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3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H vs Thermalright TFX: Comparison
3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface vs Thermalright TFX thermal conductivity compared
Expect a near tie. The closest thing to a difference is thermal conductivity, 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface 2.08 W/mK against Thermalright TFX 14.3 W/mK. There is a split on viscosity as well, Firm, tacky acrylic polymer sheet on the 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface versus Very thick, dense filler load, described by reviewers as... on the Thermalright TFX. They differ on recommended use too, Battery cooling, power electronics and HMI displays on the 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface versus High-end CPU/GPU on the Thermalright TFX. 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.thermalright.com/product/tfx-thermal-paste-2g/ on the Thermalright TFX. They differ on paste segment too, Pad on the 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface versus Standard Paste on the Thermalright TFX.
3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface vs Thermalright TFX: which one fits your build
The 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface suits silicone-sensitive assemblies near optics, displays or connectors and power electronics and battery gap filling, though it is not the pick 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. it is not built for beginners or anyone wanting a quick, easy application and bare GPU or CPU dies, given igor'sLAB's surface damage finding. The same goes for experienced builders who accept the application and surface risks igor'sLAB found. 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 Thermalright TFX (8.4/10): Thermalright's flagship TF-series paste with the range's highest rating at 14.3 W/mK, though igor'sLAB found particles over 10 microns and advised against it for PC use.
What 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface and Thermalright TFX 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
- Thermalright TFX
- Thermalright
Model
- 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H
- 5590H
- Thermalright TFX
- TFX
Thermal Conductivity
- 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H
- 2.08 W/mK (ASTM D5470)
- Thermalright TFX
- 14.3 W/mKBest
Electrical Conductivity
- 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H
- Insulating
- Thermalright TFX
- 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
- Thermalright TFX
- 2g and 6.2g syringe
Recommended Use
- 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H
- Battery cooling, power electronics and HMI displays (general electronics gap filling)
- Thermalright TFX
- High-end CPU/GPU
Safety Notes
- 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H
- Non-conductive acrylic pad; no special handling precautions required
- Thermalright TFX
- Electrically non-conductive, harmless per manufacturer
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
- Thermalright TFX
- https://www.thermalright.com/product/tfx-thermal-paste-2g/
Viscosity
- 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H
- Firm, tacky acrylic polymer sheet
- Thermalright TFX
- Very thick, dense filler load, described by reviewers as bordering on putty-like
Paste Segment
- 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H
- Pad
- Thermalright TFX
- 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 Thermalright TFX if you want the higher thermal conductivity (14.3 W/mK vs 2.08 W/mK (ASTM D5470)).
Price comparison
| Retailer | 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H | Thermalright TFX |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon |
| Newark | View on Newark | |
| Thermalright (Manufacturer) | View on Thermalright (Manufacturer) |
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.
Thermalright TFX
8.4 / 10 Expert Rating
Thermalright's flagship TF-series paste with the range's highest rating at 14.3 W/mK, though igor'sLAB found particles over 10 microns and advised against it for PC use.