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Arctic MX-5 vs Phobya Thermal Pad Ultra 5W/mK: Comparison
What is the difference between Arctic MX-5 and Phobya Thermal Pad Ultra 5W/mK?
The first real difference is recommended use: Arctic MX-5 CPU/GPU/Console Coolers 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-5 versus Pad on the Phobya Thermal Pad Ultra 5W/mK.
Who each one is for
Buy the Arctic MX-5 for buyers wanting Arctic's latest reformulated MX-series compound, though it is not the pick for extreme overclockers needing documented top-tier conductivity. It is equally the pick for 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. it is not built for buyers wanting Phobya's higher-conductivity Thermal Pad XT line instead. The same goes for VRAM, VRM, and mainboard chipset cooling needing a compressible pad to bridge height differences up to 4mm. Avoid it for CPU IHS-to-cooler contact where a conventional paste offers thinner bond lines. 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 Phobya Thermal Pad Ultra 5W/mK (5.8/10): A small single-piece pad with modest conductivity, a niche fit for specific gap sizes.
What Arctic MX-5 and Phobya Thermal Pad Ultra 5W/mK 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
- Phobya Thermal Pad Ultra 5W/mK
- Phobya
Model
- Arctic MX-5
- Arctic MX-5
- Phobya Thermal Pad Ultra 5W/mK
- Phobya Thermal Pad Ultra 5W/mk
Electrical Conductivity
- Arctic MX-5
- Insulating
- Phobya Thermal Pad Ultra 5W/mK
- Insulating
Package Size
- Arctic MX-5
- 2g, 4g, 8g, 20g
- 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-5
- CPU/GPU/Console Coolers
- Phobya Thermal Pad Ultra 5W/mK
- Mainstream CPU/GPU; Phobya also markets it for VRAM, VRM, and North/Southbridge cooling
Paste Segment
- Arctic MX-5
- Standard Paste
- Phobya Thermal Pad Ultra 5W/mK
- 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 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-5 | 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-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.
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.