Consumercarts

Consumercarts is reader-supported. Learn more

Arctic MX-7 vs Thermal Grizzly Conductonaut Extreme: Comparison

Arctic MX-7 vs Thermal Grizzly Conductonaut Extreme: the electrical conductivity difference

The first real difference is electrical conductivity: Arctic MX-7 Insulating against Thermal Grizzly Conductonaut Extreme Conductive. They differ on recommended use too, Mainstream CPU/GPU, High-end CPU/GPU on the Arctic MX-7 versus Delidded-Direct-Die on the Thermal Grizzly Conductonaut Extreme. Paste segment is not the same on both, Standard Paste on the Arctic MX-7 versus Liquid Metal on the Thermal Grizzly Conductonaut Extreme.

Who each one is for

Buy the Arctic MX-7 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. The Thermal Grizzly Conductonaut Extreme suits GPU dies and vertical mounting setups and builders who've had migration issues with standard Conductonaut. It is not the one for first-time liquid metal users, standard Conductonaut with careful application is still the more common starting point. 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 Thermal Grizzly Conductonaut Extreme (8.7/10): A version of Conductonaut tuned for larger dies, offering top-tier performance with the same liquid-metal handling risks.

Specs and benchmarks

  • Electrical Conductivity

    Arctic MX-7
    Insulating
    Thermal Grizzly Conductonaut Extreme
    Conductive
  • Package Size

    Arctic MX-7
    2g, 4g, 8g tubes; 4g also sold bundled with 6x MX Cleaner wipes
    Thermal Grizzly Conductonaut Extreme
    1g syringe
  • Recommended Use

    Arctic MX-7
    Mainstream CPU/GPU, High-end CPU/GPU (marketed for CPUs, GPUs, consoles and laptops)
    Thermal Grizzly Conductonaut Extreme
    Delidded-Direct-Die (GPU and vertical mounting)
  • Safety Notes

    Arctic MX-7
    Non-conductive and non-capacitive; volume resistivity 1.7x10^12 ohm-cm, breakdown voltage 4.2 kV/mm
    Thermal Grizzly Conductonaut Extreme
    Liquid metal: electrically conductive; do not use near exposed aluminum or bare-die edges
  • Paste Segment

    Arctic MX-7
    Standard Paste
    Thermal Grizzly Conductonaut Extreme
    Liquid Metal

    Which one should you pick?

    Choose Arctic MX-7 if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.

    Choose Thermal Grizzly Conductonaut Extreme if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.

    Price comparison

    RetailerArctic MX-7Thermal Grizzly Conductonaut Extreme
    Arctic StoreView on Arctic Store
    AmazonView on AmazonView on Amazon
    Best BuyView 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.

    Thermal Grizzly Conductonaut Extreme

    8.7 / 10 Expert Rating

    A version of Conductonaut tuned for larger dies, offering top-tier performance with the same liquid-metal handling risks.

    More comparisons in Thermal Paste