Do You Need Thermal Paste for NZXT Kraken Z73? (2026 Complete Guide)

The NZXT Kraken Z73 is one of the most popular 360mm all-in-one (AIO) liquid coolers on the market in 2026, known for its sleek LCD display, reliable pump design, and strong cooling performance. If you have just purchased a Kraken Z73 or are planning to install one, you might be wondering whether you need to buy thermal paste separately or if the cooler already handles this for you. This is one of the most common questions builders ask, and the answer has a few important nuances that can affect your cooling performance and system safety. In this complete guide, we will walk through whether the NZXT Kraken Z73 comes with thermal paste pre-applied, whether you need extra paste, how to apply it properly, which thermal pastes work best with AIO coolers in 2026, and the science behind why thermal paste matters for modern high-performance CPUs.

What Is Thermal Paste?

Thermal paste, also called thermal compound or thermal interface material (TIM), is a thermally conductive substance applied between a CPU's integrated heat spreader (IHS) and the cooler's cold plate. Its primary job is to fill microscopic air gaps and surface imperfections that would otherwise trap air, a poor conductor of heat. Without thermal paste, even a perfectly flat cold plate and IHS would have tiny valleys and peaks that prevent full metal-to-metal contact, drastically reducing heat transfer efficiency.

Modern thermal pastes come in several formulations: silicone-based with metal oxide fillers (ceramic), carbon-based, metal-particle enhanced, and liquid metal alloys. Each type offers different thermal conductivity ratings, measured in watts per meter-kelvin (W/mK). Typical silicone-based pastes range from 3–6 W/mK, premium carbon or ceramic pastes reach 8–13 W/mK, and liquid metal alloys exceed 70 W/mK. The choice of paste influences how effectively your cooler can move heat away from the CPU die.

For AIO coolers like the Kraken Z73, the cold plate is made of copper, which has excellent thermal conductivity. The pre-applied paste NZXT uses is a standard silicone-based compound with aluminum oxide filler, rated around 3–5 W/mK. This is sufficient for stock and moderately overclocked CPUs, but enthusiasts pushing high thermal design power (TDP) processors may benefit from upgrading to a higher-conductivity paste.

Why Thermal Paste Matters in 2026

CPU power densities have continued to climb in 2026. Intel's 14th Gen Raptor Lake Refresh and AMD's Ryzen 9000 series can draw 250W–350W under load, with transient spikes even higher. A 360mm AIO like the Kraken Z73 has ample radiator surface area, but the thermal bottleneck often shifts to the interface between the IHS and cold plate. A high-quality thermal paste ensures that the heat generated by the CPU cores travels efficiently into the liquid cooling loop.

In 2026, many builders also run their systems for years without maintenance. Thermal paste longevity becomes critical: cheaper pastes can dry out or pump out over time, leading to rising temperatures. Premium pastes like Noctua NT-H2 and Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut are engineered for multi-year stability, maintaining performance across thousands of thermal cycles. Choosing the right paste upfront can save you a teardown and reapplication later.

How Thermal Paste Works

At a microscopic level, both the CPU IHS and the cooler cold plate have surface roughness measured in micrometers. When pressed together, only the peaks make contact, leaving air-filled valleys. Air has a thermal conductivity of roughly 0.025 W/mK, while copper is around 400 W/mK. This mismatch creates a significant thermal resistance. Thermal paste displaces the air and conforms to both surfaces, creating a continuous conductive path.

The effectiveness of this interface depends on three factors: the paste's bulk thermal conductivity, the bond line thickness (how thin the layer is), and the absence of voids or bubbles. Mounting pressure from the AIO's retention mechanism spreads the paste into a thin, uniform layer, typically 0.05–0.15mm thick. Proper application technique—pea dot, line, or X-pattern—ensures even coverage without excess that could spill onto the socket or motherboard.

Liquid metal pastes take this a step further by using a gallium-indium alloy that remains liquid at room temperature. They wet the surfaces more completely, achieving bond line thicknesses under 0.02mm and conductivity over 70 W/mK. However, they are electrically conductive, can stain copper permanently, and must not contact aluminum. The Kraken Z73's copper cold plate is compatible, but the risk of short circuits makes liquid metal a specialist choice.

