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3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H vs Phobya Thermal Pad Ultra 5W/mK: Comparison
3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface vs Phobya Thermal Pad Ultra 5W/mK: the viscosity difference
They are built to different briefs, and viscosity shows it, 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Firm, tacky acrylic polymer sheet against Phobya Thermal Pad Ultra 5W/mK 4 Pa-s. There is a split on recommended use as well, Battery cooling, power electronics and HMI displays on the 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface versus Mainstream CPU/GPU; Phobya also markets it for VRAM, VRM,... on the Phobya Thermal Pad Ultra 5W/mK.
Which should you buy, 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface or Phobya Thermal Pad Ultra 5W/mK?
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. it is the wrong buy for buyers wanting Phobya's higher-conductivity Thermal Pad XT line instead. It is equally the pick for VRAM, VRM, and mainboard chipset cooling needing a compressible pad to bridge height differences up to 4mm. Avoid it for CPU IHS-to-cooler contact where a conventional paste offers thinner bond lines. 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 Phobya Thermal Pad Ultra 5W/mK (5.8/10): A small single-piece pad with modest conductivity, a niche fit for specific gap sizes.
What 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface and Phobya Thermal Pad Ultra 5W/mK have in common
The common ground is wider than the gap: electrical conductivity and paste segment are identical here.
Specs and benchmarks
Brand
- 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H
- 3M
- Phobya Thermal Pad Ultra 5W/mK
- Phobya
Model
- 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H
- 5590H
- Phobya Thermal Pad Ultra 5W/mK
- Phobya Thermal Pad Ultra 5W/mk
Electrical Conductivity
- 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H
- Insulating
- Phobya Thermal Pad Ultra 5W/mK
- 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
- Phobya Thermal Pad Ultra 5W/mK
- 15 x 15 x 4mm, sold as a single piece; also available in other sizes up to 120x20mm strips
Recommended Use
- 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H
- Battery cooling, power electronics and HMI displays (general electronics gap filling)
- Phobya Thermal Pad Ultra 5W/mK
- Mainstream CPU/GPU; Phobya also markets it for VRAM, VRM, and North/Southbridge cooling
Viscosity
- 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H
- Firm, tacky acrylic polymer sheet
- Phobya Thermal Pad Ultra 5W/mK
- 4 Pa-s
Paste Segment
- 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H
- Pad
- Phobya Thermal Pad Ultra 5W/mK
- 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 Phobya Thermal Pad Ultra 5W/mK if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Price comparison
| Retailer | 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H | Phobya Thermal Pad Ultra 5W/mK |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon | View on Amazon | |
| Newark | View on Newark | |
| Performance-PCs | View on Performance-PCs | |
| Newegg | View on Newegg |
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.
Phobya Thermal Pad Ultra 5W/mK
5.8 / 10 Expert Rating
A small single-piece pad with modest conductivity, a niche fit for specific gap sizes.