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3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H vs Arctic TP-4: Comparison
3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface vs Arctic TP-4: the viscosity difference
Viscosity is the dividing line, 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Firm, tacky acrylic polymer sheet against Arctic TP-4 50 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, Laptop-Thin-GPU on the Arctic TP-4.
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 not built 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. Buy the Arctic TP-4 for GPU memory and VRM repads with uneven gap heights and laptop and console thermal pad replacement, though it is the wrong buy for direct CPU or GPU die contact; use an MX-series paste and buyers who need a published W/mK figure. 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-4 (6.9/10): Arctic's premium stackable pad option, a solid choice where multiple thicknesses need to be combined precisely.
What 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface and Arctic TP-4 have in common
The common ground is wider than the gap: electrical conductivity and paste segment are identical here.
Specs and benchmarks
Electrical Conductivity
- 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H
- Insulating
- Arctic TP-4
- 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-4
- 120x20mm or 100x100mm sheets, 0.5mm/1mm/1.5mm thickness, 1 or 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-4
- Mainstream CPU/GPU, Laptop-Thin-GPU (RAM, chipsets, GPUs, consoles, laptops)
Safety Notes
- 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H
- Non-conductive acrylic pad; no special handling precautions required
- Arctic TP-4
- Electrically insulating (volume resistance 1.52x10^13 ohm-cm, breakdown voltage 8620 V/mil), non-adhesive, UL 94 V-0 flammability rated, dielectric constant 7.2 @1MHz
Viscosity
- 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H
- Firm, tacky acrylic polymer sheet
- Arctic TP-4
- 50 Pa-s
Paste Segment
- 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H
- Pad
- Arctic TP-4
- 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-4 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-4 |
|---|---|---|
| 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-4
6.9 / 10 Expert Rating
Arctic's premium stackable pad option, a solid choice where multiple thicknesses need to be combined precisely.