Both thermal grease and thermal gel are commonly used thermal interface materials (TIMs). They play an effective role in dissipating the heat elements away from the components. While filling the air gaps efficiently is also one of their notable features. The physical nature of both TIMs is almost the same, they still have significant differences in formulation, features, and applications. We will cover these differences by comparing thermal grease vs. thermal gel.
This comparison guide will assist businesses/consumers in choosing the relevant thermal material according to their requirements. The core elements of today’s guide will be, understanding thermal grease/gel, key features, comparison of key features, suitable applications, and concluding the best among both. Moreover, we will also recommend the best TIM manufacturer, so businesses can easily approach the relevant authorities to buy the thermal interface materials.
Read Also: Choosing Between Thermal Pad vs Thermal Gel
Thermal Grease vs. Thermal Gel
– Thermal Grease:
According to a survey report, the thermal paste market was $2.68 billion at the start of 2024 and is expected to reach the Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 6.22% by 20233. These figures indicate a substantial contribution of thermal grease or thermal paste to the business market. The most common user of thermal grease belongs to the PC gaming industry for high-end gaming.
It is compatible to use for CPUs, GPUs, and Game Consoles. Thermal Grease controls the rising temperatures and fills the air gaps effectively. It is available in different types including silicone-based thermal paste, metal-based thermal paste, liquid metal-based thermal paste, ceramic-based thermal paste, and carbon-based thermal paste. Let’s discuss the key features of thermal grease/paste.
Key Features
- Thermal Grease offers a higher conductivity that is sufficient for high-end devices.
- It offers a wide operating temperature range at low and maximum.
- Thermal Grease is easy to apply and spreads efficiently on the surface.
- It works accordingly to fill the air gaps.
- Thermal grease is reliable, durable, and stable in performance.
– Thermal Gel:
According to another survey report, the market size of thermally conductive gel was $590 million at the end of 2024. It is expected to reach the Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.6% by 2033. Although, thermal gel is a comparatively newer invention than thermal grease/paste. Still, it is covering a large portion of the thermal business market.
The thermally conductive gel is also a heat-managing solution against rising temperatures. It works smoothly by transferring the heat and filling the air gaps between the two surfaces. It works for CPUs, GPUs, Heatsinks, and other major industries. The notable types of thermal gel are silicone-based, carbon-based, non-silicone, and phase-change thermal gel.
Key Features
- Thermally Conductive Gel offers moderate thermal conductivity.
- It is easy to apply and easy to remove.
- Thermal Gel offers a wide operating temperature range.
- It features a soft nature which helps in smooth spreading.
- Thermal Gel features a longer lifespan and never becomes dry.
Detailed Comparison
– Physical Nature
The physical nature of thermal interface materials is valued because it relates to the spreading on the surface of components. The more efficient spreading leads to a more efficient filling of air gaps.
If we talk about the physical nature of thermal grease vs. thermal gel, a thermal gel is softer here. It provides an effective surface coverage than thermal grease/paste. However, thermal grease is thicker and requires extra pressure to spread accordingly.
– Thermal Conductivity
The thermal interface material offering higher thermal conductivity is considered the best performer. The best performer here suggests how efficiently it transfers heat from components to heat pipes.
Thermal Grease or thermal paste provides a thermal conductivity of 5-20 W/mK while thermal gel delivers this range of 2-8 W/mK. This indicates that thermal grease could be a better option for high-end users like gamers, overclockers, and streamers.
– Operating Temperature
The temperature range (low + High) at which a thermal interface material operates is called the operating temperature range. Talking specifically about the temperature ranges of thermal grease and thermal gel, both TIMs feature a wider operating range.
It varies from – 50 to +250 degrees Celcius for thermal grease, and –40 to +200 degrees Celcius for thermal gel. Here the thermal grease is taking a slight edge over the gel because of its metal-based type.
– Application Method
The ease of application saves both time and other performance-related risks. Because adopting the wrong application method can result in overheating the components. Here, the thermal gel offers more ease of application because of its soft nature, consistency, and automatic spreading.
Similarly, the thermal grease is a bit tricky to apply as it requires a specific amount of quantity, and pressure for a proper spreading because of its thicker nature.
– Lifespan & Maintenance
If we compare the lifespan of thermal grease vs. thermal gel. Both offer an appropriate duration to live, but the thermal gel usually has a longer lifespan than thermal grease. This longevity also overcomes the need for maintenance and replacement activities.
So, the average lifespan of thermal grease is 1-3 years while the lifespan of thermal gel is 5-10 years. This is because a thermal gel does not become easily dry and remains in its original form for years.
– Prices & Availability
The price and availability of any thermal interface material matter as it impacts the overall budget range of businesses/consumers. Thermal grease/paste in this regard is a more budget-friendly option and is easily available in the market.
The average per-gram rate of thermal grease starts from $5 while $10 price for thermal gel. [NOTE] These prices may vary depending upon the quality of the product plus the reputation of the manufacturer in the market.
Advantages & Disadvantages
| Advantages of Thermal Grease | Disadvantages of Thermal Grease |
|---|---|
| Easily Available | Shorter Lifespan |
| Budget Friendly | No Reusability |
| Good Thermal Conductivity | Tricky to Apply |
| Wide Operating Temperature Ranges | Non-Electrical Conductivity (some variants) |
| Compatible for High-End Use |
| Advantages of Thermal Gel | Disadvantages of Thermal Gel |
|---|---|
| Easy to Apply | A Bit Expensive |
| Automatic Spreading | Less Availability (sometimes) |
| Longer Lifespan | |
| Wide Operating Temperature Range | |
| Moderate Thermal Conductivity |
Thermal Grease & Thermal Gel by JiuJu
As we discussed earlier the performance of every thermal interface material depends upon the quality of its ingredients. The quality of ingredients depends upon the manufacturer’s reputation. A reputable manufacturer will always ensure the quality of its products by using quality raw materials.
So, getting thermal grease/gel and getting quality thermal grease/gel makes a lot of difference. If you want to get quality thermal grease and thermally conductive gel, JiuJu is here to serve you accordingly. Jiuju has been fulfilling the demand of the thermal market for more than two decades.
Their expertise in manufacturing belongs to thermal interface materials like Thermal Paste/Grease, Thermal Pads, Thermal Gel, Thermal Potting Gel, and Thermal Bonding Adhesives. JiuJu products comply with every required standard including certifications, manufacturing machinery, and material scientists/R&D team.
If you want to communicate with JiuJu officials, contact their support team and become one of those 500-plus clients utilizing tons of JiuJu’s thermal products. Moreover, bulk purchasing of TIMs can result in massive discounts, wholesale rates, perks, and other benefits by the company.
Recap
Thermal Grease hits the market with its budget-friendly prices and high-end compatibility. Similarly, Thermal gel enters the market with new advancements and a longer lifespan. The thermal conductivity of thermal grease/paste is higher compared to thermal gel.
Still, thermal gel is a choice for many users because of its specific requirements for specific products. Application compatibility of thermal paste belongs to the PC Industry while thermal gel belongs to the PC and Automotive Industries.
Here is the link to JiuJu’s thermal interface materials, check them now and order yours.
