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3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H vs Arctic TP-1: Comparison
What is the difference between 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface and Arctic TP-1?
The first real difference is viscosity: 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Firm, tacky acrylic polymer sheet against Arctic TP-1 20 Pa-s. 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 TP-1.
Who each one is for
Buy the 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface for silicone-sensitive assemblies near optics, displays or connectors and power electronics and battery gap filling, though it is not the pick for high-end GPU memory or VRM cooling. It is not the one for builds where silicone pads are acceptable and higher conductivity is wanted. The Arctic TP-1 is the one to take for RAM heatsinks and VRM gap-filling and Raspberry Pi and single-board computer builds, though it is the wrong buy for buyers who want a published W/mK thermal conductivity number. It is the wrong buy for high-wattage CPU or GPU direct cooling - too soft/thin for that duty. 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 TP-1 (6/10): Arctic's entry-level pad, ultra-soft and easy to fit, aimed at low-cost gap-filling rather than peak conductivity.
Where the two are identical
Everything else lines up. Electrical conductivity and paste segment read the same on both, so those are not worth weighing.
Specs and benchmarks
Electrical Conductivity
- 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H
- Insulating
- Arctic TP-1
- 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 TP-1
- 120x20mm or 100x100mm sheets, 0.5mm/1mm/1.5mm thickness, sold in 4-pad packs
Recommended Use
- 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H
- Battery cooling, power electronics and HMI displays (general electronics gap filling)
- Arctic TP-1
- Mainstream CPU/GPU (RAM heatsinks, chipsets, single-board computers)
Safety Notes
- 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H
- Non-conductive acrylic pad; no special handling precautions required
- Arctic TP-1
- Non-adhesive, electrically insulating, no metal particles, not capacitive - safe even in contact with electrical components
Viscosity
- 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H
- Firm, tacky acrylic polymer sheet
- Arctic TP-1
- 20 Pa-s
Paste Segment
- 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H
- Pad
- Arctic TP-1
- Pad
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 TP-1 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 TP-1 |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon | View on Amazon | |
| Newark | View on Newark | |
| Arctic Store | View on Arctic Store |
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 TP-1
6 / 10 Expert Rating
Arctic's entry-level pad, ultra-soft and easy to fit, aimed at low-cost gap-filling rather than peak conductivity.