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- Best overall: Scythe Fuma 3 Dual Tower CPU Air Cooler
- Best budget: Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE Dual-Tower CPU Cooler
- Best premium: Noctua NH-D15 G2 Dual-Tower CPU Cooler
- Best for liquid-metal enthusiasts: Thermal Grizzly Conductonaut Liquid Metal Thermal Compound 1 g
- Scythe Fuma 3 is a complete dual-tower air cooler; Thermal Grizzly Conductonaut is liquid-metal thermal interface material, so they serve different roles.
- Scythe Fuma 3 measures 154 mm tall and includes two 120 mm fans for CPU air cooling.
- Thermal Grizzly Conductonaut is electrically conductive and is unsuitable for aluminum surfaces.
- Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE is a value-focused air cooler, while Noctua NH-D15 G2 is a premium dual-tower option.
- Choose ordinary thermal paste for simpler, lower-risk installation; reserve liquid metal for compatible hardware and experienced builders.
Scythe Fuma 3 and Thermal Grizzly Conductonaut are not direct substitutes: Scythe Fuma 3 is a 154 mm dual-tower CPU air cooler, while Thermal Grizzly Conductonaut is liquid-metal thermal interface material. For Black Friday 2026, the right choice depends on whether you need a complete cooler or a compound for a compatible CPU-and-cooler setup. We researched and compared specs, reviews and owner feedback to make the distinction clear.
My pick for most people building or refreshing a desktop is a conventional air cooler paired with standard thermal paste. Scythe Fuma 3 offers a complete cooling assembly, while Thermal Grizzly Conductonaut targets advanced users seeking a liquid-metal interface. This guide also compares other coolers and compounds, explains compatibility and installation trade-offs, and helps match each product to a practical use case.
How We Picked
- Compared product category and intended use, separating complete CPU coolers from thermal interface materials.
- Checked published dimensions, fan configurations, heat-pipe counts and package sizes where applicable.
- Reviewed manufacturer compatibility guidance, including clearance requirements and liquid-metal surface restrictions.
- Considered installation difficulty, electrical conductivity and maintenance needs for everyday builders.
- Used owner feedback and product specifications to identify practical strengths and limitations without claiming research.
Comparison Table
| Product | Best for | Product type | Key number | Electrical conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scythe Fuma 3 Dual Tower CPU Air Cooler | Balanced air cooling | Dual-tower CPU air cooler | 154 mm tall; 6 heat pipes | Not applicable |
| Thermal Grizzly Conductonaut Liquid Metal Thermal Compound 1 g | Experienced liquid-metal users | Liquid-metal thermal compound | 1 g; 73 W/mK | Conductive |
| Thermal Grizzly Conductonaut Extreme Liquid Metal Thermal Compound 1 g | Premium liquid-metal applications | Liquid-metal thermal compound | 1 g; 73 W/mK | Conductive |
| Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut Thermal Paste 1 g | Conventional paste in a small tube | Thermal paste | 1 g; 12.5 W/mK | Non-conductive |
| Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut Extreme Thermal Paste 2 g | Premium conventional paste | Thermal paste | 2 g; 14.2 W/mK | Non-conductive |
| Noctua NH-D15 G2 Dual-Tower CPU Cooler | Premium air cooling | Dual-tower CPU air cooler | 168 mm tall; 8 heat pipes | Not applicable |
| Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE Dual-Tower CPU Cooler | Value-focused air cooling | Dual-tower CPU air cooler | 155 mm tall; 6 heat pipes | Not applicable |
| ARCTIC MX-6 Thermal Paste 4 g | Routine thermal-paste maintenance | Thermal paste | 4 g; up to 8-year durability claim | Non-conductive |
Best Picks Reviewed
#1 · Top pick
Scythe Fuma 3 Dual Tower CPU Air Cooler
The Scythe Fuma 3 Dual Tower CPU Air Cooler is the best balanced air cooler for builders who want a capable, compact dual-tower design with 6 heat pipes. The Scythe Fuma 3 Dual Tower CPU Air Cooler's 154 mm height suits many mid-tower cases, but case clearance still needs checking.
Best for: Balanced cooling with a modest case-height requirement
- Cooler height
- 154 mm
- Heat pipes
- 6
- Included fans
- 2 × 120 mm
- Product type
- Dual-tower CPU air cooler
- Dual-tower heatsink with six heat pipes
- Two included 120 mm fans
- 154 mm height fits many mid-tower builds
- Requires checking case, memory and motherboard clearance
- Installation is more involved than applying thermal paste alone
Is the Scythe Fuma 3 Dual Tower CPU Air Cooler worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Scythe Fuma 3 Dual Tower CPU Air Cooler is a strong Black Friday 2026 choice for builders seeking a complete air-cooling upgrade. The Scythe Fuma 3 Dual Tower CPU Air Cooler's 154 mm height, six heat pipes and two included fans make it a balanced option, provided the case has adequate clearance.
