How to Compare Liquid Metal and Thermal Paste for Maximum CPU Performance

Metals and Mining Review | Friday, May 03, 2024

Liquid metal does have a higher thermal conductivity, but it comes with significant risks. So, it is best left to those who know what they're doing. For CPU cooling, thermal paste offers lower thermal conductivity ratings and is easier to apply than liquid metal.

Fremont, CA: The CPU needs the best cooling solution to prevent overheating and performance issues. The two primary cooling solutions are liquid metal and thermal paste. The optimal cooling method depends on your specific needs and preferences, especially if you plan to overclock your rig.

Using Liquid Metal as Your CPU Cooling Option

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The main component of liquid metal is called gallium, which conducts heat efficiently. It minimizes air gaps between the CPU's integrated heat spreader and the heat sink's cold plate, resulting in efficient thermal transfer. There are pros and cons to liquid metal.

Liquid Metal Advantages and Disadvantages

Liquid metal is an excellent thermal paste for cooling CPUs because it dissipates heat faster than thermal paste and has thermal conductivity ratings of over 73 W/mk. In addition to being electrically conductive, it can short-circuit and fail components, and it reacts chemically with aluminum. Therefore, it is not suitable for CPU coolers. The paste is more expensive, so it must be applied carefully.

Using Thermal Paste as Your CPU Cooling Option

Cooling PCs with thermal paste, also known as thermal grease or thermal compound is not electrically conductive like liquid metal, but it has the same mechanism. The pros and cons of metal, silicon, and ceramic pastes are discussed.

Thermal Paste Advantages and Disadvantages

A thermal paste cooling option is excellent due to its ease of application, non-electric conductivity, and reapplies ability. Since it doesn't affect the PC build in any way, it is good for budget-conscious users. Even so, thermal pastes have lower thermal conductivities than liquid metals, with some of the best measuring around 15 W/mk.

Which CPU Cooling Solution Is the Best?

After understanding the pros and cons of each, you might be wondering which one is better. Liquid metal does have a higher thermal conductivity, but it comes with significant risks. So, it is best left to those who know what they're doing.

For CPU cooling, thermal paste offers lower thermal conductivity ratings and is easier to apply than liquid metal. Even though it has a lot of risks, it's a good choice for people looking for superior cooling who can accept risks.

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