Arctic MX-5

MX-5 is Arctic's reformulated carbon-based paste, a distinct SKU from MX-2, MX-4, and MX-6 designed for lower viscosity and easier spreading under low mounting pressure, including console coolers where mounting force is often lighter than desktop coolers.

Arctic does not officially disclose a specific W/mK figure for MX-5, distinguishing it in marketing terms from MX-4's officially confirmed 8.5 W/mK rating through its reformulated viscosity rather than a stated conductivity improvement. MX-5 uses a carbon-based, metal-free formula consistent with Arctic's MX-series approach, keeping the compound non-conductive and non-capacitive. The reformulated compound is designed for lower viscosity and easier spreading than MX-4, particularly under the lighter mounting pressure found in console coolers and some laptop applications. MX-5 is non-conductive and non-capacitive, carrying no short-circuit risk from typical application. Arctic does not publish a specific reapplication interval for MX-5; buyers should expect standard mainstream durability consistent with the rest of the MX-series lineup. Against Arctic MX-4 also in this catalog, MX-5 trades MX-4's officially confirmed 8.5 W/mK figure for improved low-pressure spreadability, making MX-5 the better choice specifically for consoles or coolers with lighter mounting force, while MX-4 remains the better-documented choice for standard desktop builds.