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3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H vs Innovation Cooling IC Graphite: Comparison
3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface vs Innovation Cooling IC Graphite thermal conductivity compared
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 Innovation Cooling IC Graphite 35 W/mK. They differ on conductivity source too, 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.innovationcooling.com/products/ic-graphite-thermal-pad/ on the Innovation Cooling IC Graphite.
Which should you buy, 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface or Innovation Cooling IC Graphite?
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 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. The Innovation Cooling IC Graphite is the one to take for builders who want to avoid pump-out and migration risks entirely, though it is not built for standard CPU IHS-to-cooler applications where a conventional paste is simpler and anyone needing a numeric W/mK figure for direct paste comparisons. The same goes for delidded CPUs and thin-gap laptop or GPU cooling wanting a mess-free, reusable TIM. 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 Innovation Cooling IC Graphite (6.3/10): A solid graphite pad offering reusable, high-conductivity gap-filling, a different approach from typical paste or pad materials.
Frequently asked questions
Do the 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface and Innovation Cooling IC Graphite differ on compound type?
Yes. Compound Type reads Acrylic Pad on the 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface versus Carbon Pad on the Innovation Cooling IC Graphite.
Is the Electrical Conductivity the same on the 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface and Innovation Cooling IC Graphite?
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
- Innovation Cooling IC Graphite
- Innovation Cooling
Compound Type
- 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H
- Acrylic Pad
- Innovation Cooling IC Graphite
- Carbon Pad
Model
- 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H
- 5590H
- Innovation Cooling IC Graphite
- Innovation Cooling IC Graphite
Thermal Conductivity
- 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H
- 2.08 W/mK (ASTM D5470)
- Innovation Cooling IC Graphite
- 35 W/mK (axis not stated by maker)Best
Electrical Conductivity
- 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H
- Insulating
- Innovation Cooling IC Graphite
- 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
- Innovation Cooling IC Graphite
- Pre-cut pads: 30x30mm, 40x40mm, 90x90mm
Recommended Use
- 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H
- Battery cooling, power electronics and HMI displays (general electronics gap filling)
- Innovation Cooling IC Graphite
- Delidded CPUs, Thin-Gap GPU/Laptop Cooling
Reapplication Interval
- 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H
- No reapplication needed; self-adhesive one-time application
- Innovation Cooling IC Graphite
- Reusable; avoids pump-out by design
Safety Notes
- 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H
- Non-conductive acrylic pad; no special handling precautions required
- Innovation Cooling IC Graphite
- None
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
- Innovation Cooling IC Graphite
- https://www.innovationcooling.com/products/ic-graphite-thermal-pad/
Paste Segment
- 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H
- Pad
- Innovation Cooling IC Graphite
- 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 Innovation Cooling IC Graphite if you want the higher thermal conductivity (35 W/mK (axis not stated by maker) vs 2.08 W/mK (ASTM D5470)).
Price comparison
| Retailer | 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H | Innovation Cooling IC Graphite |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Innovation Cooling IC Graphite
6.3 / 10 Expert Rating
A solid graphite pad offering reusable, high-conductivity gap-filling, a different approach from typical paste or pad materials.