high heat (pump-out on laptops). MX-6 and MasterGel Pro are more durable for long-term use.
Pea-sized dot in the center for desktop CPUs. Spread thin for GPUs and direct-die. Liquid metal requires electrical insulation of nearby components.
Key Numbers at a Glance
Quick facts to know before you buy
$3-5 — the best value thermal paste on AliExpress
replacement interval for most quality thermal pastes
Price Guide
What to expect at different price points
Best for: temporary builds. 4-6 W/mK. Good for general use. One application per tube.
Best for: most users. Arctic MX-6 (~$3-5). 6+ W/mK, good longevity. The value sweet spot.
Best for: overclockers. Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut, MasterGel Pro. 10+ W/mK.
Which One Is Right for You?
Answer a few questions to find your perfect match
if you want the best balance of performance and value
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63FAQ
Arctic MX-6 at $3-5 is the sweet spot. Kryonaut offers 1-2°C improvement — not worth it for stock CPUs.
Every 2-3 years, or whenever you remove the cooler. If temps rise 5-10°C, replace it.
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