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Arctic MX-1 vs CS Labs (Computer Systems, Greece) CS Labs K5-Pro: Comparison
Arctic MX-1 vs CS Labs (Computer Systems, Greece) CS recommended use compared
They are built to different briefs, and recommended use shows it, Arctic MX-1 Mainstream CPU/GPU against CS Labs (Computer Systems, Greece) CS Thermal pad replacement for GPU VRAM/MOSFETs and laptop hot....
Who each one is for
Buy the Arctic MX-1 for retro/vintage PC builders restoring an early-2000s Arctic Cooling Freezer setup and historical reference on Arctic's MX lineage, though it is not the pick for buyers needing a modern, independently benchmarked paste. Avoid it for any current-generation CPU or GPU - superseded by MX-2 through MX-7 with two decades of formula improvements. The CS Labs (Computer Systems, Greece) CS suits GPU VRAM/MOSFET thermal pad replacement and laptop thin-GPU repairs, though it is not built for CPU IHS-to-cooler mounting and gaps thicker than a few millimeters. Our rating of the Arctic MX-1 (4.8/10): A legacy compound originally bundled with older Arctic Cooling coolers; Arctic no longer publishes current specifications for it, so treat it as a dated, no-longer-current option. Our rating of the CS Labs (Computer Systems, Greece) CS (5.7/10): A viscous putty-style pad replacement, a niche option for gap-filling rather than a typical CPU paste.
What Arctic MX-1 and CS Labs (Computer Systems, Greece) CS have in common
Everything else lines up. Electrical conductivity and paste segment read the same on both, so those are not worth weighing.
Specs and benchmarks
Electrical Conductivity
- Arctic MX-1
- Insulating
- CS Labs (Computer Systems, Greece) CS Labs K5-Pro
- Insulating
Recommended Use
- Arctic MX-1
- Mainstream CPU/GPU (originally bundled with Arctic Cooling Freezer 4/7/64 and Accelero coolers, rated for all AMD and Intel platforms of its era)
- CS Labs (Computer Systems, Greece) CS Labs K5-Pro
- Thermal pad replacement for GPU VRAM/MOSFETs and laptop hot spots, not a CPU IHS-to-cooler paste
Paste Segment
- Arctic MX-1
- Standard Paste
- CS Labs (Computer Systems, Greece) CS Labs K5-Pro
- Standard Paste
Which one should you pick?
Choose Arctic MX-1 if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Choose CS Labs (Computer Systems, Greece) CS Labs K5-Pro if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Price comparison
| Retailer | Arctic MX-1 | CS Labs (Computer Systems, Greece) CS Labs K5-Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Newegg | View on Newegg | View on Newegg |
| CS Labs / Computer Systems (Manufacturer) | View on CS Labs / Computer Systems (Manufacturer) | |
| 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
Arctic MX-1
4.8 / 10 Expert Rating
A legacy compound originally bundled with older Arctic Cooling coolers; Arctic no longer publishes current specifications for it, so treat it as a dated, no-longer-current option.
CS Labs (Computer Systems, Greece) CS Labs K5-Pro
5.7 / 10 Expert Rating
A viscous putty-style pad replacement, a niche option for gap-filling rather than a typical CPU paste.