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3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H vs EKWB EK Thermal PAD F 1.5mm: Comparison
3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface vs EKWB EK Thermal PAD F 1.5mm thermal conductivity compared
There is no decisive spec gap here. Thermal conductivity splits them by a margin most buyers will never feel, 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface 2.08 W/mK against EKWB EK Thermal PAD F 1.5mm 3.5 W/mK. There is a split on conductivity source as well, https://multimedia.3m.com/mws/media/920112O/3m-thermally-conductive-acrylic-interface-pad-5590h-technical-data-sheet.pdf on the 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface versus https://www.ekwb.com/shop/thermal-pad-f-1-5mm-120x16mm on the EKWB EK Thermal PAD F 1.5mm.
Who each one is for
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 not the one for builds where silicone pads are acceptable and higher conductivity is wanted. The EKWB EK Thermal PAD F 1.5mm is the one to take for DIY water block rebuilds needing a 1.5mm gap-filler pad, though it is not the pick for CPU/GPU direct-die paste application. The same goes for replacing worn factory thermal pads on EK full-cover water blocks with a 120x16mm contact strip. Avoid it for builds needing a higher-conductivity performance paste rather than a gap-filler pad. 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 EKWB EK Thermal PAD F 1.5mm (6.4/10): A reusable replacement pad sized for EK water blocks, a practical maintenance item rather than a performance pick.
Frequently asked questions
Do the 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface and EKWB EK Thermal PAD F 1.5mm differ on viscosity?
Yes. Viscosity reads Firm, tacky acrylic polymer sheet on the 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface versus 5 Pa-s on the EKWB EK Thermal PAD F 1.5mm.
Is the Electrical Conductivity the same on the 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface and EKWB EK Thermal PAD F 1.5mm?
It is. Both are listed at Insulating, so it is not a reason to pick one over the other.
Specs and benchmarks
Thermal Conductivity
- 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H
- 2.08 W/mK (ASTM D5470)
- EKWB EK Thermal PAD F 1.5mm
- 3.5 W/mKBest
Electrical Conductivity
- 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H
- Insulating
- EKWB EK Thermal PAD F 1.5mm
- 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
- EKWB EK Thermal PAD F 1.5mm
- Type F, 120 x 16 x 1.5mm
Recommended Use
- 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H
- Battery cooling, power electronics and HMI displays (general electronics gap filling)
- EKWB EK Thermal PAD F 1.5mm
- High-end CPU/GPU (replacement pad for EK full-cover water blocks)
Safety Notes
- 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H
- Non-conductive acrylic pad; no special handling precautions required
- EKWB EK Thermal PAD F 1.5mm
- Flame rating V-0; dielectric breakdown voltage >4kV; volume resistance >10^11 Ohm-m; natural tack on one side only, remove protective foil before installation
Conductivity Source
- 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H
- https://multimedia.3m.com/mws/media/920112O/3m-thermally-conductive-acrylic-interface-pad-5590h-technical-data-sheet.pdf
- EKWB EK Thermal PAD F 1.5mm
- https://www.ekwb.com/shop/thermal-pad-f-1-5mm-120x16mm
Viscosity
- 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H
- Firm, tacky acrylic polymer sheet
- EKWB EK Thermal PAD F 1.5mm
- 5 Pa-s
Paste Segment
- 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H
- Pad
- EKWB EK Thermal PAD F 1.5mm
- 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 EKWB EK Thermal PAD F 1.5mm if you want the higher thermal conductivity (3.5 W/mK vs 2.08 W/mK (ASTM D5470)).
Price comparison
| Retailer | 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H | EKWB EK Thermal PAD F 1.5mm |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon | View on Amazon | |
| Newark | View on Newark | |
| Titan Rig | View on Titan Rig |
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.
EKWB EK Thermal PAD F 1.5mm
6.4 / 10 Expert Rating
A reusable replacement pad sized for EK water blocks, a practical maintenance item rather than a performance pick.