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Arctic MX-2 vs Wakefield Thermal (Wakefield-Vette) Wakefield Solutions PL-1-3-1016-H Thermal Pad: Comparison
What is the difference between Arctic MX-2 and Wakefield Thermal (Wakefield-Vette)?
They are built to different briefs, and compound type shows it, Arctic MX-2 Carbon-Based against Wakefield Thermal (Wakefield-Vette) Silicone-Based Pad. There is a split on recommended use as well, Mainstream CPU/GPU on the Arctic MX-2 versus Mainstream CPU/GPU and general electronics gap filling on the Wakefield Thermal (Wakefield-Vette). There is a split on reapplication interval as well, Not consistently published on the Arctic MX-2 versus No reapplication needed; reusable silicone sheet on the Wakefield Thermal (Wakefield-Vette). They differ on paste segment too, Standard Paste on the Arctic MX-2 versus Pad on the Wakefield Thermal (Wakefield-Vette).
Which should you buy, Arctic MX-2 or Wakefield Thermal (Wakefield-Vette)?
Buy the Arctic MX-2 for cost-sensitive mainstream builds where a budget compound is the priority, though it is not the pick for high-end or overclocked builds needing stronger conductivity. It also earns its place with buyers replacing an existing MX-2 application with the same known product. It is the wrong buy for anyone who can afford MX-4's modest premium for better documented performance. The Wakefield Thermal (Wakefield-Vette) suits general electronics gap filling and mainstream CPU/GPU, though it is not built for high-power dies needing >5 W/mK. 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 Wakefield Thermal (Wakefield-Vette) (5.9/10): A basic industrial silicone pad, functional for OEM gap-filling rather than enthusiast performance builds.
What Arctic MX-2 and Wakefield Thermal (Wakefield-Vette) have in common
Everything else lines up. Electrical conductivity read the same on both, so those are not worth weighing.
Specs and benchmarks
Brand
- Arctic MX-2
- Arctic
- Wakefield Thermal (Wakefield-Vette) Wakefield Solutions PL-1-3-1016-H Thermal Pad
- Wakefield Thermal (Wakefield-Vette)
Compound Type
- Arctic MX-2
- Carbon-Based
- Wakefield Thermal (Wakefield-Vette) Wakefield Solutions PL-1-3-1016-H Thermal Pad
- Silicone-Based Pad
Model
- Arctic MX-2
- Arctic MX-2
- Wakefield Thermal (Wakefield-Vette) Wakefield Solutions PL-1-3-1016-H Thermal Pad
- PL-1-3-1016-H
Electrical Conductivity
- Arctic MX-2
- Insulating
- Wakefield Thermal (Wakefield-Vette) Wakefield Solutions PL-1-3-1016-H Thermal Pad
- Insulating
Package Size
- Arctic MX-2
- 4g, 30g, 65g
- Wakefield Thermal (Wakefield-Vette) Wakefield Solutions PL-1-3-1016-H Thermal Pad
- 101.6 x 101.6 x 1mm sheet
Recommended Use
- Arctic MX-2
- Mainstream CPU/GPU
- Wakefield Thermal (Wakefield-Vette) Wakefield Solutions PL-1-3-1016-H Thermal Pad
- Mainstream CPU/GPU and general electronics gap filling
Reapplication Interval
- Arctic MX-2
- Not consistently published
- Wakefield Thermal (Wakefield-Vette) Wakefield Solutions PL-1-3-1016-H Thermal Pad
- No reapplication needed; reusable silicone sheet
Safety Notes
- Arctic MX-2
- None
- Wakefield Thermal (Wakefield-Vette) Wakefield Solutions PL-1-3-1016-H Thermal Pad
- Non-conductive silicone pad; no special handling precautions required
Paste Segment
- Arctic MX-2
- Standard Paste
- Wakefield Thermal (Wakefield-Vette) Wakefield Solutions PL-1-3-1016-H Thermal Pad
- 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 Wakefield Thermal (Wakefield-Vette) Wakefield Solutions PL-1-3-1016-H Thermal Pad if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Price comparison
| Retailer | Arctic MX-2 | Wakefield Thermal (Wakefield-Vette) Wakefield Solutions PL-1-3-1016-H Thermal Pad |
|---|---|---|
| Wakefield Thermal | View on Wakefield Thermal |
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.
Wakefield Thermal (Wakefield-Vette) Wakefield Solutions PL-1-3-1016-H Thermal Pad
5.9 / 10 Expert Rating
A basic industrial silicone pad, functional for OEM gap-filling rather than enthusiast performance builds.