Choosing the Right Thermal Paste for Your Intel Core i5 M480 with a TDP of 35W

When it comes to upgrading your Intel Core i5 M480 processor, particularly one with a TDP of 35W, choosing the right thermal paste is crucial. While any high-quality thermal paste can do the job effectively, there are several options that can enhance your performance and cooling efficiency. Here's a guide to selecting the best thermal paste for your specific needs.

Popular Options for Your Intel Core i5 M480

Arctic MX-4

Know for its excellent thermal conductivity and easy application, Arctic MX-4 is an excellent choice for your processor. This paste is non-conductive and non-curing, making it a great option for maintaining optimal thermal transfer. Its easy application process ensures that the paste is spread evenly across the CPU surface, leading to efficient heat dissipation.

Noctua NT-H1

NT-H1 is renowned for its simplicity and effectiveness. It provides good thermal performance while being non-conductive, which helps in prolonging the lifespan of your components. Due to its long-lasting properties, NT-H1 is a solid choice for those who value durability and consistent performance.

Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut

Although Kryonaut is more expensive and offers top-notch thermal conductivity, it may be more suited for high-performance setups, such as desktop processors, and might be overkill for a mobile CPU like your Intel Core i5 M480. The pump-out effect, which occurs when the die temperature exceeds 85°C, might be problematic with this particular paste.

Cooler Master MasterGel Pro

As a mid-range option, Cooler Master MasterGel Pro provides decent performance and is easy to apply. It's an excellent choice if you are looking for a more affordable solution that still delivers good results.

Application Techniques for Thermal Paste

When applying thermal paste, it is crucial to use a small amount, approximately the size of a pea. Spread it evenly across the CPU surface to ensure optimal thermal transfer. Proper application can significantly improve cooling efficiency and prolong the lifespan of your components.

Additional Considerations

For long-lasting and consistently good performance, you might want to consider brands like Arctic MX-4 or the newer Arctic MX-6, which was recently released. Alternatively, Gelid GC-Extreme is another excellent option in the market.

Arctic Silver 5 is also a tried-and-true choice for many. However, it's important to be cautious about the fine particles of silver in it, which can make the paste slightly conductive. This requires careful application to avoid spills and ensure the right amount is used.

Final Recommendations

Based on my experience and for the ease of use and performance, ARCTIC MX-4 stands out as a great option. It is simple to apply and provides excellent performance, making it a preferred choice for many users.

While other pastes like NT-H1 or NT-H2 are equally good, they may require more effort in application and maintenance. Therefore, for a mobile CPU like your Intel Core i5 M480, which isn't particularly difficult to cool, I recommend opting for the easiest to use with excellent performance.

ARCTIC MX-4 is not suggesting that NT-H1 or NT-H2 should not be considered because they too are excellent pastes. They are just slightly different in terms of ease of use and performance, catering to different user preferences and needs.

I hope this information helps you make an informed decision for your Intel Core i5 M480 processor.