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Arctic MX-4 vs Corsair TM30: Comparison
What is the difference between Arctic MX-4 and Corsair TM30?
Compound type is the dividing line, Arctic MX-4 Carbon-Based against Corsair TM30 Metal-Oxide. Reapplication interval is not the same on both, Up to 8 years on the Arctic MX-4 versus Verify manufacturer-rated interval on the Corsair TM30.
Arctic MX-4 vs Corsair TM30: which one fits your build
Take the Arctic MX-4 for mainstream CPU builds on the tightest thermal-paste budget. Current guides specifically recommend this tier of paste for chips like a Core i5 or Ryzen 5. It also earns its place with buyers who value an extremely long, proven track record over the newest formula. Few thermal pastes have this much accumulated real-world usage data behind them. It is the wrong buy for flagship or heavily overclocked CPUs. Arctic's own MX-6, or Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut, both covered elsewhere on this site, deliver meaningfully better performance where that headroom actually matters. The Corsair TM30 is the one to take for first-time builders who want a straightforward, applicator-guided application and Corsair-ecosystem builds pairing with Corsair coolers or cases. Avoid it for builders chasing the highest published conductivity numbers, where Corsair doesn't compete on paper against TFX or Kryonaut. Our rating of the Arctic MX-4 (7.3/10): an extremely well-reviewed budget staple with a huge installed base, though durability has been questioned on laptops and bare dies over long periods. Our rating of the Corsair TM30 (5.6/10): Corsair's budget entry paste; some reviewers have flagged durability concerns over long-term use compared to Corsair's pricier lines.
Where the two are identical
Where they agree, they agree completely, electrical conductivity and paste segment included, so the decision does not turn on any of those.
Specs and benchmarks
Brand
- Arctic MX-4
- Arctic
- Corsair TM30
- Corsair
Compound Type
- Arctic MX-4
- Carbon-Based
- Corsair TM30
- Metal-Oxide
Model
- Arctic MX-4
- Arctic MX-4 , MX-4
- Corsair TM30
- Corsair TM30 , TM30
Electrical Conductivity
- Arctic MX-4
- Insulating
- Corsair TM30
- Insulating
Package Size
- Arctic MX-4
- 2g / 4g / 8g / 20g / 45g tubes
- Corsair TM30
- 3g tube with applicator
Recommended Use
- Arctic MX-4
- Mainstream CPU/GPU (builds on a tight budget)
- Corsair TM30
- Mainstream CPU/GPU
Reapplication Interval
- Arctic MX-4
- Up to 8 years
- Corsair TM30
- Verify manufacturer-rated interval
Safety Notes
- Arctic MX-4
- Metal-free and not electrically conductive; volume resistivity 3.8 x 10^13 ohm-cm
- Corsair TM30
- None
Paste Segment
- Arctic MX-4
- Standard Paste
- Corsair TM30
- Standard Paste
Which one should you pick?
Choose Arctic MX-4 if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Choose Corsair TM30 if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Price comparison
| Retailer | Arctic MX-4 | Corsair TM30 |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon |
| Newegg | View on Newegg | |
| Arctic Store | View 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
Arctic MX-4
7.3 / 10 Expert Rating
An extremely well-reviewed budget staple with a huge installed base, though durability has been questioned on laptops and bare dies over long periods.
Corsair TM30
5.6 / 10 Expert Rating
Corsair's budget entry paste; some reviewers have flagged durability concerns over long-term use compared to Corsair's pricier lines.