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Arctic MX-7 vs Thermal Grizzly Minus Pad Extreme: Comparison
Arctic MX-7 vs Thermal Grizzly Minus Pad Extreme: the viscosity difference
They are built to different briefs, and viscosity shows it, Arctic MX-7 35000 Pa-s against Thermal Grizzly Minus Pad Extreme 0 Pa-s. They differ on density too, 2.9 g/cm3 on the Arctic MX-7 versus 3.38 g/cm3 on the Thermal Grizzly Minus Pad Extreme. There is a split on paste segment as well, Standard Paste on the Arctic MX-7 versus Pad on the Thermal Grizzly Minus Pad Extreme.
Arctic MX-7 vs Thermal Grizzly Minus Pad Extreme: which one fits your build
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 also earns its place with GPU, console and laptop repastes where pump-out is the main concern. The Thermal Grizzly Minus Pad Extreme suits high-end GPU memory and VRM repads and overclocked cards where pad heat transfer is the limit, though it is the wrong buy for reusing pads after a teardown; Thermal Grizzly recommends one-time use and very uneven gap heights, where Minus Pad Pro conforms better. 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 Minus Pad Extreme (7/10): A high-density filler pad from Thermal Grizzly's Minus Pad line, good for gap-filling where a paste isn't practical.
Frequently asked questions
Do the Arctic MX-7 and Thermal Grizzly Minus Pad Extreme differ on max operating temperature?
Yes. Max Operating Temperature reads 250 C on the Arctic MX-7 versus 200 C on the Thermal Grizzly Minus Pad Extreme.
Is the Electrical Conductivity the same on the Arctic MX-7 and Thermal Grizzly Minus Pad Extreme?
It is. Both are listed at Insulating, so it is not a reason to pick one over the other.
Specs and benchmarks
Electrical Conductivity
- Arctic MX-7
- Insulating
- Thermal Grizzly Minus Pad Extreme
- Insulating
Package Size
- Arctic MX-7
- 2g, 4g, 8g tubes; 4g also sold bundled with 6x MX Cleaner wipes
- Thermal Grizzly Minus Pad Extreme
- 120x20mm or 100x100mm sheets, 0.5/1/1.5/2/3mm thick, +/-0.1mm tolerance
Recommended Use
- Arctic MX-7
- Mainstream CPU/GPU, High-end CPU/GPU (marketed for CPUs, GPUs, consoles and laptops)
- Thermal Grizzly Minus Pad Extreme
- High-end CPU/GPU
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 Minus Pad Extreme
- Cut to size with scissors; non-conductive
Viscosity
- Arctic MX-7
- 35000 Pa-s
- Thermal Grizzly Minus Pad Extreme
- 0 Pa-s
Min Operating Temperature
- Arctic MX-7
- -50 C
- Thermal Grizzly Minus Pad Extreme
- -100 CBest
Max Operating Temperature
- Arctic MX-7
- 250 C
- Thermal Grizzly Minus Pad Extreme
- 200 CBest
Density
- Arctic MX-7
- 2.9 g/cm3
- Thermal Grizzly Minus Pad Extreme
- 3.38 g/cm3
Paste Segment
- Arctic MX-7
- Standard Paste
- Thermal Grizzly Minus Pad Extreme
- Pad
Operating Temperature
- Arctic MX-7
- -50C to 250C continuous use temperature
- Thermal Grizzly Minus Pad Extreme
- -100C to 200CBest
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 Minus Pad Extreme if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Price comparison
| Retailer | Arctic MX-7 | Thermal Grizzly Minus Pad Extreme |
|---|---|---|
| Arctic Store | View on Arctic Store | |
| Amazon | View on Amazon | |
| Best Buy | View on Best Buy | |
| Thermal Grizzly | View on Thermal Grizzly |
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 Minus Pad Extreme
7 / 10 Expert Rating
A high-density filler pad from Thermal Grizzly's Minus Pad line, good for gap-filling where a paste isn't practical.