Benefits of Quality Thermal Paste

Using a high-performance thermal paste—whether pre-applied or aftermarket—delivers measurable benefits for your Kraken Z73 installation:

• Lower CPU temperatures: A 2–5°C reduction under load is typical when upgrading from a basic silicone paste to a premium carbon or ceramic compound. This can mean the difference between thermal throttling and sustained boost clocks.
• Quieter operation: Lower coolant temperatures allow the radiator fans and pump to run at lower RPMs for the same thermal performance, reducing system noise.
• Longer component lifespan: Keeping the CPU cooler reduces electromigration and thermal stress on the silicon, potentially extending the processor's usable life.
• Overclocking headroom: Enthusiasts chasing maximum frequency gains need every degree of thermal margin. Premium paste is a low-cost, high-return upgrade.
• Reliability over time: Quality pastes resist pump-out (migration away from the center due to thermal cycling) and dry-out, maintaining performance for 3–5 years or more.

For a real-world example, a Core i9-14900K under a 360mm AIO with pre-applied paste might hit 95°C in a sustained AVX2 workload. Swapping to Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut could drop that to 90°C, allowing higher all-core frequencies before hitting the thermal throttle point.

Does the NZXT Kraken Z73 Come With Thermal Paste?

Yes, the NZXT Kraken Z73 comes with thermal paste pre-applied directly onto the copper cold plate. This is standard across virtually all modern AIO liquid coolers from major manufacturers, including NZXT, Corsair, Cooler Master, and Arctic. The factory-applied paste eliminates a common point of error for builders, particularly those who are assembling their first system.

When you unbox your Kraken Z73, you will notice a clear plastic protective cover on the bottom of the pump head. This cover serves two purposes: it protects the copper surface from scratches and contamination, and it keeps the pre-applied thermal paste clean and intact during shipping. Do not remove this cover until you are ready to mount the cooler onto your CPU. Once removed, the paste is exposed and can collect dust or debris if left sitting out.

The thermal paste NZXT uses on the Kraken Z73 is a standard silicone-based compound with aluminum oxide filler. It is designed to provide adequate thermal conductivity out of the box, typically around 3 to 5 W/mK. While this is not the highest-performing thermal paste available, it is well-matched to the cooler's performance profile and will not create a bottleneck in heat transfer for the vast majority of CPUs, including high-end Intel and AMD Ryzen processors.

If you want to maximize cooling performance, you can always clean off the pre-applied paste and use a premium aftermarket thermal paste. But for most users, the included paste delivers excellent results without the added cost or effort.

NZXT AIO Models and Pre-Applied Thermal Paste (2026)

NZXT has released several AIO cooler lines over the years. Here is a breakdown of which models come with pre-applied thermal paste and what you can expect from each.

As you can see, every NZXT Kraken AIO ships with pre-applied thermal paste. This is consistent across the entire product line. Whether you have the high-end Kraken Elite 360 or the budget-friendly Kraken 120, you will find thermal paste already on the cold plate when you unbox it. This means that for any fresh NZXT AIO installation, you do not need to purchase thermal paste separately.

Pre-Applied Thermal Paste vs Separate Tube: What Is the Difference?

Many builders wonder whether the pre-applied thermal paste on the Kraken Z73 is as good as buying a separate tube of premium thermal paste. The short answer is that pre-applied paste is perfectly fine for most use cases, but there are trade-offs worth understanding.

Pre-Applied Thermal Paste

The pre-applied paste on the Kraken Z73 is applied by machine during manufacturing, which means it is distributed in an even, consistent layer across the entire copper surface. This eliminates the guesswork that comes with manual application, especially for first-time builders. The paste is formulated to perform well across a wide range of CPUs and thermal loads, providing a reliable baseline of thermal conductivity.

Separate Tube of Thermal Paste

Premium aftermarket thermal pastes like Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut, Noctua NT-H2, or Arctic MX-6 offer higher thermal conductivity ratings, often in the range of 8 to 12 W/mK or more. For overclockers and enthusiasts who are pushing their CPUs to the limit, these pastes can yield measurable improvements in temperatures. If you are running a high-TDP processor like the Intel Core i9-14900K or AMD Ryzen 9 7950X under sustained heavy loads, every degree matters, and upgrading to a premium paste can make a meaningful difference.

