Noctua NT-H1, NT-H2

Noctua NT-H1 and NT-H2 Thermal Paste User Manual

1. Introducció i presentació del producteview

This manual provides detailed instructions and information for the Noctua NT-H1 and NT-H2 series of thermal compounds. These premium-grade thermal pastes are designed to ensure optimal heat transfer between your CPU/GPU and heatsink, crucial for maintaining stable temperatures and maximizing performance in both air and liquid cooling setups.

The NT-H1 is a renowned hybrid thermal compound, celebrated for its excellent performance, ease of use, and long-term stability. The NT-H2 represents the second generation, offering further improved thermal performance through a fine-tuned formula of micro-particles, while retaining the NT-H1's user-friendly characteristics.

2. Variants de producte

The Noctua thermal compounds are available in several editions, each tailored to specific user needs:

  • NT-H1 3.5g SW Edition: This package includes the NT-H1 thermal paste, a spatula for manual spreading, and three NA-CW1 cleaning wipes for preparation and removal.
  • NT-H1 3.5g AM5 Edition: Specifically designed for AMD AM5 CPUs, this edition includes the NT-H1 thermal paste and the NA-TPG1 thermal paste guard to prevent paste build-up in the CPU's heatspreader cut-outs.
  • NT-H2 3.5g AM5 Edition: The improved NT-H2 thermal paste in an AM5-specific package, including the NA-TPG1 thermal paste guard and ten NA-CW1 cleaning wipes.
  • Standard NT-H1 and NT-H2 (3.5g, 10g): These versions typically include the thermal paste syringe only, with varying quantities.

The NA-TPG1 thermal paste guard is a simple yet effective accessory designed to prevent thermal paste from accumulating in the cut-outs of AMD AM5 CPU heatspreaders, ensuring a cleaner installation and easier maintenance.

3. Especificacions

CaracterísticaNT-H1NT-H2
Pes3.5 g / 10 g3.5 g / 10 g
Volum1.4 ml1.2 ml
Densitat2.49 g/cm³2.81 g/cm³
ColorGrisGris
Recommended Storage Time (before use)Fins a 3 anysFins a 3 anys
Recommended Usage Time (on CPU)Fins a 5 anysFins a 5 anys
Temperatura d'emmagatzematge recomanadaTemperatura ambientTemperatura ambient
Temperatura de funcionament-50 a 110 °C-50 a 200 °C
Suport RGBSense RGBSense RGB
MaterialAltresAltres

4. Instruccions de configuració i aplicació

L'aplicació correcta de la pasta tèrmica és crucial per a un rendiment òptim de refrigeració. Segueix aquests passos amb atenció:

  1. Preparació:
    • Ensure your CPU/GPU and heatsink surfaces are clean and free of any old thermal paste or debris. Use the included NA-CW1 cleaning wipes (if applicable) or a lint-free cloth with isopropyl alcohol to thoroughly clean both surfaces.
    • For AM5 CPUs, if using an AM5 Edition thermal paste, carefully place the NA-TPG1 thermal paste guard over the CPU to cover the cut-outs around the heatspreader.
    Hand cleaning thermal paste from a CPU with a wipe

    Image: Cleaning old thermal paste from a CPU using a wipe.

    NA-TPG1 thermal paste guard for AM5 CPUs

    Image: NA-TPG1 thermal paste guard in place on an AM5 CPU.

  2. Aplicació:
    • For most CPUs, apply a small, pea-sized dot of thermal paste directly onto the center of the CPU's heatspreader.
    • Alternatively, for larger CPUs or GPUs, a thin line or cross pattern can be used.
    • If your package includes a spatula (SW Edition), you may spread the paste into a thin, even layer across the entire heatspreader surface.
    Hand applying thermal paste with a spatula on a CPU

    Image: Applying thermal paste with a spatula for an even spread.

    Noctua NT-H2 3.5g AM5 Edition thermal paste being applied to a CPU

    Image: Direct application of NT-H2 AM5 Edition thermal paste to a CPU.

