Buying Guide
The Best ARCTIC Thermal Paste
From the MX-4 to the MX-6: five thermal pastes ranked on tube size and amount, with who should skip each one.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
ARCTIC's MX-4, MX-6 and MX-7 differ mainly in consistency and how they resist pump-out. Every pick is an ARCTIC MX paste, ordered from the lowest price.
Our comparison rests on published figures for amount, compound and electrically non-conductive; nothing here was tested in-house, and where a maker leaves out compound, we say so.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Lowest Price Here
ARCTIC MX-4 (4g)
The cheapest way into this group, below the MX-4 with spatula.
Best for: Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build.
Our take Check price for ARCTIC MX-4 (4g) (opens in a new tab)
A Spatula In the Box
ARCTIC MX-4 with Spatula (4g)
A spatula in the box.
Best for: Buyers who want a spatula in the box.
Our take Check price for ARCTIC MX-4 with Spatula (4g) (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
ARCTIC MX-7 (4g)
A dense, high-filler formula.
Best for: Buyers who want dense, high-filler formula.
Our take Check price for ARCTIC MX-7 (4g) (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
ARCTIC MX-6 with MX Cleaner (4g)
Lower thermal resistance than ARCTIC's MX-4, by the maker's measure.
Best for: Buyers who want lower thermal resistance than ARCTIC's MX-4, by the maker's measure.
Our take Check price for ARCTIC MX-6 with MX Cleaner (4g) (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
ARCTIC MX-6 (4g)
The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with lower thermal resistance than ARCTIC's MX-4, by the maker's measure.
Best for: Buyers who want the most complete package.
Our take Check price for ARCTIC MX-6 (4g) (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The cheapest way into this group, below the MX-4 with spatula. | Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build. | Check price for ARCTIC MX-4 (4g) (opens in a new tab) |
| A spatula in the box. | Buyers who want a spatula in the box. | Check price for ARCTIC MX-4 with Spatula (4g) (opens in a new tab) |
| A dense, high-filler formula. | Buyers who want dense, high-filler formula. | Check price for ARCTIC MX-7 (4g) (opens in a new tab) |
| Lower thermal resistance than ARCTIC's MX-4, by the maker's measure. | Buyers who want lower thermal resistance than ARCTIC's MX-4, by the maker's measure. | Check price for ARCTIC MX-6 with MX Cleaner (4g) (opens in a new tab) |
| The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with lower thermal resistance than ARCTIC's MX-4, by the maker's measure. | Buyers who want the most complete package. | Check price for ARCTIC MX-6 (4g) (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 5
ARCTIC MX-4 (4g) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
MX-4 is the long-running default for good reason: a carbon-based, non-conductive paste that ARCTIC says lasts at least eight years once applied.
Best for
- Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build.
Skip if
- Look at the other picks if you need a feature not covered above.
Why we like it
It forgives a clumsy first application, and 4g covers several builds. You also get a consistency ARCTIC pitches at first-time builders. Clean off old paste with isopropyl alcohol first, then apply a pea-sized dot or a thin line on the heatspreader; on large Intel chips an X or a line covers the longer die better.
Another plus is maker-rated for up to 8 years without reapplying. It also brings carbon microparticle formula. Worth noting too: electrically non-conductive, so spills are harmless. It was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the MX-4 with spatula was the next step up.
Key dimensions & specs
- Amount: 4g
- Rated service life: up to 8 years
- Compound: Carbon microparticle
- Electrically non-conductive: Yes
Pros
- 4g is enough for several applications
- Maker-rated for up to 8 years without reapplying
- Carbon microparticle formula
- Electrically non-conductive, so spills are harmless
A Spatula In the Box2 of 5
ARCTIC MX-4 with Spatula (4g) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
This is the same MX-4 formula with a spatula in the box, which helps if you prefer to spread rather than dot.