Separate thermal paste is also essential if you ever need to reseat your cooler. Once you remove the Kraken Z73 after it has been installed, the original paste layer is disrupted and will not make proper contact if you remount without reapplying. You will need to clean both surfaces and apply a fresh layer of thermal paste before reinstalling the cooler.

How to Apply Thermal Paste for an AIO Cooler

If you need to apply thermal paste to your NZXT Kraken Z73, whether for a fresh installation with a separate tube or after removing and cleaning the cooler, the process is straightforward. Here is a step-by-step guide for applying thermal paste correctly.

Step 1: Clean the CPU and Cold Plate

If you are reapplying paste, first clean both the CPU's integrated heat spreader (IHS) and the copper cold plate on the Kraken Z73. Use isopropyl alcohol (90% or higher concentration) and a lint-free cloth or coffee filter. Wipe away all old thermal paste residue until both surfaces are clean and shiny. Do not use water or household cleaning products, as these can leave residue or damage components.

Step 2: Apply the Thermal Paste

There are several methods for applying thermal paste, but the most widely recommended approach for AIO coolers is the pea method. Place a small dot of thermal paste, roughly the size of a pea or grain of rice, directly in the center of the CPU's IHS. This amount is sufficient for most standard desktop CPUs. You do not need to spread the paste manually; the mounting pressure of the cooler will spread it evenly across the surface.

Some builders prefer alternative methods such as the X-pattern (drawing an X across the IHS) or the line method (a thin line down the center). All of these methods work well and produce similar results. The key is to use enough paste to cover the IHS without using so much that it overflows the edges.

Step 3: Mount the Cooler

Align the Kraken Z73 pump head with the mounting bracket on your motherboard. Lower it straight down onto the CPU, being careful not to slide it around, as this can introduce air bubbles into the paste layer. Secure the mounting screws in a cross pattern, tightening each screw a few turns at a time rather than fully tightening one screw before moving to the next. This ensures even mounting pressure and uniform paste spread.

Step 4: Verify Installation

Once the cooler is mounted, connect the pump power cable to the appropriate header on your motherboard. For NZXT Kraken coolers, this is typically the CPU_FAN or AIO_PUMP header. Power on your system and check the idle temperatures in your BIOS or using monitoring software. Idle temperatures for a properly installed AIO cooler should typically be between 30 and 40 degrees Celsius, depending on your ambient room temperature.

Best Thermal Paste for AIO Coolers in 2026

If you decide to upgrade from the pre-applied paste on your Kraken Z73 or need fresh paste for a reinstallation, here are the best thermal pastes available for AIO coolers in 2026. We have evaluated these based on manufacturer specifications, independent reviewer testing, community feedback, and long-term reliability reports.

For most Kraken Z73 owners, the Noctua NT-H2 or Arctic MX-6 offers the best balance of performance, safety, and ease of use. If you are pushing extreme overclocks and want every last degree of cooling, the Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut is the go-to choice. And if you want maximum cooling potential and are comfortable working with liquid metal, the Conductonaut is unmatched in raw thermal conductivity, though it requires careful application.

Common Mistakes When Installing an AIO Cooler

Even with pre-applied thermal paste, there are several mistakes that builders make when installing the Kraken Z73 or any AIO cooler. Avoiding these pitfalls will ensure optimal cooling performance and prevent damage to your components.

Mistake 1: Removing the Plastic Cover Too Early

The plastic protective cover on the Kraken Z73's cold plate is there to keep the pre-applied thermal paste clean and intact. If you remove it before you are ready to mount the cooler, you risk contaminating the paste with dust, fingerprints, or debris. Always wait until you are ready to immediately install the cooler before removing this cover.

Mistake 2: Sliding the Cooler on the CPU

When placing the pump head onto the CPU, you should lower it straight down in a single, vertical motion. Sliding the cooler across the CPU surface after contact can create air bubbles in the thermal paste, reduce the effective contact area, and lead to higher temperatures. If you need to reposition the cooler, lift it completely off the CPU, clean both surfaces, reapply paste, and try again.

Mistake 3: Uneven Screw Tightening

AIO cooler mounting screws should be tightened in a cross pattern, alternating between diagonal screws and turning each one a few rotations at a time. Fully tightening one screw before the others creates uneven pressure, which can result in poor contact between the cold plate and the CPU IHS. This is one of the most common causes of unexpectedly high temperatures after installation.

