Embodiments of the present disclosure provide techniques and configurations for a computing system with a thermal interface having magnetic particles. In some embodiments, the computing system may include a first part, a second part, and a thermal interface to couple the first and second parts. The thermal interface may comprise a thermal interface material having magnetic particles that are aligned in a defined direction relative to a surface of the first or second part, to provide desired thermal conductivity between the first and second parts. The defined direction of alignment of magnetic particles may comprise an alignment of the particles substantially perpendicularly to the surface of the first or second part. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.