Consumercarts is reader-supported. Learn more
Arctic MX-7 vs Noctua NT-H1: Comparison
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.
Which should you buy, Arctic MX-7 or Noctua NT-H1?
The Arctic MX-7 is the one to take for MX-4 and MX-6 users wanting Arctic's newest formula and builds with exposed SMD components near the die, though it is not the pick for buyers who want a published W/mK figure to compare and anyone who prefers spreading paste with a spatula. It is equally the pick for GPU, console and laptop repastes where pump-out is the main concern. Take the Noctua NT-H1 for builders who already have NT-H1 on hand or find it at a discount versus NT-H2. It also earns its place with mainstream to upper-mid CPU builds that don't need liquid metal-tier performance. Avoid it for buyers making a fresh purchase decision. NT-H2 is the same brand, similar price, and simply newer. Our rating of the Arctic MX-7 (8.7/10): Arctic's newest flagship compound, positioned as a genuine step up over MX-6 for enthusiasts chasing the last few degrees. Our rating of the Noctua NT-H1 (7.4/10): A long-running favorite for its ease of application and reliability, now largely superseded by NT-H2 but still a safe, proven choice.
Specs and benchmarks
Electrical Conductivity
- Arctic MX-7
- Insulating
- Noctua NT-H1
- Insulating
Package Size
- Arctic MX-7
- 2g, 4g, 8g tubes; 4g also sold bundled with 6x MX Cleaner wipes
- Noctua NT-H1
- 3.5g / 10g tubes
Recommended Use
- Arctic MX-7
- Mainstream CPU/GPU, High-end CPU/GPU (marketed for CPUs, GPUs, consoles and laptops)
- Noctua NT-H1
- Mainstream CPU/GPU, High-end CPU/GPU (Noctua's original flagship paste, superseded by NT-H2)
Safety Notes
- Arctic MX-7
- Non-conductive and non-capacitive; volume resistivity 1.7x10^12 ohm-cm, breakdown voltage 4.2 kV/mm
- Noctua NT-H1
- Not electrically conductive and non-corroding; safe with copper or aluminium coolers, nickel-plated or not
Paste Segment
- Arctic MX-7
- Standard Paste
- Noctua NT-H1
- Standard Paste
Which one should you pick?
Choose Arctic MX-7 if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Choose Noctua NT-H1 if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Price comparison
| Retailer | Arctic MX-7 | Noctua NT-H1 |
|---|---|---|
| Arctic Store | View on Arctic Store | |
| Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon |
| Best Buy | View on Best Buy |
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-7
8.7 / 10 Expert Rating
Arctic's newest flagship compound, positioned as a genuine step up over MX-6 for enthusiasts chasing the last few degrees.
Noctua NT-H1
7.4 / 10 Expert Rating
A long-running favorite for its ease of application and reliability, now largely superseded by NT-H2 but still a safe, proven choice.
More comparisons in Thermal Paste
- Alphacool Eisschicht Thermal Pad 11W/mK vs Noctua NT-H1
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste vs Noctua NT-H1
- Arctic MX-7 vs Thermal Grizzly Conductonaut
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK vs Noctua NT-H1
- Arctic MX-7 vs Thermal Grizzly Minus Pad Extreme
- Arctic MX-7 vs PrimoChill Ultra Extreme XR-m Thermal Pad