Noctua NT-H2 3.5g Thermal Compound

1. Product Overview

The Noctua NT-H2 is a premium-grade thermal compound designed to facilitate optimal heat transfer from your CPU or GPU to the heatsink. This second-generation formula builds upon the award-winning NT-H1, offering enhanced thermal performance, ease of use, and long-term stability. It is suitable for both air and liquid cooling systems, and various applications including CPUs, GPUs, and gaming consoles.

Image: Noctua NT-H2 3.5g thermal paste syringe with three NA-CW1 cleaning wipes.

Key Features:

• Premium-grade thermal compound for efficient heat transfer.
• Easy application and removal with included cleaning wipes.
• Non-electrically conductive and non-corroding.
• Excellent long-term stability with no break-in or burn-in time required.
• Recommended usage time on CPU up to 5 years.

2. Safety Information

Always handle thermal paste with care. While Noctua NT-H2 is non-electrically conductive, it is recommended to avoid direct contact with skin and eyes. In case of contact, wash thoroughly with water. Keep out of reach of children. Refer to the product packaging for additional safety warnings.

Image: Symbol indicating non-electrical conductivity.

3. Application Instructions (Setup)

Proper application of thermal paste is crucial for optimal cooling performance. Follow these steps carefully:

1. Preparation: Ensure the surfaces of both the CPU/GPU and the heatsink are clean and free of any old thermal paste or debris. Use the included NA-CW1 cleaning wipes for thorough cleaning. Allow surfaces to dry completely.


Image: A hand using a cleaning wipe to prepare a CPU surface.

2. Application Method: Noctua NT-H2 does not require spreading before heatsink installation. Apply a small drop (approximately the size of a pea or a grain of rice) to the center of the CPU or GPU integrated heat spreader (IHS). The pressure from mounting the heatsink will evenly spread the paste.


Image: Applying a small amount of Noctua NT-H2 thermal paste to the center of a CPU.

3. Heatsink Installation: Carefully place the heatsink onto the CPU/GPU, ensuring it is aligned correctly. Apply even pressure as you secure the heatsink according to its manufacturer's instructions. Avoid twisting or lifting the heatsink once it makes contact, as this can create air bubbles and reduce performance.
4. No Curing Time: NT-H2 does not require a break-in or burn-in time. Its full performance is available immediately after installation.

4. Operating and Performance

Once applied, the Noctua NT-H2 thermal compound will provide excellent thermal conductivity, helping to maintain lower operating temperatures for your processor or graphics card. This contributes to system stability and can extend the lifespan of your components.

Performance Characteristics:

• Optimal Heat Transfer: Designed for superior thermal conductivity, ensuring efficient heat dissipation.
• Long-Term Stability: Maintains performance over extended periods without drying out or degrading.
• Non-Conductive: Electrically non-conductive, eliminating the risk of short circuits if it accidentally contacts electrical components.
• Operating Temperature: Stable across a wide temperature range, typically -50°C to 200°C.

5. Maintenance and Re-application

While Noctua NT-H2 offers excellent long-term stability, periodic inspection and re-application may be beneficial for maintaining peak performance, especially in systems with frequent component changes or extreme operating conditions.

Recommended Intervals:

• Recommended Usage Time on CPU: Up to 5 years.
• Recommended Storage Time (Before Use): Up to 3 years.

Re-application Process:

1. Removal: Carefully remove the heatsink from the CPU/GPU. Use the NA-CW1 cleaning wipes to gently remove all traces of old thermal paste from both the processor and the heatsink base.


Image: A hand using a cleaning wipe to remove old thermal paste from a CPU surface.

2. New Application: Follow the "Application Instructions" (Section 3) for applying a fresh layer of NT-H2.

6. Troubleshooting

If you experience higher than expected temperatures after applying NT-H2, consider the following:

• Insufficient Cleaning: Ensure all old thermal paste was completely removed from both surfaces before applying NT-H2. Residue can hinder heat transfer.
• Improper Application: Verify that a sufficient, but not excessive, amount of paste was applied to the center of the IHS. Too little paste can leave gaps, while too much can create an insulating layer.
• Heatsink Mounting Pressure: Confirm that the heatsink is securely mounted with even pressure across the CPU/GPU. Uneven pressure can lead to poor contact.
• Air Bubbles: Avoid twisting or lifting the heatsink after initial contact, as this can introduce air bubbles. If suspected, re-clean and re-apply the paste.
• Heatsink Compatibility/Performance: Ensure your heatsink is adequate for the thermal design power (TDP) of your CPU/GPU.

7. Specifications

For more detailed specifications and product information, please visit the official Noctua product page: Noctua NT-H2 3.5g Product Page.

8. Warranty and Support

Noctua products are known for their quality and reliability. For specific warranty information regarding the NT-H2 thermal compound, please refer to the packaging or the official Noctua website. For technical support or further inquiries, please visit the Noctua support section online.

Official Noctua Website: www.noctua.at

For video instructions and additional resources, please refer to the official Noctua channels or the product page linked above.