When it comes to high-performance thermal interface materials (TIMs), two products that often come to mind are Mx4 and Arctic Silver 5. Both are designed to provide exceptional thermal conductivity, allowing for efficient heat transfer between a CPU or GPU and its heatsink. In this comparison, we’ll delve into the performance characteristics of both Mx4 and Arctic Silver 5, and provide valuable tips on how to get the most out of these premium thermal compounds.
Introduction to Mx4 and Arctic Silver 5
Mx4: Developed by Noctua, a renowned brand in the field of cooling solutions, Mx4 is a hybrid thermal compound that boasts a unique blend of different micro-particles. This blend allows for high thermal conductivity while maintaining a low viscosity, making it easy to apply and spread evenly. The Mx4 compound does not contain any electrically conductive materials, which reduces the risk of electrical shorts. It’s also non-corrosive and has a long shelf life.
Arctic Silver 5: From Arctic, a company well-known for its high-quality thermal adhesives and compounds, Arctic Silver 5 (AS5) is a legendary thermal compound. It contains 99.9% pure silver, which offers superior thermal conductivity compared to many other materials on the market. The high silver content in AS5 allows for excellent heat transfer, making it a favorite among overclockers and those looking to push their hardware to the limits.
Performance Comparison
Both Mx4 and Arctic Silver 5 are top-tier thermal compounds, but their performance can vary slightly depending on the application and conditions.
Thermal Conductivity: Arctic Silver 5 has a slight edge in terms of thermal conductivity due to its high silver content. This can result in slightly better performance in extreme overclocking scenarios or with high-TDP processors.
Ease of Application: Mx4 is often considered easier to apply, thanks to its lower viscosity. This makes it more forgiving for novice users and can lead to more consistent results across different applications.
Longevity and Durability: Both compounds are known for their stability and long lifespan. However, Mx4 might have a slight advantage in terms of longevity due to its specific formulation, which resists drying out over time.
Performance Tips
To maximize the performance of either Mx4 or Arctic Silver 5, follow these tips:
Clean the Surface: Ensure that both the CPU die (or GPU) and the heatsink’s base are perfectly clean and free of old thermal compound residue. Use isopropyl alcohol to wipe down both surfaces.
Apply the Right Amount: Too much compound can lead to decreased performance due to the “bleeding” of excess compound outside the die area, potentially causing electrical issues. A pea-sized amount is usually sufficient for most CPUs and GPUs.
Spread it Evenly: For both Mx4 and AS5, spreading the compound evenly is crucial. Applying a small amount to the center of the die and then using the heatsink to spread it as it’s mounted can help achieve an even layer.
Mounting Pressure: Ensure that your heatsink is mounted with the recommended pressure. Too little pressure, and the compound may not fill microscopic gaps efficiently; too much, and you risk damaging the CPU or GPU.
Burn-in Time: It’s a good idea to let the system run under load for a few hours to allow the thermal compound to reach its optimal performance. The compound will settle and fill any microscopic gaps more efficiently under thermal cycling.
Reapplication: If you’re reusing a heatsink or remounting it, consider reapplying a new layer of thermal compound. Dried-out or disturbed compound can lead to significantly reduced performance.
Conclusion
Choosing between Mx4 and Arctic Silver 5 ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize the absolute best thermal conductivity and are willing to deal with the slightly more challenging application process of AS5, then Arctic Silver 5 might be the choice for you. On the other hand, if you’re looking for ease of application, longevity, and excellent (though slightly less superior) thermal performance, Mx4 could be your preferred option. Regardless of which compound you choose, following the performance tips outlined above will help ensure that you get the best possible thermal performance out of your cooling setup.
Which thermal compound is easier to apply, Mx4 or Arctic Silver 5?
+Mx4 is generally considered easier to apply due to its lower viscosity, making it more forgiving for users and resulting in more consistent applications.
Does Arctic Silver 5 contain electrically conductive materials?
+Yes, Arctic Silver 5 contains 99.9% pure silver, which is electrically conductive. This means users should be cautious during application to avoid any potential electrical shorts.
How often should I reapply thermal compound?
+It’s recommended to reapply thermal compound whenever the heatsink is removed and reattached, as the compound may be disturbed or dried out. Additionally, if you notice a degradation in cooling performance over time, reapplying a fresh layer of compound may help restore optimal cooling.
