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Arctic Silver Ceramique 2 vs Phobya Thermal Pad XT 7W/mK: Comparison

What is the difference between Arctic Silver Ceramique 2 and Phobya Thermal Pad XT 7W/mK?

They are built to different briefs, and viscosity shows it, Arctic Silver Ceramique 2 Smooth ceramic-particle-based paste against Phobya Thermal Pad XT 7W/mK Very flexible, low-hardness pad that adapts to uneven surfaces.... There is a split on recommended use as well, Mainstream CPU/GPU on the Arctic Silver Ceramique 2 versus Mainstream CPU/GPU; Phobya markets it as able to match... on the Phobya Thermal Pad XT 7W/mK. There is a split on paste segment as well, Standard Paste on the Arctic Silver Ceramique 2 versus Pad on the Phobya Thermal Pad XT 7W/mK.

Which should you buy, Arctic Silver Ceramique 2 or Phobya Thermal Pad XT 7W/mK?

The Arctic Silver Ceramique 2 suits builders who want a fully metal-free, non-capacitive compound and Arctic Silver 5 users looking for a safer alternative, though it is not built for anyone who wants full performance immediately without a break-in and buyers who need a published W/mK figure. It also earns its place with mainstream CPUs and GPUs where a short break-in period is acceptable. Avoid it for enthusiast overclocking where higher-rated pastes like Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut fit better. Take the Phobya Thermal Pad XT 7W/mK for VRAM, VRM, and large-surface chipset cooling wanting a higher-conductivity cuttable pad than Phobya's Ultra line. It is equally the pick for builds needing a big 100x100mm sheet that can be trimmed to several smaller components. It is the wrong buy for applications needing to bridge gaps larger than this pad's 1.0mm thickness allows. Our rating of the Arctic Silver Ceramique 2 (5.7/10): A non-metallic ceramic formula from Arctic Silver, an older but still workable option. Our rating of the Phobya Thermal Pad XT 7W/mK (6.1/10): A cuttable sheet pad from Phobya, a modest but usable option for water-cooling gap-filling.

What Arctic Silver Ceramique 2 and Phobya Thermal Pad XT 7W/mK have in common

Everything else lines up. Electrical conductivity read the same on both, so those are not worth weighing.

Specs and benchmarks

  • Brand

    Arctic Silver Ceramique 2
    Arctic Silver
    Phobya Thermal Pad XT 7W/mK
    Phobya
  • Model

    Arctic Silver Ceramique 2
    Arctic Silver Ceramique 2
    Phobya Thermal Pad XT 7W/mK
    Phobya Thermal Pad XT 7W/mk
  • Electrical Conductivity

    Arctic Silver Ceramique 2
    Insulating
    Phobya Thermal Pad XT 7W/mK
    Insulating
  • Package Size

    Arctic Silver Ceramique 2
    2.7g syringe (retail) or 25g syringe
    Phobya Thermal Pad XT 7W/mK
    100 x 100 x 1.0mm sheet, cuttable to size; also sold in other thicknesses
  • Recommended Use

    Arctic Silver Ceramique 2
    Mainstream CPU/GPU
    Phobya Thermal Pad XT 7W/mK
    Mainstream CPU/GPU; Phobya markets it as able to match high-end thermal compounds for VRAM, VRM, and North/Southbridge cooling
  • Viscosity

    Arctic Silver Ceramique 2
    Smooth ceramic-particle-based paste
    Phobya Thermal Pad XT 7W/mK
    Very flexible, low-hardness pad that adapts to uneven surfaces at low contact pressure; slightly sticky surface under a removable protective foil
  • Paste Segment

    Arctic Silver Ceramique 2
    Standard Paste
    Phobya Thermal Pad XT 7W/mK
    Pad

    Which one should you pick?

    Choose Arctic Silver Ceramique 2 if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.

    Choose Phobya Thermal Pad XT 7W/mK if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.

    Price comparison

    RetailerArctic Silver Ceramique 2Phobya Thermal Pad XT 7W/mK
    Arctic SilverView on Arctic Silver
    NeweggView 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 Silver Ceramique 2

    5.7 / 10 Expert Rating

    A non-metallic ceramic formula from Arctic Silver, an older but still workable option.

    Phobya Thermal Pad XT 7W/mK

    6.1 / 10 Expert Rating

    A cuttable sheet pad from Phobya, a modest but usable option for water-cooling gap-filling.

    More comparisons in Thermal Paste