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Arctic Silver 5 vs ID-Cooling Frost X45: Comparison
What is the difference between Arctic Silver 5 and ID-Cooling Frost X45?
They are built to different briefs, and compound type shows it, Arctic Silver 5 Metal-Based against ID-Cooling Frost X45 Silicone-Based. They differ on recommended use too, Mainstream CPU/GPU, High-end CPU/GPU on the Arctic Silver 5 versus High-end CPU/GPU on the ID-Cooling Frost X45. Operating temperature is not the same on both, -50 C to 130 C long-term; peak -50 C... on the Arctic Silver 5 versus -50C to 300C on the ID-Cooling Frost X45.
Arctic Silver 5 vs ID-Cooling Frost X45: which one fits your build
Buy the Arctic Silver 5 for builders specifically seeking out Arctic Silver's historic formula, though it is the wrong buy for anyone who wants immediate full performance right after application. It is equally the pick for enthusiasts comfortable with a multi-day burn-in period who want a well-documented legacy compound. Avoid it for builders unfamiliar with the curing requirement who might misjudge initial results. Take the ID-Cooling Frost X45 for enthusiasts and overclockers who want flagship-adjacent numbers without paying flagship prices. It is the wrong buy for builders who specifically want an established brand name over a value pick, TFX or Kryonaut carry more brand recognition. Our rating of the Arctic Silver 5 (5.9/10): A long-running metal-based paste known for a lengthy 200-hour cure period; once a category leader, now showing its age against newer non-curing formulas. Our rating of the ID-Cooling Frost X45 (8.8/10): one of the best-performing pastes on air cooling in independent testing, though its thick consistency takes practice to spread well.
What Arctic Silver 5 and ID-Cooling Frost X45 have in common
Where they agree, they agree completely, electrical conductivity and paste segment included, so the decision does not turn on any of those.
Specs and benchmarks
Brand
- Arctic Silver 5
- Arctic Silver
- ID-Cooling Frost X45
- ID-Cooling
Compound Type
- Arctic Silver 5
- Metal-Based
- ID-Cooling Frost X45
- Silicone-Based
Model
- Arctic Silver 5
- Arctic Silver 5
- ID-Cooling Frost X45
- Frost X45
Electrical Conductivity
- Arctic Silver 5
- Insulating
- ID-Cooling Frost X45
- Insulating
Package Size
- Arctic Silver 5
- 3.5g syringe (also 12g)
- ID-Cooling Frost X45
- 2g or 4g syringe
Recommended Use
- Arctic Silver 5
- Mainstream CPU/GPU, High-end CPU/GPU
- ID-Cooling Frost X45
- High-end CPU/GPU
Paste Segment
- Arctic Silver 5
- Standard Paste
- ID-Cooling Frost X45
- Standard Paste
Operating Temperature
- Arctic Silver 5
- -50 C to 130 C long-term; peak -50 C to above 180 C
- ID-Cooling Frost X45
- -50C to 300C
Which one should you pick?
Choose Arctic Silver 5 if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Choose ID-Cooling Frost X45 if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Price comparison
| Retailer | Arctic Silver 5 | ID-Cooling Frost X45 |
|---|---|---|
| Newegg | View on Newegg | |
| Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon |
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 Silver 5
5.9 / 10 Expert Rating
A long-running metal-based paste known for a lengthy 200-hour cure period; once a category leader, now showing its age against newer non-curing formulas.
ID-Cooling Frost X45
8.8 / 10 Expert Rating
One of the best-performing pastes on air cooling in independent testing, though its thick consistency takes practice to spread well.