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Application Centre

Apply it right. Cool it better.

Use this page to jump straight to the correct application guide for thermal paste, liquid metal, thermal sheets and pads. Clean surfaces, correct sizing and even mounting pressure make the biggest difference.

How to Apply Thermal Paste

Thermal paste is the best all-round option for most users. It fills microscopic gaps between the chip and cooler, helping heat move efficiently into the heatsink.

Kryonaut thermal paste
Kryonaut
Duronaut thermal paste
Duronaut
High Performance

Kryonaut

Thermal conductivity12.5 W/mK
Electrically conductiveNo — safe
Cure timeNone
Best forPerformance builds
Shop Kryonaut →
Long-Term Stability

Duronaut

Thermal conductivity12.5 W/mK
Electrically conductiveNo — safe
Cure timeNone
Best forLong-term builds
Shop Duronaut →
Step by Step

Application instructions

These steps apply to both Kryonaut and Duronaut.

1

Clean the contact surfaces

Remove the cooler and clean the CPU, GPU or cooler surface using isopropyl alcohol and a lint-free cloth. Both surfaces should be clean, dry and free from old paste.

Do not apply new paste over old paste. Old material can dry out, trap air and reduce cooling performance.
2

Apply a controlled amount

For most desktop CPUs, apply a small pea-sized dot in the centre of the heat spreader. For larger chips, use a thin line or small cross pattern if required.

More paste does not mean better cooling. Too much paste can create a thick layer and reduce performance.
3

Mount the cooler evenly

Lower the cooler straight down onto the CPU and tighten the screws gradually in a diagonal cross pattern. Even mounting pressure helps the paste spread correctly.

Avoid twisting or sliding the cooler once it touches the paste, as this can create air pockets.
4

Check temperatures after installation

Once rebuilt, monitor temperatures under normal load. A good application should give stable temperatures without sudden spikes caused by poor contact.

If temperatures are unusually high, remove the cooler, clean both surfaces and reapply with a fresh amount of paste.
Common mistakes

Do's and don'ts

Do

Clean both contact surfaces properly
Use a small, controlled amount of paste
Mount the cooler with even pressure
Check temperatures after installation

Don't

Apply paste over old thermal material
Use excessive amounts of paste
Touch cleaned surfaces with bare fingers
Slide the cooler around once seated

When to replace thermal paste

Reapply if you remove the cooler, if temperatures rise noticeably over time, or after several years of continuous use. A fresh application is usually recommended whenever the cooler is removed.

How to Apply Liquid Metal

Liquid metal is for experienced users who want maximum thermal performance. It is electrically conductive and must only be used on compatible surfaces.

Conductonaut liquid metal
Conductonaut
Conductonaut Extreme liquid metal
Conductonaut Extreme
Enthusiast

Conductonaut

Use caseAdvanced cooling
Electrically conductiveYes
Surface warningNo aluminium
Shop Conductonaut →
Maximum Performance

Conductonaut Extreme

Use caseSpecialist builds
Electrically conductiveYes
Surface warningNo aluminium
Shop Extreme →

Important safety warning

Liquid metal is electrically conductive. Do not allow it to contact surrounding components, SMDs, motherboard traces or aluminium surfaces. Use only on suitable nickel-plated copper, copper or direct-die applications where appropriate.

Step by Step

Application instructions

Use very small amounts. Liquid metal should form a thin, shiny layer — not a thick pool.

1

Check surface compatibility

Before opening the syringe, confirm that the cooler or contact plate is suitable. Do not use liquid metal on aluminium. Nickel-plated copper is recommended for best long-term stability.

If unsure, do not apply liquid metal. Use Kryonaut or Duronaut instead.
2

Clean both contact surfaces

Clean the CPU, GPU die, IHS and cooler contact plate thoroughly. Both surfaces must be completely dry and free from old paste, dust, grease or fingerprints.

Use isopropyl alcohol or the supplied cleaning pad. Allow the surface to dry fully.
3

Apply a pinhead-sized amount

Attach the application needle and apply a very small pinhead-sized amount to the processor surface. You only need enough to create a very thin reflective layer.

Do not over-apply. Excess liquid metal can spread beyond the contact area.
4

Spread into a thin, even film

Use the supplied cotton swab to slowly spread the liquid metal across the full contact area until it forms a smooth, mirror-like film.

The finished layer should look thin and reflective, not thick or pooled.
5

Mount the cooler carefully

Lower the cooler straight down and secure it evenly. Tighten screws gradually in a cross pattern. Avoid sliding the cooler once contact is made.