  3. Instal·lació del dissipador de calor:
    • 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. The pressure from the heatsink will naturally spread the thermal paste.
    • Avoid twisting or lifting the heatsink once it makes contact, as this can create air bubbles and reduce performance.

5. Manteniment

Noctua thermal compounds are designed for excellent long-term stability, with a recommended usage time of up to 5 years on the CPU. However, reapplication may be necessary under certain circumstances:

  • When replacing the CPU cooler: Always clean off old thermal paste and apply new paste when installing a different cooler.
  • When replacing the CPU/GPU: New components require fresh thermal paste.
  • If temperatures increase significantly: This could indicate that the thermal paste has dried out or degraded, requiring reapplication.

To remove old thermal paste, use NA-CW1 cleaning wipes or a lint-free cloth with isopropyl alcohol. Gently wipe the surfaces until all residue is gone.

NA-CW1 cleaning wipe being used to clean a CPU

Image: NA-CW1 cleaning wipe in action.

6. Solució De Problemes

If you experience higher-than-expected temperatures after applying thermal paste, consider the following:

  • Aplicació incorrecta: Ensure you applied enough paste to cover the CPU/GPU heatspreader adequately, but not excessively. Too little or too much paste can hinder heat transfer.
  • Uneven Spread: If you spread the paste manually, ensure the layer is thin and even. Air bubbles can also cause poor contact.
  • Improper Heatsink Mounting: Verify that the heatsink is securely and evenly mounted, applying consistent pressure across the CPU/GPU. Loose or uneven mounting is a common cause of high temperatures.
  • Dried Out Paste: While Noctua pastes have long lifespans, if the paste is very old or exposed to air, it might dry out. Reapply if necessary.
  • Cooler Performance: Ensure your CPU cooler is adequate for your CPU's thermal design power (TDP) and is functioning correctly (fans spinning, pump working for AIOs).

7. Consells d'usuari

  • Less is More: A pea-sized dot or a thin line is usually sufficient for most CPUs. The pressure from the heatsink will spread it effectively.
  • La neteja és clau: Always ensure both the CPU/GPU and heatsink surfaces are perfectly clean before applying new thermal paste. Residue from old paste or dust can create imperfections.
  • AM5 Guard: For AMD AM5 CPUs, the NA-TPG1 guard is highly recommended to keep the CPU clean and prevent paste from seeping into the cut-outs.
  • No Break-in Period: Noctua thermal pastes do not require a break-in or burn-in period; they achieve full performance immediately after application.
  • Non-Electrically Conductive: Both NT-H1 and NT-H2 are non-electrically conductive and non-corroding, making them safe to use without risk of short-circuiting components.

8. Garantia i Suport

For specific warranty information or technical support, please refer to the official Noctua weblloc web o contacteu directament amb el servei d'atenció al client. Assegureu-vos de conservar el comprovant de compra per a qualsevol reclamació de garantia.

9. Preguntes freqüents (FAQ)

Q: What is the main difference between NT-H1 and NT-H2?
A: NT-H2 is the second generation of Noctua's thermal compound, offering improved thermal performance over NT-H1 while maintaining excellent ease of use and long-term stability.
Q: Do I need to spread the thermal paste?
A: For most CPUs, applying a pea-sized dot in the center is sufficient, as the heatsink pressure will spread it. However, if you prefer, or for larger dies, you can use a spatula (like those included in SW Editions) to spread a thin, even layer.
Q: How often should I reapply thermal paste?
A: Noctua thermal pastes are designed for long-term stability, with a recommended usage time of up to 5 years on the CPU. Reapplication is generally recommended when you remove or replace your CPU cooler or CPU/GPU.
Q: Is the thermal paste electrically conductive?
A: No, both NT-H1 and NT-H2 are non-electrically conductive, making them safe to use around electronic components without risk of short-circuiting.
Q: What is the NA-TPG1 thermal paste guard for?
A: The NA-TPG1 is a guard specifically for AMD AM5 CPUs. It prevents thermal paste from accumulating in the cut-outs of the CPU's heatspreader, making cleaning and maintenance easier.

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