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Arctic MX-5 vs Parker Chomerics THERM-A-GAP PAD 80: Comparison
What is the difference between Arctic MX-5 and Parker Chomerics THERM-A-GAP PAD 80?
The first real difference is compound type: Arctic MX-5 Carbon-Based against Parker Chomerics THERM-A-GAP PAD 80 Silicone-Based Pad. There is a split on recommended use as well, CPU/GPU/Console Coolers on the Arctic MX-5 versus High-end CPU/GPU and general electronics gap filling on the Parker Chomerics THERM-A-GAP PAD 80. There is a split on reapplication interval as well, Not consistently published on the Arctic MX-5 versus No reapplication needed; reusable silicone gap filler on the Parker Chomerics THERM-A-GAP PAD 80. They differ on paste segment too, Standard Paste on the Arctic MX-5 versus Pad on the Parker Chomerics THERM-A-GAP PAD 80.
Who each one is for
Buy the Arctic MX-5 for buyers wanting Arctic's latest reformulated MX-series compound, though it is the wrong buy for extreme overclockers needing documented top-tier conductivity. It also earns its place with console coolers and applications with lighter mounting pressure needing easier spreading. It is not the one for standard desktop builds where MX-4's officially confirmed rating is preferable for comparison. The Parker Chomerics THERM-A-GAP PAD 80 suits high-power component gap filling and high-end CPU/GPU, though it is not the pick for budget-conscious low-power builds. Our rating of the Arctic MX-5 (6.8/10): A reformulated, lower-viscosity successor to MX-4, positioned as an easier-to-apply middle step in Arctic's current lineup. Our rating of the Parker Chomerics THERM-A-GAP PAD 80 (6.8/10): an industrial-grade gap pad from Parker Chomerics, reliable but aimed more at OEM and industrial use than PC building.
What Arctic MX-5 and Parker Chomerics THERM-A-GAP PAD 80 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-5
- Arctic
- Parker Chomerics THERM-A-GAP PAD 80
- Parker Chomerics
Compound Type
- Arctic MX-5
- Carbon-Based
- Parker Chomerics THERM-A-GAP PAD 80
- Silicone-Based Pad
Model
- Arctic MX-5
- Arctic MX-5
- Parker Chomerics THERM-A-GAP PAD 80
- THERM-A-GAP PAD 80
Electrical Conductivity
- Arctic MX-5
- Insulating
- Parker Chomerics THERM-A-GAP PAD 80
- Insulating
Package Size
- Arctic MX-5
- 2g, 4g, 8g, 20g
- Parker Chomerics THERM-A-GAP PAD 80
- Sheet form, cut to size, multiple thicknesses
Recommended Use
- Arctic MX-5
- CPU/GPU/Console Coolers
- Parker Chomerics THERM-A-GAP PAD 80
- High-end CPU/GPU and general electronics gap filling
Reapplication Interval
- Arctic MX-5
- Not consistently published
- Parker Chomerics THERM-A-GAP PAD 80
- No reapplication needed; reusable silicone gap filler
Safety Notes
- Arctic MX-5
- None
- Parker Chomerics THERM-A-GAP PAD 80
- Non-conductive silicone pad; no special handling precautions required
Paste Segment
- Arctic MX-5
- Standard Paste
- Parker Chomerics THERM-A-GAP PAD 80
- Pad
Which one should you pick?
Choose Arctic MX-5 if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Choose Parker Chomerics THERM-A-GAP PAD 80 if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Price comparison
| Retailer | Arctic MX-5 | Parker Chomerics THERM-A-GAP PAD 80 |
|---|---|---|
| DigiKey | View on DigiKey |
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-5
6.8 / 10 Expert Rating
A reformulated, lower-viscosity successor to MX-4, positioned as an easier-to-apply middle step in Arctic's current lineup.
Parker Chomerics THERM-A-GAP PAD 80
6.8 / 10 Expert Rating
An industrial-grade gap pad from Parker Chomerics, reliable but aimed more at OEM and industrial use than PC building.