Consumercarts is reader-supported. Learn more
3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H vs Noctua NT-H1: Comparison
What is the difference between 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface and Noctua NT-H1?
The first real difference is compound type: 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Acrylic Pad against Noctua NT-H1 Metal-Oxide. 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, High-end CPU/GPU on the Noctua NT-H1. Reapplication interval is not the same on both, No reapplication needed; self-adhesive one-time application on the 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface versus Can be stored unopened at room temperature for at... on the Noctua NT-H1. They differ on paste segment too, Pad on the 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface versus Standard Paste on the Noctua NT-H1.
3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface vs Noctua NT-H1: which one fits your build
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 not the one for builds where silicone pads are acceptable and higher conductivity is wanted. Take the Noctua NT-H1 for builders who already have NT-H1 on hand or find it at a discount versus NT-H2. It is equally the pick for mainstream to upper-mid CPU builds that don't need liquid metal-tier performance. It is the wrong buy for buyers making a fresh purchase decision. NT-H2 is the same brand, similar price, and simply newer. 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rating of the Noctua NT-H1 (7.4/10): A long-running favorite for its ease of application and reliability, now largely superseded by NT-H2 but still a safe, proven choice.
Where the two are identical
The common ground is wider than the gap: electrical conductivity are identical here.
Specs and benchmarks
Brand
- 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H
- 3M
- Noctua NT-H1
- Noctua
Compound Type
- 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H
- Acrylic Pad
- Noctua NT-H1
- Metal-Oxide
Model
- 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H
- 5590H
- Noctua NT-H1
- Noctua NT-H1 , NT-H1
Electrical Conductivity
- 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H
- Insulating
- Noctua NT-H1
- 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
- Noctua NT-H1
- 3.5g / 10g tubes
Recommended Use
- 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H
- Battery cooling, power electronics and HMI displays (general electronics gap filling)
- Noctua NT-H1
- Mainstream CPU/GPU, High-end CPU/GPU (Noctua's original flagship paste, superseded by NT-H2)
Reapplication Interval
- 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H
- No reapplication needed; self-adhesive one-time application
- Noctua NT-H1
- Can be stored unopened at room temperature for at least 3 years; usable on the CPU for 5 years or more
Safety Notes
- 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H
- Non-conductive acrylic pad; no special handling precautions required
- Noctua NT-H1
- Not electrically conductive and non-corroding; safe with copper or aluminium coolers, nickel-plated or not
Paste Segment
- 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H
- Pad
- Noctua NT-H1
- 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 Noctua NT-H1 if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Price comparison
| Retailer | 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H | Noctua NT-H1 |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Noctua NT-H1
7.4 / 10 Expert Rating
A long-running favorite for its ease of application and reliability, now largely superseded by NT-H2 but still a safe, proven choice.
More comparisons in Thermal Paste
- Arctic MX-7 vs Noctua NT-H1
- Alphacool Eisschicht Thermal Pad 11W/mK vs Noctua NT-H1
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste vs Noctua NT-H1
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK vs Noctua NT-H1
- 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H vs EKWB EK-Quantum Vector³ RTX 5080/90 Thermal Pad Kit
- 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H vs Phobya Thermal Pad Ultra 5W/mK