Most basin-scale dynamic-thermodynamic models in general use include relatively simple thermodynamics and a two-category ice thickness distribution approximating the ice as a slab of some mean thickness plus open water. While sufficient as a first approximation of the polar ice pack, this treatment lacks the ability to sufficiently resolve the spectrum of ice thicknesses from thin new ice to thick ridged ice that has been observed. A single-column thermodynamic sea ice thickness distribution model, developed at the University of Colorado, features sophisticated treatment of thermodynamic processes. It contains multiple thermodynamic layers for thermal conduction, melt ponds, snow cover, and a spectral treatment of surface albedo. Furthermore, it explicitly calculates ridging and redistribution. Hence, the model has the ability to more realistically simulate properties of Arctic sea ice. Here, it is coupled to a dynamic sea ice model resolving the central Arctic basin and adjacent seas. Thus, rather than specifying advection of an ice thickness distribution, as has been previously done, it is calculated explicitly by the dynamic component of the model. We compare this model with existing simpler models, focusing on the spatial and temporal effects of the improved thermodynamics on ice thickness, ice-covered area, and ice transport