Mistake 4: Using Too Much or Too Little Paste

While the pre-applied paste eliminates this issue, if you are applying paste manually, using too much can cause overflow onto the CPU socket or motherboard, while too little can leave gaps that reduce heat transfer. A pea-sized dot in the center is the most reliable method.

Mistake 5: Wrong Fan and Pump Header Connection

Connecting your AIO pump to the wrong motherboard header can prevent it from running at full speed, leading to inadequate cooling. Always connect the pump to the AIO_PUMP or CPU_FAN header.

Mistake 6: Ignoring Radiator Fan Orientation

The orientation of your radiator and fans affects both cooling performance and the longevity of the AIO. As a general rule, if you are mounting the radiator at the top of your case, the fans should be configured as exhaust, pulling air up through the radiator and out of the case. If you are mounting at the front, the fans should typically be configured as intake, pulling cool air from outside through the radiator and into the case. Improper fan orientation can result in higher ambient temperatures inside your case, which affects not only CPU cooling but also GPU and other component temperatures.

Mistake 7: Forgetting to Apply Paste After Cooler Removal

If you remove your Kraken Z73 for any reason, whether to swap CPUs, reseat the cooler, or clean the system, you must clean off the old paste and apply a fresh layer before reinstalling. Never attempt to remount a cooler with dried or disrupted paste, as this will create uneven contact and significantly reduce cooling performance. Always keep a tube of quality thermal paste on hand for situations like this.

Tips for Success

• Keep a quality paste tube handy: Even if you use the pre-applied paste, buy a small tube of Noctua NT-H2 or Arctic MX-6 for future reseats. It's inexpensive insurance.
• Use 90%+ isopropyl alcohol: Lower concentrations leave water residue that can interfere with paste adhesion.
• Don't spread with a finger or card: Let the mounting pressure do the work. Manual spreading often traps air bubbles.
• Check pump orientation: The Kraken Z73's pump head can be rotated to keep the LCD upright. Do this before mounting to avoid twisting the tubes after paste contact.
• Monitor temperatures after install: Run a 10-minute stress test (like Cinebench) and verify load temps are within expected ranges for your CPU.
• Revisit paste every 3–4 years: If temperatures creep up, a fresh application can restore original performance.

How We Verified This Guide

This guide is based on a combination of manufacturer specifications from NZXT's official product pages, thermal conductivity data published by paste manufacturers (Thermal Grizzly, Noctua, Arctic, Cooler Master), independent testing methodology from reputable tech outlets such as Gamers Nexus, Hardware Canucks, and Tom's Hardware, and community consensus from enthusiast forums like r/buildapc and Overclock.net. We cross-referenced NZXT's warranty documentation to confirm that aftermarket thermal paste does not void coverage. No proprietary testing or invented benchmarks were used; all performance claims reference publicly available data.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources and Conclusion

Sources:

• NZXT Official Product Specifications – Kraken Z73 product page
• Thermal Grizzly, Noctua, Arctic, Cooler Master – Manufacturer thermal conductivity datasheets
• Gamers Nexus, Hardware Canucks, Tom's Hardware – Independent AIO and thermal paste testing methodologies
• NZXT Warranty Documentation – Official warranty terms and conditions

The NZXT Kraken Z73 comes with thermal paste pre-applied to the copper cold plate, so you do not need to purchase or apply additional paste for a fresh installation. The factory-applied compound is well-suited for standard use and will provide reliable cooling performance for the vast majority of builds. However, if you ever need to reseat the cooler, move it to a new system, or want to extract maximum thermal performance for overclocking, having a quality tube of aftermarket thermal paste on hand is a wise investment.

When reapplying paste, follow best practices: clean both surfaces thoroughly with isopropyl alcohol, apply a pea-sized amount to the center of the CPU, and mount the cooler with even pressure using a cross tightening pattern. Avoid common mistakes like sliding the cooler, using too much paste, or connecting the pump to the wrong header.

For the best results with the Kraken Z73 in 2026, the pre-applied paste is more than enough for most users. If you choose to upgrade, the Noctua NT-H2 and Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut remain top choices for their excellent thermal conductivity, ease of application, and long lifespan. Whatever path you choose, the Kraken Z73 is a capable cooler that will keep your CPU running cool when installed correctly.

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