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3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H vs StarTech.com StarTech SILV5-THERMAL-PASTE: Comparison
3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface vs StarTech.com StarTech SILV5-THERMAL-PASTE: the thermal conductivity difference
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 StarTech.com StarTech SILV5-THERMAL-PASTE 3.195 W/mK at 25C. They differ on recommended use too, Battery cooling, power electronics and HMI displays on the 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface versus Mainstream CPU/GPU on the StarTech.com StarTech SILV5-THERMAL-PASTE. Conductivity source is not the same on both, 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.startech.com/en-us/computer-parts/silv5-thermal-paste on the StarTech.com StarTech SILV5-THERMAL-PASTE. There is a split on paste segment as well, Pad on the 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface versus Standard Paste on the StarTech.com StarTech SILV5-THERMAL-PASTE.
3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface vs StarTech.com StarTech SILV5-THERMAL-PASTE: 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. The StarTech.com StarTech SILV5-THERMAL-PASTE suits IT technicians servicing multiple workstations and mainstream desktop CPU/GPU re-pasting, though it is not the pick for high-end overclocking or delidded direct-die use and single-application home users (single syringe SILVGREASE1 is more economical). 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 StarTech.com StarTech SILV5-THERMAL-PASTE (5.6/10): A five-pack of re-sealable syringes built for IT technicians managing several machines, not a performance-focused pick.
What 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface and StarTech.com StarTech SILV5-THERMAL-PASTE have in common
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
- StarTech.com StarTech SILV5-THERMAL-PASTE
- StarTech.com
Model
- 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H
- 5590H
- StarTech.com StarTech SILV5-THERMAL-PASTE
- SILV5-THERMAL-PASTE
Thermal Conductivity
- 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H
- 2.08 W/mK (ASTM D5470)
- StarTech.com StarTech SILV5-THERMAL-PASTE
- 3.195 W/mK at 25CBest
Electrical Conductivity
- 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H
- Insulating
- StarTech.com StarTech SILV5-THERMAL-PASTE
- 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
- StarTech.com StarTech SILV5-THERMAL-PASTE
- 5 x 1.5g re-sealable syringes (7.5g total)
Recommended Use
- 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H
- Battery cooling, power electronics and HMI displays (general electronics gap filling)
- StarTech.com StarTech SILV5-THERMAL-PASTE
- Mainstream CPU/GPU (best suited for CPUs with TDP up to 65W)
Safety Notes
- 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H
- Non-conductive acrylic pad; no special handling precautions required
- StarTech.com StarTech SILV5-THERMAL-PASTE
- CE and RoHS certified
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
- StarTech.com StarTech SILV5-THERMAL-PASTE
- https://www.startech.com/en-us/computer-parts/silv5-thermal-paste
Paste Segment
- 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H
- Pad
- StarTech.com StarTech SILV5-THERMAL-PASTE
- 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 StarTech.com StarTech SILV5-THERMAL-PASTE if you want the higher thermal conductivity (3.195 W/mK at 25C vs 2.08 W/mK (ASTM D5470)).
Price comparison
| Retailer | 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H | StarTech.com StarTech SILV5-THERMAL-PASTE |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon | View on Amazon | |
| Newark | View on Newark | |
| StarTech.com | View on StarTech.com |
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.
StarTech.com StarTech SILV5-THERMAL-PASTE
5.6 / 10 Expert Rating
A five-pack of re-sealable syringes built for IT technicians managing several machines, not a performance-focused pick.