ID-Cooling Frost X45: Thermal Paste Review

The world of PC cooling continues to evolve, with each component offering new promises of better thermal performance. Among these, thermal pastes often receive less attention than fancy coolers or liquid loops, yet they play a vital role in maintaining CPU and GPU temperatures. One recent entry into this field is the ID-Cooling Frost X45 thermal paste, designed to offer high performance at a budget-friendly price. In this review, we break down its features, installation experience, thermal results, and how it compares with competing products.

TLDR (Too long, didn’t read)

The ID-Cooling Frost X45 is a value-oriented thermal paste that performs decently in both CPU and GPU applications. While it may not dethrone premium options like Thermal Grizzly’s Kryonaut, it delivers solid thermals at a fraction of the cost. It’s easy to apply, non-electrically conductive, and aimed at gamers and PC builders who want good results without overspending. Overall, it offers great value for casual and mid-range PC builds.

What’s in the Box?

The package of the ID-Cooling Frost X45 is minimal but functional. Inside, you’ll find:

• A 4g syringe of thermal paste
• Plastic spreader tool
• User manual with application instructions

The syringe comes with a resealable cap, which is handy for storing leftover paste. The inclusion of a spreader is always welcomed, especially for users who prefer the manual application method over the pea-drop technique.

Application and Viscosity

Applying Frost X45 is fairly straightforward. The paste has a medium viscosity, making it easy to control while not being excessive in thickness. This consistency ensures thorough spread with simple heatsink pressure but also permits even manual spreading if desired.

Whether you’re applying it to a high-end Intel Core i9 or a modest Ryzen 5 chip, the compound sits snugly between the surface and IHS. Its consistency also enables coverage across delidded chips with ease. There’s no mess or stringy residue, a common problem with cheaper thermal compounds.

Thermal Performance

Performance testing was conducted using an Intel Core i7-12700K and an AMD Ryzen 7 5800X under a Noctua NH-D15 air cooler, with ambient room temperature maintained at approximately 22°C (71.6°F). Temperatures were measured under idle, gaming, and synthetic load conditions using Prime95 and AIDA64. For comparison, other compounds like Arctic MX-4 and Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut were also tested.

Results:

As evident, the Frost X45 lags just slightly behind popular pastes but holds its own considering its price point. It particularly shines during prolonged gaming sessions where temperature gains were insignificant compared to more expensive options. However, for overclocking enthusiasts or extreme workloads, premium solutions may offer a few extra degrees of thermal headroom.

Longevity and Shelf Life

One major concern with budget thermal pastes is drying out over time or becoming ineffective after a few months. ID-Cooling claims the X45 has a shelf life of three years and remains effective for at least five years once applied. While that’s a claim that can’t be proven immediately, early observations show that it maintains a pliable texture even after a few weeks of use under elevated temperatures.

Electrically Safe and Non-Corrosive

Frost X45 is non-conductive and non-corrosive, meaning it is safe to use even if slightly over-applied. This is an important detail for beginners in PC building who fear component damage. You can rest assured that a mishap won’t result in a burnt motherboard or fried GPU.

Comparison with Competing Products

When compared to competitors in the same price range, Frost X45 holds its ground well. Here’s a quick look at how it compares:

• Arctic MX-4: Slightly better performance but typically priced higher. Easier to find globally.
• Noctua NT-H1: Offers excellent thermal consistency over time, but comes in smaller packaging for the price.
• Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut: Superior performance, especially for overclocking, but more than double the price.

In short, if budget is constrained and you want effective thermal performance, the X45 is more than adequate for most users.

Who Is This Best For?

The ID-Cooling Frost X45 is not meant to be an enthusiast-grade thermal compound, but rather an affordable, reliable option for most PC gamers and casual builders. It fits right into setups that prioritize efficiency over extreme performance. It’s also excellent for repairing used systems or repasting older laptops that are overheating due to thermal compound degradation.

Pros and Cons

• Pros:
  • Affordable price
  • Easy to apply
  • Non-conductive and safe
  • Fair thermal performance
  • Includes applicator tool
• Cons:
  • Not ideal for heavy overclocking
  • Availability may be limited in some regions

Final Thoughts

The ID-Cooling Frost X45 won’t replace the cutting-edge thermal compounds used by overclockers or competitive gamers, but it doesn’t aim to. It focuses on reliability, accessibility, and simplicity — and it delivers on all three. For builders looking to stay within budget without compromising cooling too much, this could very well be your go-to thermal paste.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is ID-Cooling Frost X45 safe to use on GPUs?

Yes. Since it’s non-conductive and non-corrosive, it’s completely safe to use on both CPUs and GPUs.

How long does the applied paste last before needing a reapplication?

When properly applied, Frost X45 can last 4–5 years on average use cases without needing to be reapplied.

Does it come with an applicator spreader?

Yes, a plastic spreader is included in the box for those who prefer manual spreading techniques.

Can I use it for overclocking?

You can, but it’s not the best choice for extreme overclocking compared to higher-end compounds like Kryonaut.

How much surface can a 4g tube cover?

Roughly 10–15 applications on regular-sized CPUs, depending on your application method.