{"id":269641,"date":"2025-12-16T14:00:05","date_gmt":"2025-12-16T13:00:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hwcooling.net\/?p=269641\/"},"modified":"2025-12-16T14:00:53","modified_gmt":"2025-12-16T13:00:53","slug":"lucky-number-seven-arctic-introduces-mx-7-thermal-paste","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hwcooling.net\/en\/lucky-number-seven-arctic-introduces-mx-7-thermal-paste\/","title":{"rendered":"Lucky number seven? Arctic introduces MX-7 thermal paste"},"content":{"rendered":"

Thermal pastes from the legendary Arctic MX series are getting a new addition with an updated formulation: Arctic MX-7. Compared to its predecessor (MX-6), it is characterized by higher viscosity while simultaneously delivering higher cooling performance\u2014at least according to internal tests published by Arctic. The new Arctic MX-7 thermal compound is available in three size variants, in tubes containing 2, 4, and 8 grams of material.<\/p>\n

Based on Arctic\u2019s testing, the new MX-7 thermal compound should deliver higher cooling performance with the same cooler than the older MX-6<\/a>. The differences are not dramatic, but some improvement is expected\u2014the temperature of the test processor, an Intel Core Ultra 9 285K<\/a> running at approximately 284 W, dropped by nearly two degrees Celsius (likely an average across all P-cores).<\/p>\n

These results point to higher thermal conductivity, which Arctic does not explicitly list in the specifications. Indirectly (based on the temperature differences), however, we learn that it should be higher. By how much is difficult to say. In any case, the results of temperature tests across generations of Arctic MX thermal compounds are shown in the chart below.<\/p>\n

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Arctic lists the viscosity in the range of 35,000\u201338,000 Poise. The consistency of the paste should therefore be extremely fluid. This is typically beneficial in that the material can reach even the smallest gaps that thicker pastes cannot, ensuring contact over a larger surface area\u2014which naturally results in faster heat transfer. This is the theory, and whether it holds true in practice for Arctic MX-7 is something we can only trust for now. The stated density, expressed in grams per cubic centimeter, is 2.9 g\/cm\u00b3.<\/p>\n

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The consistency is said to be so fluid that the use of a spatula is not recommended when applying MX-7 thermal paste. In this respect, MX-7 is closer to MX-6 than to MX-4, which is also illustrated by the axis below.<\/p>\n

It may be suitable to apply the thermal paste in a cross pattern, ensuring that the corners of the processor\u2019s IHS do not remain \u201cdry\u201d and without contact, even when using a smaller amount. This cross-pattern technique proved effective in our own tests in the past<\/a>. In this context, Arctic also mentions the use of the thermal compound directly on silicon dies, which is relevant for graphics cards or laptops and other mobile devices with higher heat-transfer requirements.<\/p>\n

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There are four different packages across three tube sizes: 2, 4, and 8 grams. The 4-gram version is also available as a bundle that includes cleaning wipes. Retail prices (MSRP) are as follows: 14.50 EUR (2 g), 16 EUR (4 g), 17 EUR (4 g with six MX wipes), and 21 EUR (8 g).<\/p>\n

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Based on previous experience with Arctic products, lower prices\u2014often roughly half\u2014can be expected in stores. Some discounts will likely also be available when purchasing directly through Arctic\u2019s e-shop.<\/p>\n

English translation and edit by Jozef Dud\u00e1\u0161<\/em><\/p>\n