Arctic MX-7 thermal paste: this is the new benchmark in the MX range

La Arctic MX-7 thermal paste arrives for to take the place of the MX-6 within the well-known MX family from the Swiss-German manufacturer. This is an update that seeks to better adapt to the needs of current hardware, focusing more on the long-term stability, safety, and ease of application than in breaking overclocking records.

Arctic has opted for a classic formulation based on non-conductive metal oxidesintegrated into an improved silicone polymer matrix, leaving aside liquid metal or other more extreme solutions. Even so, initial data from the brand itself and independent tests suggest that the MX-7 is positioned at the top of the market of conventional thermal pastes, with measurable improvements over its predecessors MX-4 and MX-6.

New formula, high viscosity and fewer pump-out problems

One of the key features of this generation is the new compound composition, designed to minimize the pump-out effectThis phenomenon occurs when, after numerous heat and cold cycles, the thermal paste migrates towards the edges of the IHS or chip, leaving central areas less well covered. With MX-7, Arctic ensures a higher internal cohesion that keeps the material in place even after long periods of intensive use.

The company declares a viscosity between 35.000 and 38.000 poisea high range that results in a very dense and sticky paste. This characteristic allows the compound effectively fills micro-imperfections between the IHS or the DIE and the base of the heatsink, maintaining a uniform film without air gaps forming, which are one of the worst enemies of heat transfer.

In laboratory tests cited by Arctic and technical reports such as those from Igor's Lab, the MX-7 shows a low sensitivity to the thickness of the applied layerEven if the layer is slightly thicker or thinner than ideal, the temperature curves remain stable, which is especially interesting in home-built equipment where the application is not always perfect.

The density of the compound is around 2,9 g / cm³, a typical value for high-performance pastes. As for thermal conductivity, various sources indicate a figure around 6,17 W / mK, although the Arctic avoids highlighting this number and prefers to focus the discussion on parameters such as viscosity, density and resistivity, considering that other manufacturers tend to inflate this commercial data.

Safe for CPUs, GPUs, laptops, and consoles

One of the aspects that Arctic has most wanted to reinforce with the MX-7 is the electrical safety during application and use. The compound is neither conductive nor capacitive, with a volume resistivity of 1,7 × 10¹² ohm·cm and a breaking stress of 4,2kV/mmThis means it can be applied safely both to the IHS and directly to the CPU or GPU die, and even on memory chips or components of laptops and consoles.

Thanks to this zero electrical conductivityThe risk of short circuits or accidental discharges is reduced to virtually zero, something that often worries those who disassemble graphics cards, consoles, or compact systems. This feature makes the MX-7 a very versatile option for all kinds of devices, from From desktop gaming PCs to laptops or small systems that work for many consecutive hours.

The declared operating temperature range goes from -50 ºC up to 250 ºCThese figures more than cover typical usage scenarios in Europe, both in desktop towers and in compact workstations or mini PCs, and even in systems subjected to very intensive loads for long periods.

Optimized application and new syringe design

In addition to the formula itself, Arctic has introduced changes in the way the product is presented. The MX-7 arrives in syringes of 2, 4 and 8 grams, with an intermediate 4g version also offered in a pack that includes 6 MX Cleaner wipesThese wipes are designed for safely remove the old thermal paste before applying the new one, something especially useful for those who change the heatsink or upgrade a computer that has been in service for years.

The syringe itself receives some improvements compared to previous generations. The cap is wider and easier to put on and take off.reducing the possibility of it getting lost or the paste drying out if it's not closed properly. In the 8g model, the syringe is a good size and comes approximately half full, with a identification label with model and serial number to facilitate product traceability and verification.

According to the brand, the MX-7 is designed to it is not necessary to spread it manuallyThe idea is to apply a dot, line, or cross to the chip, and then let the pressure from the heatsink or liquid cooling block distribute the compound evenly, preventing air bubbles from forming. This property relies on a combination of low surface adhesion and high internal viscosity.

In practice, those who have tried the paste report that the flow when pressing the syringe is more controllable than in previous products, making it easier to get the application right. adequate amount on the CPUHowever, since it is a very viscous paste, if it gets on the skin it is somewhat more difficult to remove and usually requires rubbing with soap and water for a while.

Packaging, presentation, and sustainability details

Arctic MX-7 thermal paste is sold in a small cardboard boxwhere dark tones predominate. The front displays an image of the syringe, while the back includes a code or reference that invites... Verify the product's authenticity on the Arctic website, a measure designed to combat counterfeits that have affected some popular pastas in recent years.

On one side of the box there is a message indicating that the product is Carbon NeutralWith this, the company wants to make it clear that it has taken into account the environmental impact associated with the production and distribution of this thermal paste, an aspect increasingly valued by users and businesses in Europe.

