Noctua NT-H1
- Model:
- Noctua NT-H1
- Compound Type:
- Metal-Oxide (no metallic particles)
- Thermal Conductivity:
- 12.8 W/mK
- Electrical Conductivity:
- Non-Conductive
- Package Size:
- 3.5g / 10g tubes
- Recommended Use:
- Mainstream CPU/GPU
- Reapplication Interval:
- Long-term stable
- Safety Notes:
- None
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Manufacturer: Noctua Last updated: September 10, 2026
Noctua NT-H1 (Metal-Oxide Based/Non-Conductive/Original Noctua Flagship Paste/Superseded by NT-H2) Review
Noctua's first in-house thermal compound built a reputation on consistency rather than chasing conductivity numbers, and it still holds up as a dependable choice years after NT-H2 took over as the brand's flagship. Rated at 12.8 W/mK, it sits ahead of most budget carbon-based pastes while trailing the newer NT-H2 formula on long-term stability. For builders who already own NT-H1 or find it discounted, it remains a legitimate mainstream-to-high-end option rather than an outdated afterthought.
Noctua's first in-house thermal compound built a reputation on consistency rather than chasing conductivity numbers, and it still holds up as a dependable choice years after NT-H2 took over as the brand's flagship. Rated at 12.8 W/mK, it sits ahead of most budget carbon-based pastes while trailing the newer NT-H2 formula on long-term stability. For builders who already own NT-H1 or find it discounted, it remains a legitimate mainstream-to-high-end option rather than an outdated afterthought.
Thermal Performance and Conductivity
At 12.8 W/mK, NT-H1 outperforms budget carbon-based compounds like Arctic MX-4 and competes closely with mid-tier silicone-based pastes. It won't match liquid metal or the newest ultra-high-conductivity formulas, but for air and AIO cooling on mainstream to upper-mid CPUs, the difference rarely shows up in real temperatures.
Compound Type and Composition
NT-H1 uses a metal-oxide compound with no metallic particles, the same non-conductive safety approach Noctua carried into NT-H2. It's a proven formulation rather than an experimental one, tested across a full generation of CPU sockets before NT-H2 replaced it as the flagship.
Application and Consistency
The paste applies with a medium, workable consistency, not as thick as NT-H2's peanut-butter texture. It spreads evenly under mounting pressure and doesn't require the cleaning wipes NT-H2 ships with, though careful application still matters for even coverage.
Electrical Safety
Fully non-conductive. NT-H1 carries no short-circuit risk even with excess paste or an imperfect application, making it safe for first-time builders and anyone uncomfortable handling liquid metal.
Longevity and Pump-Out Resistance
NT-H1 offers solid multi-year stability, though NT-H2 specifically improved on pump-out resistance over this formula. Builds that go years between repasting should lean toward NT-H2 or a newer high-conductivity compound instead.
Comparison to Sibling Products
Against Noctua's own NT-H2, covered elsewhere on this site, NT-H2 wins on both conductivity and long-term pump-out resistance for a similar price, making it the better buy for a fresh purchase. Against Arctic MX-4, NT-H1 offers noticeably higher conductivity at a comparable price point.
Who This Paste Is Actually For
Builders who already have NT-H1 on hand or find it at a discount versus NT-H2.
Mainstream to upper-mid CPU builds that don't need liquid metal-tier performance.
Not for: Buyers making a fresh purchase decision. NT-H2 is the same brand, similar price, and simply newer.
Not for: Extreme overclocking or delidded CPU setups, where higher-conductivity compounds make a measurable difference.
Specifications
Identity and form
| Brand | Noctua |
|---|---|
| Model | Noctua NT-H1 , NT-H1 |
| Compound Type | Metal-Oxide (no metallic particles) |
|---|---|
| Thermal Conductivity | 12.8 W/mK |
| Electrical Conductivity | Insulating |
| Package Size | 3.5g / 10g tubes |
| Recommended Use | Mainstream CPU/GPU, High-end CPU/GPU (Noctua's original flagship paste, superseded by NT-H2) |
| Reapplication Interval | Long-term stable |
| Safety Notes | None |
| Paste Segment | Standard Paste |
Expert Review
Reviewed by Burooj Alam. Rated by us, not by users.
Best for
- Builders who already have NT-H1 on hand or find it at a discount versus NT-H2.
- Mainstream to upper-mid CPU builds that don't need liquid metal-tier performance.
Not for
- Buyers making a fresh purchase decision. NT-H2 is the same brand, similar price, and simply newer.
- Extreme overclocking or delidded CPU setups, where higher-conductivity compounds make a measurable difference.
FAQs
What are the key specifications of the Noctua NT-H1 (Metal-Oxide Based/Non-Conductive/Original Noctua Flagship Paste/Superseded by NT-H2)?
The Noctua NT-H1 (Metal-Oxide Based/Non-Conductive/Original Noctua Flagship Paste/Superseded by NT-H2) is a thermal paste from Noctua. Key specs: Compound Type Metal-Oxide (no metallic particles), Thermal Conductivity 12.8, Electrical Conductivity Non-Conductive, Package Size 3.5g / 10g tubes, Recommended Use Mainstream CPU/GPU, High-end CPU/GPU (Noctua's original flagship paste, superseded by NT-H2).
Will the Noctua NT-H1 (Metal-Oxide Based/Non-Conductive/Original Noctua Flagship Paste/Superseded by NT-H2) work with my current setup?
The Noctua NT-H1 (Metal-Oxide Based/Non-Conductive/Original Noctua Flagship Paste/Superseded by NT-H2) lists Thermal Conductivity is 12.8. Check that against the hardware you already own before buying, since this is the field that most often decides whether a part fits.
Who is the Noctua NT-H1 (Metal-Oxide Based/Non-Conductive/Original Noctua Flagship Paste/Superseded by NT-H2) best suited to?
It suits builders who already have nt-h1 on hand or find it at a discount versus nt-h2., mainstream to upper-mid cpu builds that don't need liquid metal-tier performance..
What are the drawbacks of the Noctua NT-H1 (Metal-Oxide Based/Non-Conductive/Original Noctua Flagship Paste/Superseded by NT-H2)?
It is a poor fit for buyers making a fresh purchase decision. nt-h2 is the same brand, similar price, and simply newer., extreme overclocking or delidded cpu setups, where higher-conductivity compounds make a measurable difference..
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