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Arctic MX-5 vs Phobya Thermal Pad XT 7W/mK: Comparison
What is the difference between Arctic MX-5 and Phobya Thermal Pad XT 7W/mK?
Recommended use is the dividing line, Arctic MX-5 CPU/GPU/Console Coolers against Phobya Thermal Pad XT 7W/mK Mainstream CPU/GPU; Phobya markets it as able to match.... There is a split on paste segment as well, Standard Paste on the Arctic MX-5 versus Pad on the Phobya Thermal Pad XT 7W/mK.
Who each one is for
The Arctic MX-5 is the one to take for buyers wanting Arctic's latest reformulated MX-series compound, though it is not built 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 the wrong buy for standard desktop builds where MX-4's officially confirmed rating is preferable for comparison. Take the Phobya Thermal Pad XT 7W/mK for VRAM, VRM, and large-surface chipset cooling wanting a higher-conductivity cuttable pad than Phobya's Ultra line. It is equally the pick for builds needing a big 100x100mm sheet that can be trimmed to several smaller components. It is not the one for applications needing to bridge gaps larger than this pad's 1.0mm thickness allows. 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 XT 7W/mK (6.1/10): A cuttable sheet pad from Phobya, a modest but usable option for water-cooling gap-filling.
What Arctic MX-5 and Phobya Thermal Pad XT 7W/mK have in common
Where they agree, they agree completely, electrical conductivity included, so the decision does not turn on any of those.
Specs and benchmarks
Brand
- Arctic MX-5
- Arctic
- Phobya Thermal Pad XT 7W/mK
- Phobya
Model
- Arctic MX-5
- Arctic MX-5
- Phobya Thermal Pad XT 7W/mK
- Phobya Thermal Pad XT 7W/mk
Electrical Conductivity
- Arctic MX-5
- Insulating
- Phobya Thermal Pad XT 7W/mK
- Insulating
Package Size
- Arctic MX-5
- 2g, 4g, 8g, 20g
- Phobya Thermal Pad XT 7W/mK
- 100 x 100 x 1.0mm sheet, cuttable to size; also sold in other thicknesses
Recommended Use
- Arctic MX-5
- CPU/GPU/Console Coolers
- Phobya Thermal Pad XT 7W/mK
- Mainstream CPU/GPU; Phobya markets it as able to match high-end thermal compounds for VRAM, VRM, and North/Southbridge cooling
Paste Segment
- Arctic MX-5
- Standard Paste
- Phobya Thermal Pad XT 7W/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 XT 7W/mK if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Price comparison
| Retailer | Arctic MX-5 | Phobya Thermal Pad XT 7W/mK |
|---|---|---|
| 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 XT 7W/mK
6.1 / 10 Expert Rating
A cuttable sheet pad from Phobya, a modest but usable option for water-cooling gap-filling.