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#2
Thermal Grizzly Conductonaut Liquid Metal Thermal Compound 1 g
The Thermal Grizzly Conductonaut Liquid Metal Thermal Compound 1 g is the best specialist interface for experienced builders seeking a liquid-metal formula rated at 73 W/mK. Conductonaut is electrically conductive and must not contact aluminum.
Best for: Experienced users with compatible nickel-plated or copper surfaces
- Package quantity
- 1 g
- Thermal conductivity
- 73 W/mK
- Product type
- Liquid-metal thermal compound
- Electrical conductivity
- Conductive
- High published thermal conductivity
- Small quantity suits careful, targeted applications
- Designed for demanding thermal-interface use
- Electrical conductivity raises spill and short-circuit risks
- Not suitable for aluminum contact surfaces
Is the Thermal Grizzly Conductonaut Liquid Metal Thermal Compound 1 g worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Thermal Grizzly Conductonaut Liquid Metal Thermal Compound 1 g is worth considering for experienced users with compatible hardware and careful application skills. The Thermal Grizzly Conductonaut Liquid Metal Thermal Compound 1 g's 73 W/mK conductivity is a standout specification, but its electrical conductivity and aluminum restriction make it a poor choice for casual installation.
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#3
Thermal Grizzly Conductonaut Extreme Liquid Metal Thermal Compound 1 g
The Thermal Grizzly Conductonaut Extreme Liquid Metal Thermal Compound 1 g is the best premium liquid-metal option for experienced users prioritizing a specialized interface with 73 W/mK published conductivity. The Thermal Grizzly Conductonaut Extreme Liquid Metal Thermal Compound 1 g's application demands careful handling and compatible surfaces.
Best for: Experienced builders seeking a premium liquid-metal compound
- Package quantity
- 1 g
- Thermal conductivity
- 73 W/mK
- Product type
- Liquid-metal thermal compound
- Electrical conductivity
- Conductive
- Specialized liquid-metal formulation
- Compact 1 g package
- Suited to advanced thermal-interface applications
- Requires precise, controlled application
- Not appropriate for aluminum surfaces or beginners
Is the Thermal Grizzly Conductonaut Extreme Liquid Metal Thermal Compound 1 g worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Thermal Grizzly Conductonaut Extreme Liquid Metal Thermal Compound 1 g is a premium specialist choice for experienced builders who understand liquid-metal handling. The 73 W/mK published conductivity and 1 g package suit targeted applications, but conventional paste is simpler and safer for general upgrades.
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#4
Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut Thermal Paste 1 g
The Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut Thermal Paste 1 g is the best conventional paste pick for builders wanting an easier alternative to liquid metal, with 12.5 W/mK published conductivity. The Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut Thermal Paste 1 g's 1 g tube suits a small number of careful applications.
Best for: Users wanting high-performance conventional thermal paste
- Package quantity
- 1 g
- Thermal conductivity
- 12.5 W/mK
- Product type
- Thermal paste
- Electrical conductivity
- Non-conductive
- Simpler to apply than liquid metal
- Non-conductive formula
- Small package for a focused CPU refresh
- One-gram package limits the number of applications
- Still requires cleaning and careful spreading or placement
Is the Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut Thermal Paste 1 g worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut Thermal Paste 1 g is a practical choice for users who want performance-oriented conventional paste without liquid-metal handling. The Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut Thermal Paste 1 g's 12.5 W/mK published conductivity and non-conductive formula suit a straightforward CPU refresh, though the compact tube is best for limited use.
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#5
Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut Extreme Thermal Paste 2 g
The Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut Extreme Thermal Paste 2 g is the best premium conventional paste for builders who want a larger 2 g package and 14.2 W/mK published conductivity. The non-conductive formula avoids liquid metal's electrical-conductivity concern.
Best for: Premium conventional paste for multiple applications
- Package quantity
- 2 g
- Thermal conductivity
- 14.2 W/mK
- Product type
- Thermal paste
- Electrical conductivity
- Non-conductive
- Two-gram package offers more compound than a 1 g tube
- Non-conductive conventional-paste format
- Suited to repeat maintenance or multiple systems
- Premium-focused pick rather than a basic maintenance necessity
- Requires correct cooler mounting for good contact
Is the Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut Extreme Thermal Paste 2 g worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut Extreme Thermal Paste 2 g is a good fit for builders who want a larger conventional-paste package and a published 14.2 W/mK conductivity figure. The Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut Extreme Thermal Paste 2 g's non-conductive format is easier to manage than liquid metal for routine CPU cooler installation.
