Good news: today, we will present you a comparison of two of the most famous thermal pastes in the market; N-B Max Pro Vs MX-4. I know, I understand; I was excited as you are now to test both of these pastes.
Thermal pastes are an essential component of our computer, and choosing the suitable thermal gel model for your PC can be challenging but guess what? We have made this challenging task super easy for you by testing each thermal paste under expert supervision.
Stick around till the end to decide the best thermal paste that is worth your money. We can’t wait to share the results with you so let’s go!
Nab Cooling’s N-B Max Pro Vs Arctic’s MX-4 – Who Wins?
Below we have compared the characteristics of both the pastes; let’s check.
| N-B MAX PRO | ARCTIC MX-4 |
| Silicon-based thermal paste. | Carbon-based thermal paste. |
| Non electrically conductive. | Non electrically conductive. |
| It will not cause any short circuit if leaked. | It will not cause any short circuit if leaked in the system |
| Easy-to-spread. | Easy-to-spread. |
| N-B Max Pro has a thermal conductivity value of 8.5 W/mK. | MX-4 has a thermal conductivity value of 8 W/mK. |
| N-B Max Pro comes with a free spatula and applicator. Sign up here for a free alcohol pad and microfiber cloth. | MX-4 is giving a spatula only with every pack of MX-4. |
| Nab Cooling’s N-B Max Pro has a density of 3.7g/cm³. | Arctic’s MX-4’s density is 2.50 g/cm. |
Similar Features: N-B Max Pro Vs MX-4
Below are some same features found in both N-B Max Pro and MX-4
- Easy application.
- Non-bleeding.
- Non-capacitive.
- Non-corrosive.
- No-spill issues.
- Eight years shelf life.
- Inexpensive.
- High durability.
- Environmentally friendly.
Read more about What is N-B Max Pro?
We Tested N-B MAX Pro vs MX-4
So after looking at all these properties, we decided to conduct a test to check out the thermal conductivity of N-B Max Pro vs MX-4.
CPU Model: Intel(R) Core(™) i5-8400@ 2.80 Ghz (2807 Mhz) x6
GPU: gtx 1070 TI
Time: 10 minutes
Nab Cooling N-B Max Pro:
Initial Temperature: 55°C
Final Temperature: 26° C
Arctic MX-4
Initial Temperature: 63° C
Final Temperature: 27° C
N-B Max Pro proved to be better at lowering CPU temperature. Below is a comparison table for N-B Max Pro vs MX-4
| Property | N-B Max Pro | MX-4 |
| Electrically insulative | ✔ | ✔ |
| Better Thermal Conductivity | ✔ | ✘ |
| Better Density | ✔ | ✘ |
| Easy-to-apply | ✔ | ✔ |
| Wide Operating Temperature | ✔ | ✘ |
| Better Shelf Life | ✔ | ✔ |
| Better Shelf Life (opened) | ✔ | unknown |
Also, read our guide: Everything You Need To Know About Thermal Pastes.
How Thermal Pastes Make a Difference?
We have heard people asking, does thermal paste make a difference? And how does thermal paste make a difference?
Yes, thermal paste makes a difference by going into the microscopic gaps on the CPU surface that previously trapped air and helping heat transfer to the CPU cooler.
Without a thermal paste, air will act as an insulator in those small gaps on the CPU surface, preventing proper heat transfer.
It is not true that buying a good CPU cooler eliminates the need for thermal paste. Both thermal paste and CPU cooler work together. The thermal paste helps transfer heat while the CPU cooler pushes heated air out of the CPU.
Are you still wondering how CPU cooler and thermal pastes work together? Read our comprehensive guide to help yourself out.
What Factors to Consider While Buying Thermal Paste?
There are six different types of thermal gels; metal-based, ceramic-based, carbon-based, diamond carbon-based, silicon-based and liquid metal, each with other qualities.
You need to see a thermal paste’s thermal conductivity, electrical conductivity, density and viscosity, operating temperature, and compatibility before buying one.
Also, read our guide on what are the different types of thermal pastes?
Thermal Conductivity
Thermal conductivity refers to how well the thermal paste performed to decrease the CPU’s temperature. Higher the level of thermal conductivity, the better the heat transfer within the CPU.
Electrical Conductivity
An electrical conductive thermal paste is a risk for your system. If the electrically conductive paste leaks to the surrounding while applying, it may carry electricity to the CPU area where it is not needed. In turn, it may cause a short circuit within the CPU.
Density and Viscosity
Density and viscosity explain how easily you can apply thermal paste. A thermal gel with good density won’t allow it to leak and spreads evenly to all corners of the CPU.
Liquid pastes have a comparatively lower density, but they are tough to apply. The higher the viscosity of thermal paste, the better it sticks to the CPU.
Compatibility
Thermal pastes with a wide range of operating temperatures are more compatible. This is because each system has a different operating temperature. The wider the working temperature range a paste has, the more computers it is compatible with.
Conclusion
To conclude N-B Max Pro vs MX-4, we need to see which one is better at thermal conductivity. With a thermal conductivity value of 8.5W/mK, N-B Max Pro performed better on heavy load applications.
You don’t need a super-expensive thermal compound for your PC when all your gaming and other heavy load applications work super fast and cool with N-b Max Pro.
For any queries regarding CPU cooling and thermal pastes, feel free to contact us here.
Buy N-B Max Pro
Also available on: