Do CPU Coolers Come with Thermal Paste? (Best Options Explained)

Not all. However, some CPU coolers come with pre-applied thermal paste.

For example—

Air coolers, especially high-end ones, often come with a pre-applied thermal compound. Even All-in-One coolers, with their flashy liquid cooling systems, usually pack some thermal paste too.

But here’s the catch—not every stock cooler is stacked. (Shocking, I know.) Hardcore PC enthusiasts often apply high-performance paste separately.

Standards and Variations

Most CPU coolers stick to industry standards when it comes to thermal paste. As I said earlier, mid-range to high-end models usually come with pre-applied paste, which simplifies installation and ensures decent thermal conductivity. A win-win, right?

But let’s dive into how some top brands handle this:

• Cooler Master: Known for providing CPU coolers with thermal paste applied, especially in their AIO models. Their air coolers, however, often come with a small tube of paste instead.
• Corsair: Most of Corsair’s AIO coolers also feature pre-applied thermal compound. But if you’re going for their high-end models, you might get a separate sachet of paste. (For those who like a hands-on approach to perfection.)
• Noctua: This brand is all about giving you options. Instead of pre-applied paste, they include a high-quality tube of their NT-H1 or NT-H2 thermal paste. They give users the flexibility to apply it as they see fit.

Unsure whether to go with thermal paste pads or tubes?

Let’s break down the pros and cons of each, so you can figure out which one’s the right fit for you:

Pre-applied thermal paste pads

Pros

• Quick installation
• Even coverage
• Low chance of making a mess

Cons

• Not as high-performance as aftermarket pastes
• Cooler can’t be reused without reapplying paste and cleaning.

Tubes/Sachets

Pros

• Allows for high-performance pasters
• Cooler can be reused multiple times

Cons

• More time consuming
• Risk of uneven application

How to Check if Your Cooler Includes Thermal Paste?

To quickly verify if your CPU cooler comes with pre-applied thermal paste, read the detailed product descriptions on the retailer’s website. Look for keywords like "pre-applied thermal compound" or mentions of a thermal paste tube/sachet.

These details usually pop up in the fine print.

Still need more info?

Visit the official brand websites, read user reviews, or reach out to customer support directly.

Another pro tip: engage with community forums on Reddit. They are packed with enthusiasts who can confirm whether your cooler includes a pre-applied thermal compound. Plus, you’ll pick up a few extra tips along the way.

What to Do If No Thermal Paste Is Included?

So, you’ve unboxed your new cooler and—uh oh. No thermal paste in sight? Don’t panic.
Here’s what you need to do next:

Choosing the right paste

You’ve got options: metal-based, ceramic-based, and silicon-based thermal paste. Yes, there’s a whole world of thermal compounds out there!

Here’s a quick breakdown:

Metal-Based Thermal Paste:

• Benefits: Excellent thermal conductivity, ideal for overclocking and high-performance builds.
• Example: Arctic Silver 5.
• Tip: It’s also conductive to electricity, so handle it with care.

Ceramic-Based Thermal Paste:

• Benefits: Good thermal performance, non-conductive, safer for beginners.
• Example: Noctua NT-H1.
• Tip: A great all-rounder, suitable for most users.

Silicon-Based Thermal Paste:

• Benefits: Easy to apply, non-conductive, often included with budget coolers.
• Example: Dow Corning 340.
• Tip: Suitable for stock or slightly upgraded cooling setups.

Applying the Thermal Paste

Once you have zeroed in on the right kind of paste, it’s time to apply it correctly.

Follow these steps:

• Clean the surface(s): Grab some isopropyl alcohol and make sure everything’s spotless.
• Apply a small amount at first: Seriously, just a pea-sized dot in the centerless is more here.
• Spread evenly: You can let the cooler do this when you mount it, or you can gently spread it yourself. Just aim for that thin, even layer.
• Mount the cooler and apply more if needed: Once the cooler’s on, double-check that the paste is covering the entire CPU surface. Add a bit more if there are gaps, but be careful NOT to overdo it.

Can I Reuse Old Thermal Paste?

Short answer: No, you shouldn’t reuse old thermal paste.

Here’s why:

• Lower thermal conductivity
• Chances of hardening and cracking
• Contamination
• Uneven coverage

For optimal cooling, always clean off the old paste and apply a fresh layer.

Is Pre-Applied Thermal Paste Any Good?

Yes, pre-applied thermal paste is usually more than adequate for most users. It gets the job done, offering decent thermal conductivity without the hassle of applying it yourself. Plus, it ensures a clean installation—no mess, no stress.

However, if you’re chasing optimal performance, especially in high-stress situations like overclocking, you might want to go for a high-quality aftermarket paste.

Here’s a quick pre-applied thermal paste vs. aftermarket table for your reference: