ARCTIC
ARCTIC MX-4 (20 g) - Premium Performance Thermal Paste for All Processors
Bottom line: The ARCTIC MX-4 (20 g) - Premium Performance Thermal Paste for All ($9.99 on Amazon as of 2026-10-06): Carbon microparticle formula, no metal fillers; main trade-off: 20 g is far more than a single-build user needs.
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-06. Price and availability subject to change.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Carbon microparticle formula, no metal fillers
- ✓ Non-conductive - safe near exposed socket pads
- ✓ 20 g covers dozens of CPU and GPU applications
- ✓ Soft consistency spreads without die-lifting drag
Cons
- ✗ 20 g is far more than a single-build user needs
- ✗ Non-curing paste can dry out in a long-open tube
- ✗ No included spatula or spreader mentioned
- ✗ Carbon-based paste trails liquid metal on peak transfer
Manufacturer description
ARCTIC builds MX-4 from carbon microparticles rather than metal, so heat moves off the die quickly while the paste itself stays non-electrically conductive. That matters when you are working inside a vintage rig with exposed pads and fragile traces around the socket: a stray smear will not short anything out. The consistency is the other reason MX-4 has stayed on the recommendation list for years. It spreads under mount pressure without the stiff, tug-the-die feel of high-viscosity pastes, which makes it forgiving if this is your first repaste. ARCTIC also keeps an Authenticity Check on…
SpecPicks Verdict
SpecPicks scored ARCTIC MX-4 (20 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 electrically conductive?
No. ARCTIC states MX-4 is metal-free and non-electrically conductive, so a spill onto pins or VGA card components will not cause a short circuit.
How many applications will the 20 g tube cover?
ARCTIC does not publish an application count, but 20 g is the largest consumer size and is aimed at repeat use across multiple CPUs and GPUs rather than a single build.
Does MX-4 work on older CPUs and retro hardware?
Yes. ARCTIC markets MX-4 for all processors, and its non-conductive carbon formula is well suited to vintage boards where socket pads sit exposed.
Is MX-4 hard to apply if I have never repasted before?
ARCTIC specifically calls the consistency easy to use even for beginners, and the paste spreads under cooler mount pressure without needing a heat-gun warm-up.
How do I know my tube is genuine ARCTIC paste?
Every unit carries ARCTIC's Authenticity Check, which lets you verify the individual product is original. Check the product listing for the current verification steps.
Key Features
- WELL PROVEN QUALITY: The design of our thermal paste packagings has changed several times, the formula of the composition has remained unchanged, so our MX pastes have stood for high quality
- 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
- 100 % ORIGINAL THROUGH AUTHENTICITY CHECK: Through our Authenticity Check, it is possible to verify the authenticity of every single product
- EASY TO APPLY: With an ideal consistency, the MX-4 is very easy to use, even for beginners
Full Specifications
| Brand | ARCTIC |
|---|---|
| Model | ACTCP00001B |
| Weight | 20 g |
| Unit Count | 1 Count |
| Part Number | ACTCP00001B |
| EASY TO APPLY | With an ideal consistency, the MX-4 is very easy to use, even for beginners |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Number of Packs | 1 |
| Included Components | ARCTIC MX-4 (20 g) |
| Warranty Description | 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 |
| Item Dimensions L x W x H | 4.72"L x 4.72"W x 0.79"H |
| Cooler Heatsink Compatibility | Various cooler types (not specific to socket or mounting mechanism) |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 00872767009653, 04895213701723 |
Ready to buy?
ARCTIC MX-4 (20 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 2026-10-06. Price and availability subject to change.
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