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#6
Noctua NH-D15 G2 Dual-Tower CPU Cooler
The Noctua NH-D15 G2 Dual-Tower CPU Cooler is the best premium air cooler for builders who want two 140 mm fans and 8 heat pipes. The Noctua NH-D15 G2 Dual-Tower CPU Cooler's 168 mm height calls for careful case-clearance checks before purchase.
Best for: Premium air cooling in spacious desktop cases
- Cooler height
- 168 mm
- Heat pipes
- 8
- Included fans
- 2 × 140 mm
- Product type
- Dual-tower CPU air cooler
- Large dual-tower heatsink
- Two 140 mm fans included
- Eight heat pipes
- 168 mm height rules out some cases
- Large cooler can constrain memory and nearby components
Is the Noctua NH-D15 G2 Dual-Tower CPU Cooler worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Noctua NH-D15 G2 Dual-Tower CPU Cooler is worth considering for a premium air-cooled desktop with room for a 168 mm cooler. The Noctua NH-D15 G2 Dual-Tower CPU Cooler's eight heat pipes and two 140 mm fans are substantial features, while case and memory clearance are essential checks.
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#7
Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE Dual-Tower CPU Cooler
The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE Dual-Tower CPU Cooler is the best budget-focused air cooler for builders seeking 6 heat pipes and two 120 mm fans. The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE Dual-Tower CPU Cooler's 155 mm height is relatively easy to compare against common case-clearance limits.
Best for: Value-focused desktop cooling
- Cooler height
- 155 mm
- Heat pipes
- 6
- Included fans
- 2 × 120 mm
- Product type
- Dual-tower CPU air cooler
- Dual-tower design with six heat pipes
- Two included 120 mm fans
- 155 mm height suits many mid-tower cases
- Check memory and motherboard clearances
- Installation takes more steps than replacing thermal paste
Is the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE Dual-Tower CPU Cooler worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE Dual-Tower CPU Cooler is a strong value-oriented option for desktop builders seeking a complete air cooler. The Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE Dual-Tower CPU Cooler's six heat pipes, two 120 mm fans and 155 mm height make it a practical alternative to buying thermal paste alone.
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#8
ARCTIC MX-6 Thermal Paste 4 g
The ARCTIC MX-6 Thermal Paste 4 g is the best practical paste for routine maintenance, offering a 4 g package and a non-conductive formula. The ARCTIC MX-6 Thermal Paste 4 g's straightforward category makes it a sensible alternative to liquid metal for everyday desktop builds.
Best for: Routine CPU and GPU thermal-paste maintenance
- Package quantity
- 4 g
- Product type
- Thermal paste
- Electrical conductivity
- Non-conductive
- Manufacturer durability claim
- Up to 8 years
- Four-gram package for multiple applications
- Non-conductive paste format
- Suitable for routine maintenance
- Does not replace a CPU cooler
- Proper cleaning and mounting remain important
Is the ARCTIC MX-6 Thermal Paste 4 g worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The ARCTIC MX-6 Thermal Paste 4 g is a sensible pick for routine maintenance across compatible CPU or GPU applications. The ARCTIC MX-6 Thermal Paste 4 g's 4 g package and non-conductive formula make it more approachable than liquid metal, but it does not replace a complete CPU cooler.
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Are Scythe Fuma 3 and Thermal Grizzly Conductonaut direct alternatives?
Scythe Fuma 3 Dual Tower CPU Air Cooler moves heat away from a CPU; Thermal Grizzly Conductonaut Liquid Metal Thermal Compound 1 g fills the gap between the CPU and cooler. They serve different purposes.
A cooler includes a heatsink and fans but still needs thermal compound. Conductonaut requires compatible surfaces and precise handling; ARCTIC MX-6 Thermal Paste 4 g is a simpler option for routine installations.
Is Scythe Fuma 3 a good Black Friday 2026 CPU cooler pick?
Scythe Fuma 3 Dual Tower CPU Air Cooler is 154 mm tall and includes six heat pipes and two 120 mm fans. Check case height and memory clearance before choosing it.
Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE Dual-Tower CPU Cooler stands 155 mm tall, while Noctua NH-D15 G2 Dual-Tower CPU Cooler is 168 mm tall. Confirm case and component clearance before buying.
Is Thermal Grizzly Conductonaut suitable for a first-time builder?
