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3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H vs Arctic MX-2: Comparison
3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface vs Arctic MX-2: the compound type difference
The first real difference is compound type: 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Acrylic Pad against Arctic MX-2 Carbon-Based. Recommended use is not the same on both, Battery cooling, power electronics and HMI displays on the 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface versus Mainstream CPU/GPU on the Arctic MX-2. Reapplication interval is not the same on both, No reapplication needed; self-adhesive one-time application on the 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface versus Not consistently published on the Arctic MX-2. They differ on paste segment too, Pad on the 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface versus Standard Paste on the Arctic MX-2.
3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface vs Arctic MX-2: which one fits your build
The 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface is the one to take for silicone-sensitive assemblies near optics, displays or connectors and power electronics and battery gap filling, though it is the wrong buy for high-end GPU memory or VRM cooling. Avoid it for builds where silicone pads are acceptable and higher conductivity is wanted. The Arctic MX-2 suits cost-sensitive mainstream builds where a budget compound is the priority, though it is not built for high-end or overclocked builds needing stronger conductivity. The same goes for buyers replacing an existing MX-2 application with the same known product. It is not the one for anyone who can afford MX-4's modest premium for better documented performance. Our rating of the 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface (6.6/10): an industrial acrylic interface pad from an established materials manufacturer, aimed at OEM and repair use rather than enthusiast builds. Our rating of the Arctic MX-2 (5.4/10): A carbon-based budget legacy compound from Arctic, functional but dated next to MX-4/6/7.
Where the two are identical
The common ground is wider than the gap: electrical conductivity are identical here.
Specs and benchmarks
Brand
- 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H
- 3M
- Arctic MX-2
- Arctic
Compound Type
- 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H
- Acrylic Pad
- Arctic MX-2
- Carbon-Based
Model
- 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H
- 5590H
- Arctic MX-2
- Arctic MX-2
Electrical Conductivity
- 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H
- Insulating
- Arctic MX-2
- Insulating
Package Size
- 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H
- Sheets and die-cut shapes, 0.5/1.0/1.2/1.5/2.0mm thick
- Arctic MX-2
- 4g, 30g, 65g
Recommended Use
- 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H
- Battery cooling, power electronics and HMI displays (general electronics gap filling)
- Arctic MX-2
- Mainstream CPU/GPU
Reapplication Interval
- 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H
- No reapplication needed; self-adhesive one-time application
- Arctic MX-2
- Not consistently published
Safety Notes
- 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H
- Non-conductive acrylic pad; no special handling precautions required
- Arctic MX-2
- None
Paste Segment
- 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H
- Pad
- Arctic MX-2
- Standard Paste
Which one should you pick?
Choose 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Choose Arctic MX-2 if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Price comparison
| Retailer | 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H | Arctic MX-2 |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon | View on Amazon | |
| Newark | View on Newark |
Disclaimer: The price and specification of the given product may differ from the actual product. Please confirm on the retailer's website before buying.
Verdict
3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H
6.6 / 10 Expert Rating
An industrial acrylic interface pad from an established materials manufacturer, aimed at OEM and repair use rather than enthusiast builds.
Arctic MX-2
5.4 / 10 Expert Rating
A carbon-based budget legacy compound from Arctic, functional but dated next to MX-4/6/7.