Some packages include, along with the syringe, a MX Cleaner wipe as an accessory. This small addition makes it easier to remove old thermal paste from the processor or heatsink base, helping the new compound settles on a clean surface and achieve the best possible contact from the first setup.

Thermal performance in real-world tests

Beyond the specifications on paper, the key lies in the MX-7's performance in real-world use. Internal analyses and tests, such as those conducted with a AMD Ryzen 9 9900X Under liquid cooling, the processor remained below the 70ºC after more than a quarter of an hour of stresswith an ambient temperature of about 21°C. With a paste from another manufacturer previously used in the same system, the figures were around 74-75°C under similar conditions.

On another test bench mounted on a Intel Core Ultra 9 285KThe data provided by Arctic points to a reduction of 2,3 °C compared to MX-6 and 4,1 °C compared to MX-4using the same heatsink and test conditions. Although each system is different, these results serve as a reference to get an idea of ​​the generational improvement over previous MX pasta.

In independent technical evaluations, the MX-7 has been placed in the podium of thermal pastes based on non-conductive metal oxidesIt comes very close to more expensive and aggressive solutions. It doesn't compete with liquid metal systems, which are in a different league with different risks and installation requirements, but it does offer a a sensible balance between performance, safety and durability for mid-range and high-end equipment.

Another highlight of these tests is the temperature stability over timeThe heating and cooling curves are clean, without strange peaks or abrupt drops, suggesting a good ability to maintain its thermal properties after multiple load cycles, something key in modern CPUs with chiplets and highly localized hotspots.

Durability, stability and reduced maintenance

The MX-7 is designed for those who want minimize reapplication of thermal paste throughout the equipment's lifespan. Its high internal cohesion and the way it resists pumping allow it to better maintain its structure even when the CPU or GPU is constantly switching from idle to maximum load, something common in gaming PCs, workstations, or powerful laptops.

Arctic insists that the new compound It doesn't dry out or liquefy easilyeven under repeated thermal cycles, and maintains stable performance over long periods. Although we will still have to wait for more months of real-world use in Europe and other markets to verify its aging in domestic and professional scenarios, laboratory data points to a extended lifespan without noticeable degradation.

Adjusting the viscosity also contributes to durability. With the chosen density and cohesion, the paste It fits snugly between the IHS and the heatsink.It fills micro-imperfections and maintains low thermal resistance even when assembly tolerances are not perfect. This behavior means the user doesn't have to worry about changing the paste frequently, which is especially valuable in systems that are difficult to disassemble.

Compared to the MX-6, the improvement isn't limited to shaving off a couple of degrees at best, but rather to offering a extra thermal safety margin when the coating is thinner or thicker than ideal, or when the equipment has accumulated years of service. Thus, the MX-7 presents itself as a suitable option for both new equipment as well as upgrades for older PCs that need an update in refrigeration.

Availability and prices in Europe

Arctic has launched the MX-7 almost simultaneously in several markets, including Spain and the rest of Europewith direct distribution and through online stores like Amazon, managed by ARCTIC GmbH itself. At the time of launch, the brand also continues to sell the well-known MX-4 and MX-6, positioning the MX-7 as the highest-performing option within the range.

The company has announced different sales formats with official prices in euros for the European market, geared towards covering both specific needs and more frequent assemblies:

• Arctic MX-7 2g: €7,69
• Arctic MX-7 4g: €8,09
• Arctic MX-7 4g with 6 MX Cleaner Wipes: €9,49
• Arctic MX-7 8g: €9,59

Some product listings have also shown different reference prices, such as €14,49 for the 2g syringe, €15,99 for the 4g one, €16,99 for the 4g pack with MX Cleaner y €20,99 for the 8g versionalong with occasional smaller offers at stores like Amazon. These variations reflect both channel and promotion differences as possible adjustments between markets, so it is advisable to check the updated price at the time of purchase.

In any case, the MX-7 is positioned in the range of mid-to-high-end thermal pasteIt's accessible to most users who build or maintain their own PC, but it's a step above the most basic options. Arctic's idea is that the user pays a little more than the initial hardware in exchange for a... solid thermal performance and longer lifespan, without the risks associated with more extreme materials.

With the arrival of the Arctic MX-7, the MX family takes another step towards a type of thermal paste focused on the reliability, safety and consistencyMore than just spectacular figures on paper, its high viscosity, pump-out control, lack of electrical conductivity, and good performance in real-world tests make it a candidate to consider for those in Spain or any European country who want to keep their CPU or GPU temperatures under control for many years without too much trouble during installation.