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Arctic MX-5 vs Wakefield Thermal (Wakefield-Vette) Wakefield Solutions PL-1-3-1016-H Thermal Pad: Comparison
What is the difference between Arctic MX-5 and Wakefield Thermal (Wakefield-Vette)?
The first real difference is compound type: Arctic MX-5 Carbon-Based against Wakefield Thermal (Wakefield-Vette) Silicone-Based Pad. There is a split on recommended use as well, CPU/GPU/Console Coolers on the Arctic MX-5 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-5 versus No reapplication needed; reusable silicone sheet on the Wakefield Thermal (Wakefield-Vette). Paste segment is not the same on both, Standard Paste on the Arctic MX-5 versus Pad on the Wakefield Thermal (Wakefield-Vette).
Arctic MX-5 vs Wakefield Thermal (Wakefield-Vette): which one fits your build
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. The same goes for 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. The Wakefield Thermal (Wakefield-Vette) is the one to take for general electronics gap filling and mainstream CPU/GPU, though it is the wrong buy for high-power dies needing >5 W/mK. 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 Wakefield Thermal (Wakefield-Vette) (5.9/10): A basic industrial silicone pad, functional for OEM gap-filling rather than enthusiast performance builds.
Where the two are identical
The common ground is wider than the gap: electrical conductivity are identical here.
Specs and benchmarks
Brand
- Arctic MX-5
- Arctic
- Wakefield Thermal (Wakefield-Vette) Wakefield Solutions PL-1-3-1016-H Thermal Pad
- Wakefield Thermal (Wakefield-Vette)
Compound Type
- Arctic MX-5
- Carbon-Based
- Wakefield Thermal (Wakefield-Vette) Wakefield Solutions PL-1-3-1016-H Thermal Pad
- Silicone-Based Pad
Model
- Arctic MX-5
- Arctic MX-5
- Wakefield Thermal (Wakefield-Vette) Wakefield Solutions PL-1-3-1016-H Thermal Pad
- PL-1-3-1016-H
Electrical Conductivity
- Arctic MX-5
- Insulating
- Wakefield Thermal (Wakefield-Vette) Wakefield Solutions PL-1-3-1016-H Thermal Pad
- Insulating
Package Size
- Arctic MX-5
- 2g, 4g, 8g, 20g
- 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-5
- CPU/GPU/Console Coolers
- 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-5
- 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-5
- 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-5
- Standard Paste
- Wakefield Thermal (Wakefield-Vette) Wakefield Solutions PL-1-3-1016-H Thermal Pad
- 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 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-5 | 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-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.
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.