The sample received was merely a standalone tube but the ARCTIC MX-4 will no doubt use the same plastic clamshell design employed by the ARCTIC MX-3 packaging when it hits retail. The tube measures 11.8cm and contains a net weight of 4g of paste. The paper strip wrapped around the tube sports the brand new ARCTIC logo and not surprisingly, the MX-4 name. The tube is akin to a syringe, as typically used by most thermal paste manufacturer, and unlike the Coollaboratory Liquid Pro's usage of a needle and syringe, the MX-4 has a wide plastic neck that is much safer for application.


Quite handily, 4 circular holes have been cut out on the paper strip to indicate how much thermal paste is left in the tube after application. The paper strip settles for a minimalistic white and grey colour scheme that we have grown accustomed to seeing from ARCTIC's packaging.


The design of the tube itself has remained vastly unaltered compared to the MX-3. They are both the same length, use a black plastic cap and similar colour scheme on the paper strip. In fact the only noticeable difference, apart from the name, is the changed logo reflecting ARCTIC's diversified branding.


The paste has a very different consistency to the MX-3. The ARCTIC MX-4 is more viscous making it harder to apply and to spread manually. Unlike the MX-3, it doesn't flow out as easily and the advantage of this is that users can determine the amount to apply more precisely when pressing on the syringe. Although application is consequently harder, my advice would be to allow the pressure of the cooler on top to do the job. Simply apply a small blob onto the CPU or GPU and install the cooler. This method also minimizes the formation of air pockets.