Thermal Grizzly Conductonaut Liquid Metal Thermal Compound 1 g is electrically conductive and unsuitable for aluminum surfaces. Spills can damage nearby components, so application requires care and a compatible cooler surface.
For routine installation, Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut Thermal Paste 1 g and ARCTIC MX-6 Thermal Paste 4 g are non-conductive alternatives. Choose conventional paste if you are new to building or unsure about surface compatibility.
Which thermal paste is the best alternative to liquid metal?
ARCTIC MX-6 Thermal Paste 4 g is a practical everyday option. Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut Extreme Thermal Paste 2 g is a conventional paste with a published conductivity figure of 14.2 W/mK.
Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut Thermal Paste 1 g suits a single application; the larger packages suit repeat maintenance. Mounting, surface condition and workload also affect cooling, so do not choose by conductivity figures alone.
What should buyers compare before choosing a CPU cooler?
Check case height, socket support, memory clearance, fan placement and motherboard layout. Scythe Fuma 3 Dual Tower CPU Air Cooler measures 154 mm, Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE Dual-Tower CPU Cooler 155 mm, and Noctua NH-D15 G2 Dual-Tower CPU Cooler 168 mm.
A new air cooler needs thermal compound at the CPU interface; compound alone does not replace a heatsink. Compare cooler dimensions and fan configuration, or choose paste by type, quantity and handling requirements.
Buying Guide
Start with the product category
Choose Scythe Fuma 3 Dual Tower CPU Air Cooler for a heatsink and fans. Choose thermal compound when installing or reinstalling a cooler. Thermal Grizzly Conductonaut Liquid Metal Thermal Compound 1 g is not a complete cooling solution.
Measure case and component clearance
Scythe Fuma 3 Dual Tower CPU Air Cooler is 154 mm tall, Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE Dual-Tower CPU Cooler is 155 mm, and Noctua NH-D15 G2 Dual-Tower CPU Cooler is 168 mm. Check case, memory and motherboard clearance.
Choose compound for your experience level
ARCTIC MX-6 Thermal Paste 4 g is a conventional option for routine maintenance. Thermal Grizzly Conductonaut Liquid Metal Thermal Compound 1 g is conductive and requires compatible surfaces, careful application and protection for nearby components.
Compare package size and intended use
Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut Thermal Paste 1 g suits a single application; ARCTIC MX-6 Thermal Paste 4 g serves repeat maintenance. For liquid metal, prioritize surface compatibility and safe handling.
Verify socket support before purchase
Confirm that the cooler includes mounting hardware for your CPU socket. Check the manufacturer's current compatibility list and installation instructions before ordering.
FAQ
Scythe Fuma 3 vs Thermal Grizzly Conductonaut: which should I buy?
Scythe Fuma 3 Dual Tower CPU Air Cooler is the choice when a system needs a complete CPU air cooler. Thermal Grizzly Conductonaut Liquid Metal Thermal Compound 1 g is only an interface material for compatible hardware. The products are not direct alternatives and can serve separate roles in one build.
Can Thermal Grizzly Conductonaut be used with an aluminum cooler?
No. Thermal Grizzly Conductonaut Liquid Metal Thermal Compound 1 g is not suitable for aluminum contact surfaces. Its liquid-metal formula is electrically conductive, so use it only with compatible materials and careful application. Consult the product instructions and cooler manufacturer guidance before installation.
Is Scythe Fuma 3 compatible with every PC case?
No. Scythe Fuma 3 Dual Tower CPU Air Cooler is 154 mm tall, and the case must provide at least the required cooler clearance. Check the case specification and confirm memory and motherboard clearance as well. Socket support and mounting hardware also need verification.
Is conventional thermal paste safer than liquid metal?
Conventional non-conductive thermal paste is easier for routine installations because it does not carry liquid metal's electrical-conductivity concern. ARCTIC MX-6 Thermal Paste 4 g and Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut Thermal Paste 1 g are conventional choices. Correct cleaning and cooler mounting still matter.
Which cooler is the value pick for Black Friday 2026?
Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE Dual-Tower CPU Cooler is the value-focused air-cooling pick in this comparison. It includes two 120 mm fans, uses six heat pipes and stands 155 mm tall. Check case and memory clearance, then compare current product listings before buying.
Does Thermal Grizzly Conductonaut replace a CPU cooler?
No. Thermal Grizzly Conductonaut Liquid Metal Thermal Compound 1 g is a thermal interface material, not a heatsink or fan assembly. The compound sits between compatible surfaces to transfer heat. A CPU still needs a suitable cooler, such as Scythe Fuma 3 Dual Tower CPU Air Cooler.