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3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H vs Zalman ZM-STC10: Comparison
3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface vs Zalman ZM-STC10: the thermal conductivity difference
There is no decisive spec gap here. Thermal conductivity splits them by a margin most buyers will never feel, 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface 2.08 W/mK against Zalman ZM-STC10 11.5 W/mK. There is a split on viscosity as well, Firm, tacky acrylic polymer sheet on the 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface versus 300 Pa-s on the Zalman ZM-STC10. 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 on the Zalman ZM-STC10. 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.zalman.com/EN/Product/ProductDetail.do?productSeq=1495 on the Zalman ZM-STC10. Paste segment is not the same on both, Pad on the 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface versus Standard Paste on the Zalman ZM-STC10.
Who each one is for
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. Avoid it for builds where silicone pads are acceptable and higher conductivity is wanted. The Zalman ZM-STC10 suits mainstream CPU/GPU cooling and users upgrading from Zalman's entry ZM-STG series, though it is not the pick for delidded direct-die extreme overclocking and liquid-metal-tier performance needs. 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 Zalman ZM-STC10 (6.1/10): A reasonable mid-tier Zalman compound with a solid published conductivity figure.
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
- Zalman ZM-STC10
- Zalman
Model
- 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H
- 5590H
- Zalman ZM-STC10
- ZM-STC10
Thermal Conductivity
- 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H
- 2.08 W/mK (ASTM D5470)
- Zalman ZM-STC10
- 11.5 W/mKBest
Electrical Conductivity
- 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H
- Insulating
- Zalman ZM-STC10
- 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
- Zalman ZM-STC10
- 2g syringe (110 x 23 x 14mm)
Recommended Use
- 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H
- Battery cooling, power electronics and HMI displays (general electronics gap filling)
- Zalman ZM-STC10
- Mainstream CPU/GPU
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
- Zalman ZM-STC10
- https://www.zalman.com/EN/Product/ProductDetail.do?productSeq=1495
Viscosity
- 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H
- Firm, tacky acrylic polymer sheet
- Zalman ZM-STC10
- 300 Pa-s
Paste Segment
- 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H
- Pad
- Zalman ZM-STC10
- 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 Zalman ZM-STC10 if you want the higher thermal conductivity (11.5 W/mK vs 2.08 W/mK (ASTM D5470)).
Price comparison
| Retailer | 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H | Zalman ZM-STC10 |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon | View on Amazon | |
| Newark | View on Newark | |
| Aquatuning | View on Aquatuning |
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.
Zalman ZM-STC10
6.1 / 10 Expert Rating
A reasonable mid-tier Zalman compound with a solid published conductivity figure.