After mounting, inspect carefully for any excess compound outside the contact area.
Common mistakes

Do's and don'ts

Do

Use liquid metal only if you are confident
Apply a tiny amount and spread it thinly
Protect nearby components where needed
Use only on compatible nickel-plated or copper surfaces

Don't

Use liquid metal on aluminium
Allow it to contact exposed electronics
Use too much product
Slide the cooler after contact

How to Apply Pads & Sheets

PhaseSheet and KryoSheet are clean alternatives to traditional paste. Correct sizing, clean surfaces and even mounting pressure are essential.

PhaseSheet PTM
PhaseSheet PTM
KryoSheet
KryoSheet
Easiest Install

PhaseSheet PTM

MaterialPhase-change polymer
Electrically conductiveNo — safe
ReusableSingle-use
Best forFirst-time installers
Shop PhaseSheet →
Reusable / Long-Life

KryoSheet

MaterialGraphene sheet
Electrically conductiveYes
ReusableYes
Best forConfident installers
Shop KryoSheet →

KryoSheet is electrically conductive

If using KryoSheet, the sheet must only contact the chip die or IHS. Never overlap onto surrounding components, capacitors or PCB traces. PhaseSheet is non-conductive and does not have this restriction.

Step by Step

Application instructions

The steps below cover both PhaseSheet and KryoSheet. Differences between the two are called out at each stage.

1

Choose the right size

Pick a sheet that matches your CPU IHS or GPU die contact area. The sheet should cover the chip surface but should not extend over nearby components.

If the supplied size is too large, KryoSheet can be cut to size with sharp scissors. PhaseSheet should be used at its supplied size.
2

Clean both contact surfaces

Remove all old thermal paste or pad residue. Clean the chip surface and cooler base using isopropyl alcohol and a lint-free cloth.

Surfaces must be completely dry, free from grease, paste residue and dust.
3

Handle the sheet by its edges

Carefully remove any protective film and avoid touching the active surface with bare fingers. Fingerprints and oils can reduce thermal performance.

Use clean tweezers or the corner edges of the sheet. KryoSheet is fragile around the edges — handle gently.
4

Place the sheet flat on the chip

Lay the sheet flat and centred on the CPU heat spreader or GPU die. The sheet should sit flat with no creases, folds or gaps.

For KryoSheet, double-check that no part of the sheet overlaps onto components, capacitors or PCB areas.
5

Mount with firm, even pressure

Lower the cooler straight down without sliding or rotating. Tighten mounting screws gradually in a diagonal cross pattern for even pressure.

Sliding the cooler after contact can displace the sheet. Seat it straight down in one motion.
6

Allow PhaseSheet to settle

PhaseSheet reaches peak performance after several thermal cycles above 60°C. Temperatures may improve slightly after the first few days of normal use. KryoSheet performs at its peak from the first boot.

Do not worry if PhaseSheet looks slightly higher on day one — it can improve as the material settles.
Common mistakes

Do's and don'ts

Do

Pick a sheet that matches the chip surface size
Clean both contact surfaces with isopropyl alcohol
Handle the sheet by its edges only
Lower the cooler straight down — no sliding
Apply firm, even mounting pressure

Don't

Let KryoSheet overlap onto the surrounding PCB
Touch the active surface with bare fingers
Stack thermal paste on top of a sheet
Reuse a PhaseSheet after it has been compressed
Slide or twist the cooler once seated

When to replace your sheet

PhaseSheet is single-use and should be replaced any time you remove the cooler. KryoSheet does not dry out, but it is still best replaced after dismounting if compression or handling has affected the sheet structure.

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Application Centre

Apply it right.Cool it better.

Choose your material first, then use the fitting method that matches that exact product. Paste, liquid metal, graphene sheets and phase-change materials are not installed the same way.

Start here

Choose the guide for your product.

Use these quick cards to understand the installation difficulty, main benefit and key caution before you start.

Before you start: this page is for application guidance. If you are unsure which product to buy, use the Product Selection Guide first.
Thermal Paste

Two pastes. Two priorities.

Kryonaut and Duronaut are both high-performance thermal pastes, but the reason for choosing each one is different.

Kryonaut image
Performance choice

Kryonaut

Choose Kryonaut when overclocking performance and maximum immediate thermal performance are the priority.

Best forOverclocking
FocusPerformance
Duronaut image
Long-term stability choice

Duronaut

Choose Duronaut for demanding builds where exceptional long-term stability is as important as thermal performance.

Best forDemanding builds
FocusStability
Thermal paste application guide image
Application note

Spread slowly

Both pastes benefit from controlled spreading. Duronaut includes the TG Spatula Pro for a thin, even layer.

MethodSlow spread
MountEven pressure
1

Clean contact surfaces

Remove old paste from the CPU/GPU contact area and cooler base with isopropyl alcohol and a lint-free cloth.

2

Apply and spread

Use a small controlled amount and spread it slowly. Thermal Grizzly recommend a deliberate spreading motion rather than rushing.

