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Akasa AK-450 Silver Compound 450 vs Arctic TP-4: Comparison

What is the difference between Akasa AK-450 Silver Compound 450 and Arctic TP-4?

Material class is the dividing line, Akasa AK-450 Silver Compound 450 Silver-based thermal compound against Arctic TP-4 Silicone-Based. They differ on recommended use too, Mainstream CPU/GPU on the Akasa AK-450 Silver Compound 450 versus Mainstream CPU/GPU, Laptop-Thin-GPU on the Arctic TP-4. Applicator included is not the same on both, Spatula on the Akasa AK-450 Silver Compound 450 versus None on the Arctic TP-4. Paste segment is not the same on both, Standard Paste on the Akasa AK-450 Silver Compound 450 versus Pad on the Arctic TP-4.

Who each one is for

The Akasa AK-450 Silver Compound 450 is the one to take for mainstream CPU repastes under air or AIO coolers and Akasa AK-455 owners wanting a higher-rated Akasa compound, though it is not the pick for sub-zero or chiller cooling, since Akasa rates it from 0C and buyers who need published electrical safety data. Buy the Arctic TP-4 for GPU memory and VRM repads with uneven gap heights and laptop and console thermal pad replacement, though it is not built for direct CPU or GPU die contact; use an MX-series paste and buyers who need a published W/mK figure. 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 TP-4 (6.9/10): Arctic's premium stackable pad option, a solid choice where multiple thicknesses need to be combined precisely.

Frequently asked questions

Do the Akasa AK-450 Silver Compound 450 and Arctic TP-4 differ on min operating temperature?

Yes. Min Operating Temperature reads 0 C on the Akasa AK-450 Silver Compound 450 versus -40 C on the Arctic TP-4.

Is the Max Operating Temperature the same on the Akasa AK-450 Silver Compound 450 and Arctic TP-4?

It is. Both are listed at 200 C, so it is not a reason to pick one over the other.

Specs and benchmarks

  • Material Class

    Akasa AK-450 Silver Compound 450
    Silver-based thermal compound
    Arctic TP-4
    Silicone-Based (Premium Performance line)
  • Package Size

    Akasa AK-450 Silver Compound 450
    5g syringe
    Arctic TP-4
    120x20mm or 100x100mm sheets, 0.5mm/1mm/1.5mm thickness, 1 or 4-pad packs
  • Recommended Use

    Akasa AK-450 Silver Compound 450
    Mainstream CPU/GPU (formulated for CPU/heatsink interfaces)
    Arctic TP-4
    Mainstream CPU/GPU, Laptop-Thin-GPU (RAM, chipsets, GPUs, consoles, laptops)
  • Applicator Included

    Akasa AK-450 Silver Compound 450
    Spatula
    Arctic TP-4
    None
  • Min Operating Temperature

    Akasa AK-450 Silver Compound 450
    0 C
    Arctic TP-4
    -40 CBest
  • Max Operating Temperature

    Akasa AK-450 Silver Compound 450
    200 C
    Arctic TP-4
    200 C
  • Paste Segment

    Akasa AK-450 Silver Compound 450
    Standard Paste
    Arctic TP-4
    Pad
  • Operating Temperature

    Akasa AK-450 Silver Compound 450
    0°C to 200°C
    Arctic TP-4
    -40C to 200C ambientBest

    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 TP-4 if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.

    Price comparison

    RetailerAkasa AK-450 Silver Compound 450Arctic TP-4
    AkasaView on Akasa
    Amazon UKView on Amazon UK
    Arctic StoreView on Arctic Store

    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 TP-4

    6.9 / 10 Expert Rating

    Arctic's premium stackable pad option, a solid choice where multiple thicknesses need to be combined precisely.

    More comparisons in Thermal Paste