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Akasa AK-450 Silver Compound 450 vs Arctic Silver 5: Comparison
What is the difference between Akasa AK-450 Silver Compound 450 and Arctic Silver 5?
The first real difference is recommended use: Akasa AK-450 Silver Compound 450 Mainstream CPU/GPU against Arctic Silver 5 Mainstream CPU/GPU, High-end CPU/GPU. On operating temperature there is little in it, 0°C to 200°C on the Akasa AK-450 Silver Compound 450 versus -50 C to 130 C long-term; peak -50 C... on the Arctic Silver 5.
Akasa AK-450 Silver Compound 450 vs Arctic Silver 5: which one fits your build
The Akasa AK-450 Silver Compound 450 suits mainstream CPU repastes under air or AIO coolers and Akasa AK-455 owners wanting a higher-rated Akasa compound, though it is the wrong buy for sub-zero or chiller cooling, since Akasa rates it from 0C and buyers who need published electrical safety data. The Arctic Silver 5 is the one to take for builders specifically seeking out Arctic Silver's historic formula, though it is not the pick for anyone who wants immediate full performance right after application. It also earns its place with enthusiasts comfortable with a multi-day burn-in period who want a well-documented legacy compound. It is not the one for builders unfamiliar with the curing requirement who might misjudge initial results. Our rating of the Akasa AK-450 Silver Compound 450 (6/10): A silver-based compound with a solid published conductivity figure and a bundled spreader, reasonable for the price. Our rating of the Arctic Silver 5 (5.9/10): A long-running metal-based paste known for a lengthy 200-hour cure period; once a category leader, now showing its age against newer non-curing formulas.
What Akasa AK-450 Silver Compound 450 and Arctic Silver 5 have in common
Everything else lines up. Paste segment read the same on both, so those are not worth weighing.
Specs and benchmarks
Brand
- Akasa AK-450 Silver Compound 450
- Akasa
- Arctic Silver 5
- Arctic Silver
Model
- Akasa AK-450 Silver Compound 450
- AK-450-5G
- Arctic Silver 5
- Arctic Silver 5
Package Size
- Akasa AK-450 Silver Compound 450
- 5g syringe
- Arctic Silver 5
- 3.5g syringe (also 12g)
Recommended Use
- Akasa AK-450 Silver Compound 450
- Mainstream CPU/GPU (formulated for CPU/heatsink interfaces)
- Arctic Silver 5
- Mainstream CPU/GPU, High-end CPU/GPU
Paste Segment
- Akasa AK-450 Silver Compound 450
- Standard Paste
- Arctic Silver 5
- Standard Paste
Operating Temperature
- Akasa AK-450 Silver Compound 450
- 0°C to 200°C
- Arctic Silver 5
- -50 C to 130 C long-term; peak -50 C to above 180 CBest
Which one should you pick?
Choose Akasa AK-450 Silver Compound 450 if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Choose Arctic Silver 5 if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Price comparison
| Retailer | Akasa AK-450 Silver Compound 450 | Arctic Silver 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Akasa | View on Akasa | |
| Amazon UK | View on Amazon UK | |
| Newegg | View on Newegg | |
| Amazon | View on Amazon |
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
Akasa AK-450 Silver Compound 450
6 / 10 Expert Rating
A silver-based compound with a solid published conductivity figure and a bundled spreader, reasonable for the price.
Arctic Silver 5
5.9 / 10 Expert Rating
A long-running metal-based paste known for a lengthy 200-hour cure period; once a category leader, now showing its age against newer non-curing formulas.