Noctua showed off the NT-CP1 at Computex, a thermal pad for AMD AM5 and AM4 processors built around Carbice carbon nanotube technology.
Unlike conventional thermal pastes, the NT-CP1 is not prone to pump-out, dry-out, cracking, or delamination, and does not require maintenance or replacement over time.
Its vertically aligned carbon nanotube structure is reinforced with an aluminum backbone, giving it more durability than typical carbon or graphite-based alternatives. A nanoscale polymer coating keeps the contact surfaces electrically non-conductive before installation and prevents the pad from slipping during mounting.
According to Noctua, internal testing across thousands of thermal cycles showed the NT-CP1 actually improving over time as the nanotubes conform to surface microstructures, making it suited for users who want stable thermal performance over the long haul. The only drawback is that it’s a one-time use. It’s essentially a set-and-forget thermal interface material, so if you ever need to remove the heatsink, you’ll have to replace the NT-CP1 with a fresh one. Such scenarios includes replacing
The NT-CP1 is expected to launch in September 2026, with pricing yet to be announced.
