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3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H vs Zalman ZM-STG2: Comparison
3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface vs Zalman ZM-STG2: 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 Zalman ZM-STG2 4.1 W/mK. There is a split on conductivity source as well, 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/US/Product/ProductDetail.do?productSeq=264 on the Zalman ZM-STG2. They differ on paste segment too, Pad on the 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface versus Standard Paste on the Zalman ZM-STG2.
3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface vs Zalman ZM-STG2: 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 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 Zalman ZM-STG2 is the one to take for buyers replacing an existing Zalman-branded application, though it is not the pick for high-end or overclocked builds needing a documented, competitive conductivity figure and anyone wanting current-generation performance data before purchasing. The same goes for budget general CPU cooling where a recognizable, long-running brand name matters. 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-STG2 (5.3/10): A long-running budget staple from Zalman, dated but still functional.
Frequently asked questions
Do the 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface and Zalman ZM-STG2 differ on compound type?
Yes. Compound Type reads Acrylic Pad on the 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface versus Silicone-Based on the Zalman ZM-STG2.
Is the Electrical Conductivity the same on the 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface and Zalman ZM-STG2?
It is. Both are listed at Insulating, so it is not a reason to pick one over the other.
Specs and benchmarks
Brand
- 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H
- 3M
- Zalman ZM-STG2
- Zalman
Compound Type
- 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H
- Acrylic Pad
- Zalman ZM-STG2
- Silicone-Based
Model
- 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H
- 5590H
- Zalman ZM-STG2
- Zalman ZM-STG2
Thermal Conductivity
- 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H
- 2.08 W/mK (ASTM D5470)
- Zalman ZM-STG2
- 4.1 W/mKBest
Electrical Conductivity
- 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H
- Insulating
- Zalman ZM-STG2
- 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-STG2
- 3.5g syringe
Recommended Use
- 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H
- Battery cooling, power electronics and HMI displays (general electronics gap filling)
- Zalman ZM-STG2
- General CPU Cooling
Reapplication Interval
- 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H
- No reapplication needed; self-adhesive one-time application
- Zalman ZM-STG2
- Not consistently published
Safety Notes
- 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H
- Non-conductive acrylic pad; no special handling precautions required
- Zalman ZM-STG2
- None
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-STG2
- https://www.zalman.com/US/Product/ProductDetail.do?productSeq=264
Paste Segment
- 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H
- Pad
- Zalman ZM-STG2
- 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-STG2 if you want the higher thermal conductivity (4.1 W/mK vs 2.08 W/mK (ASTM D5470)).
Price comparison
| Retailer | 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H | Zalman ZM-STG2 |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon | View on Amazon | |
| Newark | View on Newark |
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-STG2
5.3 / 10 Expert Rating
A long-running budget staple from Zalman, dated but still functional.