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Arctic MX-1 vs EKWB EK Thermal PAD G 2.0mm: Comparison
Arctic MX-1 vs EKWB EK Thermal PAD G 2.0mm recommended use compared
Recommended use is the dividing line, Arctic MX-1 Mainstream CPU/GPU against EKWB EK Thermal PAD G 2.0mm High-end CPU/GPU. They differ on paste segment too, Standard Paste on the Arctic MX-1 versus Pad on the EKWB EK Thermal PAD G 2.0mm.
Which should you buy, Arctic MX-1 or EKWB EK Thermal PAD G 2.0mm?
The Arctic MX-1 suits retro/vintage PC builders restoring an early-2000s Arctic Cooling Freezer setup and historical reference on Arctic's MX lineage, though it is not built for buyers needing a modern, independently benchmarked paste. Avoid it for any current-generation CPU or GPU - superseded by MX-2 through MX-7 with two decades of formula improvements.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 EKWB EK Thermal PAD G 2.0mm is the one to take for replacing worn factory thermal pads on EK full-cover water blocks and DIY water block rebuilds needing a 120x24x2mm pad, though it is the wrong buy for CPU/GPU direct-die paste application and builds needing higher-conductivity performance paste rather than a gap-filler pad. 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 EKWB EK Thermal PAD G 2.0mm (6.3/10): A thicker reusable EK water block replacement pad for wider gap-filling needs.
What Arctic MX-1 and EKWB EK Thermal PAD G 2.0mm have in common
Where they agree, they agree completely, electrical conductivity included, so the decision does not turn on any of those.
Specs and benchmarks
Electrical Conductivity
- Arctic MX-1
- Insulating
- EKWB EK Thermal PAD G 2.0mm
- 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)
- EKWB EK Thermal PAD G 2.0mm
- High-end CPU/GPU (replacement pad for EK full-cover water blocks)
Safety Notes
- Arctic MX-1
- Contains no metal particles - electrically non-conductive and non-capacitive
- EKWB EK Thermal PAD G 2.0mm
- Flame rating V-0; dielectric breakdown voltage >4kV; volume resistance >10^11 Ohm-m; natural tack on one side only, remove protective foil before installation
Paste Segment
- Arctic MX-1
- Standard Paste
- EKWB EK Thermal PAD G 2.0mm
- Pad
Which one should you pick?
Choose Arctic MX-1 if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Choose EKWB EK Thermal PAD G 2.0mm if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Price comparison
| Retailer | Arctic MX-1 | EKWB EK Thermal PAD G 2.0mm |
|---|---|---|
| Newegg | View on Newegg | |
| Titan Rig | View on Titan Rig |
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.
EKWB EK Thermal PAD G 2.0mm
6.3 / 10 Expert Rating
A thicker reusable EK water block replacement pad for wider gap-filling needs.