Consumercarts is reader-supported. Learn more
3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H vs Arctic Silver 5: Comparison
3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface vs Arctic Silver 5 compound type compared
The first real difference is compound type: 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Acrylic Pad against Arctic Silver 5 Metal-Based. Paste segment is not the same on both, Pad on the 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface versus Standard Paste on the Arctic Silver 5.
3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface vs Arctic Silver 5: which one fits your build
The 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface suits 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. It is the wrong buy for builds where silicone pads are acceptable and higher conductivity is wanted. The Arctic Silver 5 is the one to take for builders specifically seeking out Arctic Silver's historic formula, though it is not the pick for anyone who wants immediate full performance right after application. It also earns its place with enthusiasts comfortable with a multi-day burn-in period who want a well-documented legacy compound. It is not the one for builders unfamiliar with the curing requirement who might misjudge initial results. 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 Silver 5 (5.9/10): A long-running metal-based paste known for a lengthy 200-hour cure period; once a category leader, now showing its age against newer non-curing formulas.
Frequently asked questions
Do the 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface and Arctic Silver 5 differ on recommended use?
Yes. Recommended Use reads Battery cooling, power electronics and HMI displays on the 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface versus Mainstream CPU/GPU, High-end CPU/GPU on the Arctic Silver 5.
Is the Electrical Conductivity the same on the 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface and Arctic Silver 5?
It is. Both are listed at Insulating, so it is not a reason to pick one over the other.
Specs and benchmarks
Brand
- 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H
- 3M
- Arctic Silver 5
- Arctic Silver
Compound Type
- 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H
- Acrylic Pad
- Arctic Silver 5
- Metal-Based
Model
- 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H
- 5590H
- Arctic Silver 5
- Arctic Silver 5
Electrical Conductivity
- 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H
- Insulating
- Arctic Silver 5
- 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 Silver 5
- 3.5g syringe (also 12g)
Recommended Use
- 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H
- Battery cooling, power electronics and HMI displays (general electronics gap filling)
- Arctic Silver 5
- Mainstream CPU/GPU, High-end CPU/GPU
Reapplication Interval
- 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H
- No reapplication needed; self-adhesive one-time application
- Arctic Silver 5
- Periodic reapplication recommended due to curing/drying behavior
Safety Notes
- 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H
- Non-conductive acrylic pad; no special handling precautions required
- Arctic Silver 5
- Requires ~200-hour burn-in period to reach rated performance
Paste Segment
- 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H
- Pad
- Arctic Silver 5
- 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 Silver 5 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 Silver 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon |
| Newark | View on Newark | |
| Newegg | View on Newegg |
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 Silver 5
5.9 / 10 Expert Rating
A long-running metal-based paste known for a lengthy 200-hour cure period; once a category leader, now showing its age against newer non-curing formulas.
More comparisons in Thermal Paste
- 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H vs EKWB EK-Quantum Vector³ RTX 5080/90 Thermal Pad Kit
- Arctic Silver 5 vs ID-Cooling Frost X45
- 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H vs Phobya Thermal Pad Ultra 5W/mK
- Arctic Silver 5 vs Laird (Laird Performance Materials) Laird Tflex HR600 Series Thermal Gap Filler Pad