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Arctic MX-7 vs Phobya Thermal Pad Ultra 5W/mK: Comparison
What is the difference between Arctic MX-7 and Phobya Thermal Pad Ultra 5W/mK?
They are built to different briefs, and viscosity shows it, Arctic MX-7 35000 Pa-s against Phobya Thermal Pad Ultra 5W/mK 4 Pa-s. Recommended use is not the same on both, Mainstream CPU/GPU, High-end CPU/GPU on the Arctic MX-7 versus Mainstream CPU/GPU; Phobya also markets it for VRAM, VRM,... on the Phobya Thermal Pad Ultra 5W/mK. There is a split on paste segment as well, Standard Paste on the Arctic MX-7 versus Pad on the Phobya Thermal Pad Ultra 5W/mK.
Which should you buy, Arctic MX-7 or Phobya Thermal Pad Ultra 5W/mK?
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 built for buyers who want a published W/mK figure to compare and anyone who prefers spreading paste with a spatula. It also earns its place with GPU, console and laptop repastes where pump-out is the main concern. it is the wrong buy for buyers wanting Phobya's higher-conductivity Thermal Pad XT line instead. It is equally the pick for VRAM, VRM, and mainboard chipset cooling needing a compressible pad to bridge height differences up to 4mm. It is the wrong buy for CPU IHS-to-cooler contact where a conventional paste offers thinner bond lines. 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 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-7 and Phobya Thermal Pad Ultra 5W/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
Electrical Conductivity
- Arctic MX-7
- Insulating
- Phobya Thermal Pad Ultra 5W/mK
- Insulating
Package Size
- Arctic MX-7
- 2g, 4g, 8g tubes; 4g also sold bundled with 6x MX Cleaner wipes
- 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-7
- Mainstream CPU/GPU, High-end CPU/GPU (marketed for CPUs, GPUs, consoles and laptops)
- Phobya Thermal Pad Ultra 5W/mK
- Mainstream CPU/GPU; Phobya also markets it for VRAM, VRM, and North/Southbridge cooling
Viscosity
- Arctic MX-7
- 35000 Pa-s
- Phobya Thermal Pad Ultra 5W/mK
- 4 Pa-s
Paste Segment
- Arctic MX-7
- Standard Paste
- Phobya Thermal Pad Ultra 5W/mK
- Pad
Which one should you pick?
Choose Arctic MX-7 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-7 | Phobya Thermal Pad Ultra 5W/mK |
|---|---|---|
| Arctic Store | View on Arctic Store | |
| Amazon | View on Amazon | |
| Best Buy | View on Best Buy | |
| 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-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.
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.