ARCTIC MX-4
The proven, reliable go-to that everything else gets measured against, sitting below MX-6 only because MX-6 is the newer, slightly better formula from the same stable.
Consolidated from 6 independent outlets
Where the cited sources landed, as we read them
2 of 12 research runs entered this as a product to avoid rather than a pick.
The old formula in a lineup that has moved on: Arctic's own MX-6 and MX-7 measure meaningfully better in testing, so buying MX-4 today means paying for a superseded formula. Buy MX-6 or MX-7 instead.
Flagged 23 September 2026
Pros & cons
- ✓ Named a reliable go-to and top recommendation by a system builder
- ✓ Used as the reference point other pastes get measured against
- ✓ Bulletproof as a long-term ownership bet
- ✓ Famously long-lasting
- ✓ Even cheaper than MX-6
- ✗ Slightly behind MX-6 on raw temperatures
- ✗ Superseded formula that measures meaningfully worse than Arctic's own MX-6 and MX-7
- ✗ Superseded on paper by MX-6 and MX-7
- ✗ Counterfeit tubes are a real risk when buying from disreputable sellers
- ✗ Counterfeit Arctic pastes circulate, requiring purchase from reputable sellers
The sources behind this ranking
We searched the web and YouTube for what has been published about this product, then read the articles, video transcripts and comments we found. 4 outlets wouldn't let us check their links. We quote no words from these sources, so each row shows only where we placed it.
Evidence 1 article and 5 community sources
Frequently asked questions
It ranks #7 of 15 on our thermal paste tier list, in C tier. That placement draws on 6 independent outlets.
Slightly behind MX-6 on raw temperatures. Superseded formula that measures meaningfully worse than Arctic's own MX-6 and MX-7. Superseded on paper by MX-6 and MX-7. Counterfeit tubes are a real risk when buying from disreputable sellers. Counterfeit Arctic pastes circulate, requiring purchase from reputable sellers.
Ranked nearby in Thermal Paste
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A tier #3 ARCTIC MX-7
A tier #4 Thermal Grizzly Duronaut
B tier #5 Noctua NT-H2
C tier #6 2 of 7 research runs entered this as a product to avoid rather than a pick. Thermal Grizzly Phasesheet
C tier #8 ID-Cooling Frost X55
C tier #9 2 of 5 research runs entered this as a product to avoid rather than a pick. Thermal Grizzly Hydronaut
C tier #10 3 of 7 research runs entered this as a product to avoid rather than a pick. Thermal Grizzly Kryosheet
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F tier #12 8 of 12 research runs entered this as a product to avoid rather than a pick.