Consumercarts is reader-supported. Learn more
3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H vs Arctic Silver Ceramique 2: Comparison
What is the difference between 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface and Arctic Silver Ceramique 2?
Compound type is the dividing line, 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Acrylic Pad against Arctic Silver Ceramique 2 Metal-Oxide. They differ on paste segment too, Pad on the 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface versus Standard Paste on the Arctic Silver Ceramique 2.
Who each one is for
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. It is the wrong buy for builds where silicone pads are acceptable and higher conductivity is wanted. Buy the Arctic Silver Ceramique 2 for builders who want a fully metal-free, non-capacitive compound and Arctic Silver 5 users looking for a safer alternative, though it is not the pick for anyone who wants full performance immediately without a break-in and buyers who need a published W/mK figure. It also earns its place with mainstream CPUs and GPUs where a short break-in period is acceptable. It is not the one for enthusiast overclocking where higher-rated pastes like Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut fit better. 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 Ceramique 2 (5.7/10): A non-metallic ceramic formula from Arctic Silver, an older but still workable option.
Frequently asked questions
Do the 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface and Arctic Silver Ceramique 2 differ on viscosity?
Yes. Viscosity reads Firm, tacky acrylic polymer sheet on the 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface versus Smooth ceramic-particle-based paste on the Arctic Silver Ceramique 2.
Is the Electrical Conductivity the same on the 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface and Arctic Silver Ceramique 2?
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 Ceramique 2
- Arctic Silver
Compound Type
- 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H
- Acrylic Pad
- Arctic Silver Ceramique 2
- Metal-Oxide
Model
- 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H
- 5590H
- Arctic Silver Ceramique 2
- Arctic Silver Ceramique 2
Electrical Conductivity
- 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H
- Insulating
- Arctic Silver Ceramique 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 Silver Ceramique 2
- 2.7g syringe (retail) or 25g syringe
Recommended Use
- 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H
- Battery cooling, power electronics and HMI displays (general electronics gap filling)
- Arctic Silver Ceramique 2
- Mainstream CPU/GPU
Reapplication Interval
- 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H
- No reapplication needed; self-adhesive one-time application
- Arctic Silver Ceramique 2
- Not consistently published
Safety Notes
- 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H
- Non-conductive acrylic pad; no special handling precautions required
- Arctic Silver Ceramique 2
- Non-metallic and non-capacitive formula, marketed as safer around exposed contacts than Arctic Silver 5
Viscosity
- 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H
- Firm, tacky acrylic polymer sheet
- Arctic Silver Ceramique 2
- Smooth ceramic-particle-based paste
Paste Segment
- 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H
- Pad
- Arctic Silver Ceramique 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 Silver Ceramique 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 Silver Ceramique 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon | View on Amazon | |
| Newark | View on Newark | |
| Arctic Silver | View on Arctic Silver |
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 Ceramique 2
5.7 / 10 Expert Rating
A non-metallic ceramic formula from Arctic Silver, an older but still workable option.