Best for
- Buyers who want a spatula in the box.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the MX-4, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
Each pack carries an authenticity code, a useful check given how often MX-4 is counterfeited. It also offers metal-free carbon microparticles. Clean off old paste with isopropyl alcohol first, then apply a pea-sized dot or a thin line on the heatspreader; on large Intel chips an X or a line covers the longer die better.
Another plus is 4g is enough for several applications. Worth noting too: electrically non-conductive, so spills are harmless. Before buying, weigh one limit: costs more than the MX-4 at the time of writing. Its price falls between the MX-4 and the MX-7, based on our last check.
Key dimensions & specs
- Amount: 4g
- Compound: Carbon microparticle
- Electrically non-conductive: Yes
- In the box: a spatula
Pros
- 4g is enough for several applications
- Carbon microparticle formula
- Electrically non-conductive, so spills are harmless
- Includes a spatula
Cons
- Costs more than the MX-4 at the time of writing
Also Consider3 of 5
ARCTIC MX-7 (4g) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
MX-7 is Arctic's dense, high-filler paste, built to resist pump-out and drying on hot CPUs.
Best for
- Buyers who want dense, high-filler formula.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the MX-4 was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
It cannot be spread by hand, so apply a dot and let the cooler's pressure do the work. You also get resistance to pump-out, dry-out and bleeding. Clean off old paste with isopropyl alcohol first, then apply a pea-sized dot or a thin line on the heatspreader; on large Intel chips an X or a line covers the longer die better.
Do not pre-spread it; let the cooler's mounting pressure distribute it. Worth noting too: 4g is enough for several applications. On price it sat third of 5, between the cheaper MX-4 with spatula and the pricier MX-6 with cleaner, at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Amount: 4g
- Electrically non-conductive: Yes
- Application: Cannot be spread by hand; cooler pressure distributes it
Pros
- 4g is enough for several applications
- Electrically non-conductive, so spills are harmless
- Dense, high-filler formula
- Resistance to pump-out, dry-out and bleeding
Cons
- Costs more than the MX-4 at the time of writing
Strong Alternative4 of 5
ARCTIC MX-6 with MX Cleaner (4g) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The 4g MX-6 comes with six MX Cleaner wipes, so the old paste comes off without a trip for isopropyl alcohol.
Best for
- Buyers who want lower thermal resistance than ARCTIC's MX-4, by the maker's measure.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the MX-4 was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
It is neither electrically conductive nor capacitive, which makes it safe for bare GPU dies. It also offers lower thermal resistance than ARCTIC's MX-4, by the maker's measure and a viscosity suited to direct-die GPU and console chips. Clean off old paste with isopropyl alcohol first, then apply a pea-sized dot or a thin line on the heatspreader; on large Intel chips an X or a line covers the longer die better.
Another plus is 4g is enough for several applications. Worth noting too: electrically non-conductive, so spills are harmless. When we checked, only the MX-7 and cheaper picks cost less, and the MX-6 cost more.
Key dimensions & specs
- Amount: 4g
- Electrically non-conductive: Yes
- In the box: six MX Cleaner wipes
Pros
- 4g is enough for several applications
- Electrically non-conductive, so spills are harmless
- Includes six MX Cleaner wipes
- Lower thermal resistance than ARCTIC's MX-4, by the maker's measure
Cons
- Costs more than the MX-4 at the time of writing
Premium Pick5 of 5
ARCTIC MX-6 (4g) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
MX-6 is the dependable all-rounder: 4g of non-conductive paste that Arctic says beats MX-4, with a consistency suited to bare GPU dies.
Best for
- Buyers who want the most complete package.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the MX-4 was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
It is the value choice for regular use. It also comes with lower thermal resistance than ARCTIC's MX-4, by the maker's measure and a viscosity suited to direct-die GPU use. Clean off old paste with isopropyl alcohol first, then apply a pea-sized dot or a thin line on the heatspreader; on large Intel chips an X or a line covers the longer die better.
