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3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H vs Thermaltake TG-30: Comparison
3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface vs Thermaltake TG-30: 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 Thermaltake TG-30 4.5 W/mK. They differ on viscosity too, Firm, tacky acrylic polymer sheet on the 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface versus Grey, will not dry or crack over long-term use... on the Thermaltake TG-30. 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 Thermaltake TG-30. 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://br.thermaltake.com/tg-30-thermal-compound.html on the Thermaltake TG-30. Paste segment is not the same on both, Pad on the 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface versus Standard Paste on the Thermaltake TG-30.
Who each one is for
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. Avoid it for builds where silicone pads are acceptable and higher conductivity is wanted. The Thermaltake TG-30 is the one to take for mainstream CPU/GPU builds and first-time PC builders wanting a guided applicator kit, though it is not built for overclockers chasing sub-3C deltas versus premium compounds. 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 Thermaltake TG-30 (5.4/10): A diamond-based budget compound from Thermaltake with a syringe applicator kit.
What 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface and Thermaltake TG-30 have in common
Everything else lines up. Electrical conductivity read the same on both, so those are not worth weighing.
Specs and benchmarks
Thermal Conductivity
- 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H
- 2.08 W/mK (ASTM D5470)
- Thermaltake TG-30
- 4.5 W/mKBest
Electrical Conductivity
- 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H
- Insulating
- Thermaltake TG-30
- 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
- Thermaltake TG-30
- 4.0g syringe
Recommended Use
- 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H
- Battery cooling, power electronics and HMI displays (general electronics gap filling)
- Thermaltake TG-30
- Mainstream CPU/GPU
Safety Notes
- 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H
- Non-conductive acrylic pad; no special handling precautions required
- Thermaltake TG-30
- Non-electrically conductive
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
- Thermaltake TG-30
- https://br.thermaltake.com/tg-30-thermal-compound.html
Viscosity
- 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H
- Firm, tacky acrylic polymer sheet
- Thermaltake TG-30
- Grey, will not dry or crack over long-term use per manufacturer
Paste Segment
- 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H
- Pad
- Thermaltake TG-30
- 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 Thermaltake TG-30 if you want the higher thermal conductivity (4.5 W/mK vs 2.08 W/mK (ASTM D5470)).
Price comparison
| Retailer | 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H | Thermaltake TG-30 |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon | View on Amazon | |
| Newark | View on Newark | |
| 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.
Thermaltake TG-30
5.4 / 10 Expert Rating
A diamond-based budget compound from Thermaltake with a syringe applicator kit.