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Arctic Cooling Announces MX-3 High Performance Thermal Compound

btarunr

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The Swiss cooling solution provider ARCTIC COOLING today unveiled the new premium thermal compound ARCTIC MX-3 (4g). Its high thermal conductivity and non-curing nature make it one of the best thermal compounds for overclockers and gamers.

As an upgraded version of the award-winning ARCTIC MX-2, the performance of the ARCTIC MX-3 outranges other well-known thermal compounds clearly. This new compound is composed of carbon microparticles which lead to an extremely high thermal conductivity - 8.2 W/mK. It guarantees that heat from the CPU or GPU can be dissipated quickly and efficiently.



Tested and proven, by using the ARCTIC MX-3, the CPU core temperature is 7°C and 2.5°C lower than using stock compound and other branded ones respectively. It shows how significant a high performance thermal compound can be to reduce the temperature. Such excellent cooling result is surely what every overclocker and gamer is looking for. The ARCTIC MX-3 is the easiest way to push the overclockability further!

The ARCTIC MX-3 is a metal-free, non-electrically conductive compound which does not cause any damage of the components if it is accidentally spilled out on them. It eliminates any risks of short circuit and provides more protection to the CPUs, graphic cards and other applications between power semiconductor components and heatsinks. The ARCTIC MX-3 is a truly hassle-free premium thermal compound you can rely on. The ARCTIC MX-3 guarantees 8-year durability. It is available in July 2009. The MSRP is US$12.25 and 8.95€.



View at TechPowerUp Main Site
 

Wile E

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Hmmm, my Mx-2 is almost out. I think I'll pick this up and try it when I need more tim.
 

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But how much bettter it is than MX-2 ?) It'll be more expensive in the start (MSRP is twice the price of MX-2) so I think MX-2 still wins.

MX-2 was a bit better than NT-H1 in some review, based on it MX-3 would win MX-2 by ~1C.
 

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I used to think MX-2 was the best. Now, I know it's not.

The question is, how does this relate to diamond compound.
 
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But how much bettter it is than MX-2 ?) It'll be more expensive in the start (MSRP is twice the price of MX-2) so I think MX-2 still wins.

MX-2 was a bit better than NT-H1 in some review, based on it MX-3 would win MX-2 by ~1C.

That would be correct, sir.
 

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I am going to continue to use my old tube of MX-2 I bought near release date. It is still good. I think.

Regarding MX-3: When I run out, I will buy some MX-3, but it puzzles me why MX-2 is still better than MX-3.
 

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yay new paste!
 
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I am going to continue to use my old tube of MX-2 I bought near release date. It is still good. I think.

Regarding MX-3: When I run out, I will buy some MX-3, but it puzzles me why MX-2 is still better than MX-3.

It shouldn't puzzle you at all, since MX-3 is clearly better than MX-2 according to the review from two posts ago. It is approximately 3C better under load. That is very significant.

Now all we need to know is where we can get this stuff.
 
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If you live in America, the best place I've found is Petra's Tech Shop.

Even thought their prices for everyday hardware aren't as low as Newegg's, they do offer super-low shipping on small items (like TIM).

For example:

If you buy MX-2 from Newegg you pay an additional $7 in shipping via UPS, for ~$14 total. Petra's gives you a 1st class USPS option, making my last order only $7.xx. As an added bonus, the owner writes personal notes in with your order. I got one that said, "Enjoy the MX-2!". :toast:

He doesn't seem to have any MX-3 yet but I would imagine he will soon.
 
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sounds like diamond ic7
 
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How long till we see carbon nanotubes in our TIM?
 

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80+ TIMs in the market now....wow.
 
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Isn't the liquid metal stuff still top? In terms of thermal conductivity, gallium is still on top. Not sure what else is needed for a good tim.
 
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Great timing! I just switched to OCZ Freeze because it was cheap ($4!) and got great reviews.

Do i pick some of this up?!?
 

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My ThermalFusion 400 is better than Arctic cooling MX-2. Easier to find and works better for me so I will pass on MX-3.
 

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Hmm I'll wait for some reviews. Until then I'll stick to my Xigmatek paste :D
 
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Isn't the liquid metal stuff still top? In terms of thermal conductivity, gallium is still on top. Not sure what else is needed for a good tim.

ooo I just love electrically conductive compounds :D
 

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Hmh, I think it's safe to say AS5 has finally retired after reading that review. It still did remarkably well in the 80-way TIM review, but probably a fresh tube. Doesn't cope that well with self life, or installed or instantly or with conductivity. R.I.P. AS5 you served us well, all hail MX-3 the new king :)

MX-3 vs. MX-2 did even better than I hoped for, granted the difference with dual core would be smaller, but to improve great paste even more is no small feat. Looking at the spread video MX-3 is same kind of goop as Noctua's NT-H1 now. With low pressure mounting and ease of use, MX-2 would still be a great choice.
 

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Wow, sounds good. I still got 3/4 of a tube of MX-2 left and probably 7/8 of a tube of my Diamond IC7 which I think is the best (non coolit laboratory liquid pro stuff) out there. Ill pick some of this up eventually but the IC 7 is for me and the MX-2 is for family and friends. At least they dont get sucky stock TIM :)
 
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I just ordered some ThermalFusion 400, but I build enough systems to try MX-3 when available. Thanks for the news
 

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Kitkat

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Doesn't have this TIM in it at all. That's from last year.

okayyyyy i know thatttt but I thought it was an intersting link that could help sort out some questions i had and questions i see :)

The first one has the intial test from last year.
http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.ph...d=138&Itemid=1
theres a second one too some of the newer ones in the last 3 months (seen at tech powerup) are compared to the first link
http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=150&Itemid=62
 
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