ARCTIC
ARCTIC MX-4 (4 g) - Premium Performance Thermal Paste for All Processors
Bottom line: The ARCTIC MX-4 (4 g) - Premium Performance Thermal Paste for All ($4.99 on Amazon as of 2026-10-07): Carbon microparticle formula, no metal fillers; main trade-off: thick consistency needs firm pressure to spread evenly.
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-07. Price and availability subject to change.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Carbon microparticle formula, no metal fillers
- ✓ Non-conductive and non-capacitive, safe near VRM pins
- ✓ Arctic rates it for 8+ years without reapplication
- ✓ 4 g syringe covers several CPU or GPU repastes
Cons
- ✗ Thick consistency needs firm pressure to spread evenly
- ✗ No included spatula or spreader in most packaging
- ✗ Carbon-based pastes trail liquid metal on peak conductivity
- ✗ Syringe plunger offers little control over small doses
Manufacturer description
CONSISTENT QUALITY: Our thermal paste packaging design has evolved over time, but the formula has remained the same, ensuring reliable performance. EXCELLENT PERFORMANCE: ARCTIC MX-4 thermal paste is made of carbon microparticles, guaranteeing extremely high thermal conductivity. This ensures that heat from the CPU/GPU is dissipated quickly & efficiently SAFE APPLICATION: The MX-4 is metal-free and non-electrical conductive which eliminates any risks of causing short circuit, adding more protection to the CPU and VGA cards
SpecPicks Verdict
SpecPicks scored ARCTIC MX-4 (4 g) - Premium Performance Thermal Paste for All… using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the retro cpu coolers & fans category. ARCTIC's retro cpu coolers & fans lineup sits within the broader category mid-tier; price and specs are the deciding factors over brand loyalty here. Judge it on the specification table and the price rather than on sentiment: check the figures that decide your use case, then put it side-by-side with two or three close alternatives in the Compare tool before clicking through.
Common buyer scenarios for retro cpu coolers & fans of this kind: matching it to an existing build, replacing a failing part, or upgrading from a previous-generation equivalent. Check the spec table below against your current setup — particularly socket / form-factor / power-rating fields — and confirm compatibility on the retailer's listing before purchase. Prices and stock are set by the retailer and may have moved since this page was last updated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ARCTIC MX-4 safe to use on a GPU?
Yes. Arctic states MX-4 is metal-free and non-electrically conductive, so accidental contact with VGA card components will not cause a short circuit. Arctic lists CPU, GPU, PC, PS4, and Xbox as supported applications.
How long does MX-4 last before I need to repaste?
Arctic rates MX-4 to last at least 8 years, stating that unlike metal and silicon compounds it does not compromise over time. In practice one application typically outlasts the hardware it was applied to.
How many applications do I get from the 4 g syringe?
A 4 g syringe is enough for several standard desktop CPU applications plus a GPU or console repaste, depending on how much you use per application and the size of the heat spreader.
Is MX-4 a good choice for a first-time builder?
Arctic markets the consistency as easy to apply even for beginners, and the non-conductive formula removes the short-circuit risk that makes liquid metal and metal-based pastes unforgiving of mistakes.
Does MX-4 work for repasting a PS4 or Xbox?
Yes. Arctic lists PS4 and Xbox alongside PC processors as intended applications, and the non-conductive formula suits the tight, densely populated boards found in consoles.
Key Features
- CONSISTENT QUALITY: Our thermal paste packaging design has evolved over time, but the formula has remained the same, ensuring reliable performance.
- EXCELLENT PERFORMANCE: ARCTIC MX-4 thermal paste is made of carbon microparticles, guaranteeing extremely high thermal conductivity. This ensures that heat from the CPU/GPU is dissipated quickly & efficiently
- SAFE APPLICATION: The MX-4 is metal-free and non-electrical conductive which eliminates any risks of causing short circuit, adding more protection to the CPU and VGA cards
- HIGH DURABILITY: In contrast to metal and silicon thermal compound, the MX-4 does not compromise over time. Once applied, you do not need to apply it again as it will last at least for 8 years
- EASY TO APPLY: With an ideal consistency, the MX-4 is very easy to use, even for beginners
Full Specifications
| Size | MX-4 |
|---|---|
| Brand | ARCTIC |
| Color | grey |
| Model | ACTCP00002B |
| Warranty | / |
| UnitCount | 1 |
| ReleaseDate | 2019-01-06T00:00:01Z |
| Manufacturer | ARCTIC |
| IsAdultProduct | false |
| ItemPartNumber | ACTCP00002B |
Ready to buy?
ARCTIC MX-4 (4 g) - Premium Performance Thermal Paste for All Processors is listed on Amazon. Price, availability, shipping and returns are set by Amazon and its sellers — check the listing for current terms. SpecPicks earns a small commission on qualifying purchases — thank you for supporting independent review work.
*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-07. Price and availability subject to change.
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