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Arctic MX-2 vs Phobya Thermal Pad Ultra 5W/mK: Comparison
What is the difference between Arctic MX-2 and Phobya Thermal Pad Ultra 5W/mK?
Recommended use is the dividing line, Arctic MX-2 Mainstream CPU/GPU against Phobya Thermal Pad Ultra 5W/mK Mainstream CPU/GPU; Phobya also markets it for VRAM, VRM,.... Paste segment is not the same on both, Standard Paste on the Arctic MX-2 versus Pad on the Phobya Thermal Pad Ultra 5W/mK.
Arctic MX-2 vs Phobya Thermal Pad Ultra 5W/mK: which one fits your build
Buy the Arctic MX-2 for cost-sensitive mainstream builds where a budget compound is the priority, though it is the wrong buy for high-end or overclocked builds needing stronger conductivity. The same goes for buyers replacing an existing MX-2 application with the same known product. It is not the one for anyone who can afford MX-4's modest premium for better documented performance. it is not built for buyers wanting Phobya's higher-conductivity Thermal Pad XT line instead. It is equally the pick for VRAM, VRM, and mainboard chipset cooling needing a compressible pad to bridge height differences up to 4mm. It is the wrong buy for CPU IHS-to-cooler contact where a conventional paste offers thinner bond lines. Our rating of the Arctic MX-2 (5.4/10): A carbon-based budget legacy compound from Arctic, functional but dated next to MX-4/6/7. Our rating of the Phobya Thermal Pad Ultra 5W/mK (5.8/10): A small single-piece pad with modest conductivity, a niche fit for specific gap sizes.
Where the two are identical
The common ground is wider than the gap: electrical conductivity are identical here.
Specs and benchmarks
Brand
- Arctic MX-2
- Arctic
- Phobya Thermal Pad Ultra 5W/mK
- Phobya
Model
- Arctic MX-2
- Arctic MX-2
- Phobya Thermal Pad Ultra 5W/mK
- Phobya Thermal Pad Ultra 5W/mk
Electrical Conductivity
- Arctic MX-2
- Insulating
- Phobya Thermal Pad Ultra 5W/mK
- Insulating
Package Size
- Arctic MX-2
- 4g, 30g, 65g
- Phobya Thermal Pad Ultra 5W/mK
- 15 x 15 x 4mm, sold as a single piece; also available in other sizes up to 120x20mm strips
Recommended Use
- Arctic MX-2
- Mainstream CPU/GPU
- Phobya Thermal Pad Ultra 5W/mK
- Mainstream CPU/GPU; Phobya also markets it for VRAM, VRM, and North/Southbridge cooling
Paste Segment
- Arctic MX-2
- Standard Paste
- Phobya Thermal Pad Ultra 5W/mK
- Pad
Which one should you pick?
Choose Arctic MX-2 if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Choose Phobya Thermal Pad Ultra 5W/mK if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Price comparison
| Retailer | Arctic MX-2 | Phobya Thermal Pad Ultra 5W/mK |
|---|---|---|
| Performance-PCs | View on Performance-PCs | |
| Newegg | View on Newegg |
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-2
5.4 / 10 Expert Rating
A carbon-based budget legacy compound from Arctic, functional but dated next to MX-4/6/7.
Phobya Thermal Pad Ultra 5W/mK
5.8 / 10 Expert Rating
A small single-piece pad with modest conductivity, a niche fit for specific gap sizes.