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3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H vs ID-Cooling Frost X45: Comparison
What is the difference between 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface and ID-Cooling Frost X45?
These two are close on paper, and thermal conductivity is the only measure that separates them at all: 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface 2.08 W/mK against ID-Cooling Frost X45 15.2 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.idcooling.com/product/list?category_parent=69 on the ID-Cooling Frost X45. They differ on paste segment too, Pad on the 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface versus Standard Paste on the ID-Cooling Frost X45.
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. Take the ID-Cooling Frost X45 for enthusiasts and overclockers who want flagship-adjacent numbers without paying flagship prices. It is not the one for builders who specifically want an established brand name over a value pick, TFX or Kryonaut carry more brand recognition. 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 ID-Cooling Frost X45 (8.8/10): one of the best-performing pastes on air cooling in independent testing, though its thick consistency takes practice to spread well.
Frequently asked questions
Do the 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface and ID-Cooling Frost X45 differ on compound type?
Yes. Compound Type reads Acrylic Pad on the 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface versus Silicone-Based on the ID-Cooling Frost X45.
Is the Electrical Conductivity the same on the 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface and ID-Cooling Frost X45?
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
- ID-Cooling Frost X45
- ID-Cooling
Compound Type
- 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H
- Acrylic Pad
- ID-Cooling Frost X45
- Silicone-Based
Model
- 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H
- 5590H
- ID-Cooling Frost X45
- Frost X45
Thermal Conductivity
- 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H
- 2.08 W/mK (ASTM D5470)
- ID-Cooling Frost X45
- 15.2 W/mKBest
Electrical Conductivity
- 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H
- Insulating
- ID-Cooling Frost X45
- 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
- ID-Cooling Frost X45
- 2g or 4g syringe
Recommended Use
- 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H
- Battery cooling, power electronics and HMI displays (general electronics gap filling)
- ID-Cooling Frost X45
- High-end CPU/GPU
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
- ID-Cooling Frost X45
- https://www.idcooling.com/product/list?category_parent=69
Viscosity
- 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H
- Firm, tacky acrylic polymer sheet
- ID-Cooling Frost X45
- Gray, silicone oil-based with nano particles, non-curing
Paste Segment
- 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H
- Pad
- ID-Cooling Frost X45
- 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 ID-Cooling Frost X45 if you want the higher thermal conductivity (15.2 W/mK vs 2.08 W/mK (ASTM D5470)).
Price comparison
| Retailer | 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H | ID-Cooling Frost X45 |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon |
| Newark | View on Newark |
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.
ID-Cooling Frost X45
8.8 / 10 Expert Rating
One of the best-performing pastes on air cooling in independent testing, though its thick consistency takes practice to spread well.
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