Noctua

Noctua NT-H1

Expert rating7.4 / 10

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Recommended Use:: Mainstream CPU/GPU, High-end CPU/GPU (Noctua's original flagship paste, superseded by NT-H2)
Reapplication Interval:: Long-term stable
Safety Notes:: None

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Manufacturer: Noctua Last updated: September 10, 2026

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Noctua NT-H1 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. Noctua does not publish a thermal conductivity figure for NT-H1; it is a non-conductive metal oxide paste superseded by NT-H2. 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who already own NT-H1 or find it discounted, it remains a legitimate mainstream-to-high-end option rather than an outdated afterthought.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

Noctua does not publish a W/mK figure for it, so compare it on independent temperature tests rather than a spec sheet number. 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 Alternatives

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.

Our verdict

Reviewed by Burooj Alam. Rated by us, not by users.

Expert rating7.4 / 10

A long-running favorite for its ease of application and reliability, now largely superseded by NT-H2 but still a safe, proven choice.

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.

Specifications

What these specs mean

Identity and form

Brand	Noctua
Model	Noctua NT-H1 , NT-H1

Electrical and board risk

Paste Segment	Standard Paste

Cure and durability

Rated Lifespan	5 years

Compound Type	Metal-Oxide
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	Can be stored unopened at room temperature for at least 3 years; usable on the CPU for 5 years or more
Safety Notes	Not electrically conductive and non-corroding; safe with copper or aluminium coolers, nickel-plated or not

FAQs

Is Noctua NT-H1 electrically conductive?

No. Noctua states NT-H1 is not electrically conductive and non-corroding, so it is safe with copper or aluminium coolers whether nickel-plated or not.

How long can Noctua NT-H1 be used before repasting?

Noctua says NT-H1 can be used on the CPU for 5 years or more, and can be stored unopened at room temperature for at least 3 years.

Does Noctua publish a thermal conductivity number for NT-H1?

No. Noctua does not specify a thermal conductivity or thermal resistance figure for NT-H1, so any W/mK number attributed to it is not manufacturer-published data.