3

Mount evenly

Lower the cooler straight down and tighten screws gradually in a diagonal pattern. Avoid twisting or sliding after contact.

Quick reminder: choose Kryonaut when immediate overclocking performance is the priority. Choose Duronaut when long-term stability matters alongside performance.
Liquid Metal

Maximum transfer. Maximum care.

Conductonaut and Conductonaut Extreme are for experienced users working with compatible surfaces only.

Safety warning: liquid metal is electrically conductive and must not be used with aluminium coolers or surfaces. Keep it away from surrounding components, SMDs and PCB traces. Take extra care near the IHS (integrated heat spreader). Always check official instructions and confirm surface compatibility before use.
01
Surface checkCheck compatibility
1

Check compatibility

Confirm the contact surfaces are suitable before opening the syringe. Do not use with aluminium.

02
ProtectionProtect nearby areas
2

Protect nearby areas

Clean compatible surfaces and protect surrounding components where appropriate.

03
ApplicationUse a tiny amount
3

Use a tiny amount

Spread into a very thin reflective film. More material increases overflow risk.

Before powering on: inspect the contact area and confirm liquid metal has not spread beyond the intended surface.
Sheets & Phase-Change Materials

Paste-free does not mean one method.

KryoSheet, PhaseSheet PTM and Carbonaut avoid traditional paste, but each one behaves differently and should be fitted using its own method.

Quick difference

Choose by material behaviour, not just shape.

KryoSheet is a dry graphene sheet. PhaseSheet PTM is a heat-activated phase-change interface. Carbonaut is a carbon-based thermal pad. The right choice depends on performance target, lifespan expectation and installation confidence.

KryoSheet: dry graphene performance, high care, electrically conductive.
PhaseSheet PTM: heat-activated material, not electrically conductive, needs thermal cycling.
Carbonaut: carbon-based pad-style install, clean handling, electrically conductive.
KS
Dry graphene sheetKryoSheet
Dry graphene sheet

KryoSheet

High performance No paste mess Conductive

For users who want strong paste-free thermal transfer and can position the sheet very accurately.

Watch out: avoid overlap with SMDs, capacitors, PCB traces or nearby components.
PTM
Phase-change interfacePhaseSheet PTM
Phase-change interface

PhaseSheet PTM

Changes with heat Not conductive Specific fitting

For paste-free installs where the material is designed to settle with heat and mounting pressure.

Watch out: do not fit it like KryoSheet or Carbonaut. Follow PhaseSheet-specific guidance.
CA
Carbon-based padCarbonaut
Carbon-based thermal pad

Carbonaut

Clean handling Pad-style Conductive

For users who want a clean carbon pad-style interface where the correct size matches the contact area.

Watch out: keep it clean, flat and away from PCB traces or nearby components.
Sheet Differences

Performance, lifespan and installation at a glance.

Use this comparison if you know you want a paste-free option but are unsure which material best fits your system.

Dry graphene sheet

KryoSheet

Performance

Strong paste-free thermal transfer when the sheet is sized and positioned accurately.

Lifespan

No pump-out or drying, but multiple use is not recommended if disassembly may damage the structure.

Install

Clean but less forgiving. Electrically conductive, so overlap must be avoided.

Phase-change interface

PhaseSheet PTM

Performance

Changes behaviour with heat and pressure. Maximum performance is reached after heat cycling.

Lifespan

More durable than traditional thermal paste and stabilises over time after the first cycles.

Install

Needs product-specific fitting, but is not electrically conductive around PCB components.

Carbon-based thermal pad

Carbonaut

Performance

A clean pad-style alternative to mid-range thermal pastes where sizing is correct.

Lifespan

Keep the pad flat, clean and correctly positioned. Follow product guidance for the application.

Install

Straightforward if the size is right, but electrically conductive and placement-sensitive.

KryoSheet fitting

1

Match size: cover the die or IHS (integrated heat spreader) contact area only.

2

Avoid overlap: keep clear of nearby components because KryoSheet is electrically conductive.

3

Place once: keep it flat and avoid sliding after positioning.

PhaseSheet PTM fitting

1

Treat as PTM: solid at room temperature and liquefies during use.

2

Follow specific steps: do not use dry-sheet or carbon pad instructions.

3

Allow settling: even pressure and heat help the material distribute correctly.

Carbonaut fitting

1

Select size: choose the pad that matches the contact area.

2

Keep clean: handle carefully and keep the pad flat.

3

Use its own guide: do not follow PhaseSheet PTM fitting steps.

Important: all three avoid traditional paste, but they are not interchangeable. Correct sizing and product-specific fitting matter more than the category name.

Not sure which material you need?

Use the Product Selection Guide first, then return here once you know which product type you are fitting.