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Arctic MX-7 vs Wakefield Thermal (Wakefield-Vette) Wakefield Solutions PL-1-3-1016-H Thermal Pad: Comparison

What is the difference between Arctic MX-7 and Wakefield Thermal (Wakefield-Vette)?

Viscosity is the dividing line, Arctic MX-7 35000 Pa-s against Wakefield Thermal (Wakefield-Vette) Hypersoft silicone elastomer sheet. They differ on recommended use too, Mainstream CPU/GPU, High-end CPU/GPU on the Arctic MX-7 versus Mainstream CPU/GPU and general electronics gap filling on the Wakefield Thermal (Wakefield-Vette). There is a split on paste segment as well, Standard Paste on the Arctic MX-7 versus Pad on the Wakefield Thermal (Wakefield-Vette).

Arctic MX-7 vs Wakefield Thermal (Wakefield-Vette): 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 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. The Wakefield Thermal (Wakefield-Vette) suits general electronics gap filling and mainstream CPU/GPU, though it is not the pick for high-power dies needing >5 W/mK. 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 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

  • Electrical Conductivity

    Arctic MX-7
    Insulating
    Wakefield Thermal (Wakefield-Vette) Wakefield Solutions PL-1-3-1016-H Thermal Pad
    Insulating
  • Package Size

    Arctic MX-7
    2g, 4g, 8g tubes; 4g also sold bundled with 6x MX Cleaner wipes
    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-7
    Mainstream CPU/GPU, High-end CPU/GPU (marketed for CPUs, GPUs, consoles and laptops)
    Wakefield Thermal (Wakefield-Vette) Wakefield Solutions PL-1-3-1016-H Thermal Pad
    Mainstream CPU/GPU and general electronics gap filling
  • Safety Notes

    Arctic MX-7
    Non-conductive and non-capacitive; volume resistivity 1.7x10^12 ohm-cm, breakdown voltage 4.2 kV/mm
    Wakefield Thermal (Wakefield-Vette) Wakefield Solutions PL-1-3-1016-H Thermal Pad
    Non-conductive silicone pad; no special handling precautions required
  • Viscosity

    Arctic MX-7
    35000 Pa-s
    Wakefield Thermal (Wakefield-Vette) Wakefield Solutions PL-1-3-1016-H Thermal Pad
    Hypersoft silicone elastomer sheet
  • Paste Segment

    Arctic MX-7
    Standard Paste
    Wakefield Thermal (Wakefield-Vette) Wakefield Solutions PL-1-3-1016-H Thermal Pad
    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 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

    RetailerArctic MX-7Wakefield Thermal (Wakefield-Vette) Wakefield Solutions PL-1-3-1016-H Thermal Pad
    Arctic StoreView on Arctic Store
    AmazonView on Amazon
    Best BuyView on Best Buy
    Wakefield ThermalView 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-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.

    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.

    More comparisons in Thermal Paste