It also brings 4g is enough for several applications. It was the most expensive pick when we checked, so weigh what it adds over the MX-6 with cleaner. If tube size is your priority, the MX-4 (4g) is the stronger choice.
Key dimensions & specs
- Amount: 4g
- Electrically non-conductive: Yes
Pros
- 4g is enough for several applications
- Electrically non-conductive, so spills are harmless
- Lower thermal resistance than ARCTIC's MX-4, by the maker's measure
- Viscosity suited to direct-die GPU use
Cons
- Costs more than the MX-4 at the time of writing
How We Chose
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Value
- We compared tube sizes and what comes in the box.
- Application
- We noted spreaders, wipes and the maker's application guidance.
- Safety
- We checked that each paste is listed as electrically non-conductive.
- Durability
- We looked for maker claims on pump-out and long-term stability.
What to Look for in an ARCTIC Thermal Paste
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Differences between good pastes are small
Among reputable pastes, temperatures usually differ by a few degrees at most. Mounting pressure and application matter as much as the paste.
Choose non-conductive paste
Non-conductive pastes are safe if a little spills onto nearby parts. Avoid liquid metal unless you know the risks.
Thicker pastes are harder to spread
High-performance pastes are often thick. Warming the tube in your hand makes them easier to apply.
Treat W/mK figures with care
Makers measure conductivity under their own conditions, so a higher W/mK number on the box does not always mean lower temperatures in a PC. Compare pastes from the same test source instead.
Buy the amount you will use
One large CPU uses about 0.2g to 0.5g. A 1g tube covers a couple of builds; 4g or more suits regular remounts or several machines.
Check the rated service life
Some makers state how long the paste can stay on a CPU before it needs replacing, from about five years to eight. A longer rating suits a PC you won't open often.
How to Choose an ARCTIC Thermal Paste
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build | MX-4 | The cheapest way into this group, below the MX-4 with spatula |
| Buyers who want a spatula in the box | MX-4 with spatula | A spatula in the box |
| Buyers who want dense, high-filler formula | MX-7 | A dense, high-filler formula |
| Buyers who want lower thermal resistance than ARCTIC's MX-4, by the maker's measure | MX-6 with cleaner | Lower thermal resistance than ARCTIC's MX-4, by the maker's measure |
| Buyers who want the most complete package | MX-6 | The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with lower thermal resistance than ARCTIC's MX-4, by the maker's measure |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
Figures as each maker states them.
| Paste | Amount | Compound | Electrically non-conductive | In the box |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MX-4 | 4g | Carbon microparticle | Yes | Not listed |
| MX-4 with spatula | 4g | Carbon microparticle | Yes | a spatula |
| MX-7 | 4g | Not listed | Yes | Not listed |
| MX-6 with cleaner | 4g | Not listed | Yes | six MX Cleaner wipes |
| MX-6 | 4g | Not listed | Yes | Not listed |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the cheapest pick in this guide?
At our last price check the MX-4 was the cheapest pick and the MX-6 the most expensive; the MX-4 with spatula was the next step up from the MX-4.
Is the paste that comes with my cooler good enough?
Usually yes. Aftermarket paste helps most when remounting or when the included paste has run out.
How much paste should I use?
About a pea-sized dot on most desktop CPUs. Too much mostly spills out; too little leaves gaps.
Is a higher W/mK rating always better?
Not reliably. Makers test conductivity differently, so the figures are not directly comparable between brands.
Can I use CPU paste on a graphics card?
Yes, if it is non-conductive. Apply a thin, even layer on the bare die.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the MX-4, chosen for the cheapest way into this group, below the MX-4 with spatula. Look at the MX-4 with spatula for a spatula in the box, the MX-7 for a dense, high-filler formula and the MX-6 with cleaner for lower thermal resistance than ARCTIC's MX-4, by the maker's measure if those matter more to you.
MX-7 is designed not to be spread by hand; apply a dot and mount the cooler.