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3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H vs Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste: Comparison
What is the difference between 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface and Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste?
Expect a near tie. The closest thing to a difference is thermal conductivity, 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface 2.08 W/mK against Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste 6.7 W/mK. Conductivity source is not the same on both, https://multimedia.3m.com/mws/media/920112O/3m-thermally-conductive-acrylic-interface-pad-5590h-technical-data-sheet.pdf on the 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface versus https://shop.alphacool.com/en/detail/index/sArticle/22025 on the Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste. They differ on paste segment too, Pad on the 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface versus Standard Paste on the Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste.
3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface vs Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste: which one fits your build
The 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface suits silicone-sensitive assemblies near optics, displays or connectors and power electronics and battery gap filling, though it is not built for high-end GPU memory or VRM cooling. It is not the one for builds where silicone pads are acceptable and higher conductivity is wanted. it is not the pick for buyers who specifically want liquid-metal-level conductivity. It is equally the pick for high-end CPU and GPU builds, overclocking rigs, workstations and servers wanting Alphacool's current-generation paste. It is the wrong buy for anyone needing a confirmed silicone/carbon base disclosure, which Alphacool has not published for this formula. Our rating of the 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface (6.6/10): an industrial acrylic interface pad from an established materials manufacturer, aimed at OEM and repair use rather than enthusiast builds. Our rating of the Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste (6.7/10): A high-end Alphacool paste with a solid published conductivity figure, though independent review coverage is thinner than bigger paste-specialist brands.
Frequently asked questions
Do the 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface and Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste differ on viscosity?
Yes. Viscosity reads Firm, tacky acrylic polymer sheet on the 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface versus 130 Pa-s on the Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste.
Is the Electrical Conductivity the same on the 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface and Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste?
It is. Both are listed at Insulating, so it is not a reason to pick one over the other.
Specs and benchmarks
Brand
- 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H
- 3M
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- Alphacool
Model
- 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H
- 5590H
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- Alphacool Apex 2
Thermal Conductivity
- 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H
- 2.08 W/mK (ASTM D5470)
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- 6.7 W/mKBest
Electrical Conductivity
- 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H
- Insulating
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- Insulating
Package Size
- 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H
- Sheets and die-cut shapes, 0.5/1.0/1.2/1.5/2.0mm thick
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- 2g syringe
Recommended Use
- 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H
- Battery cooling, power electronics and HMI displays (general electronics gap filling)
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- High-end CPU/GPU (developed with Halnziye for CPUs, GPU hotspots, overclocking systems, workstations and servers)
Safety Notes
- 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H
- Non-conductive acrylic pad; no special handling precautions required
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- Causes serious eye irritation; toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects. Wear protective gloves and eye protection and wash hands thoroughly after use.
Conductivity Source
- 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H
- https://multimedia.3m.com/mws/media/920112O/3m-thermally-conductive-acrylic-interface-pad-5590h-technical-data-sheet.pdf
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- https://shop.alphacool.com/en/detail/index/sArticle/22025
Viscosity
- 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H
- Firm, tacky acrylic polymer sheet
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- 130 Pa-s
Paste Segment
- 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H
- Pad
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- Standard Paste
Which one should you pick?
Choose 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Choose Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste if you want the higher thermal conductivity (6.7 W/mK vs 2.08 W/mK (ASTM D5470)).
Price comparison
| Retailer | 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H | Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon | View on Amazon | |
| Newark | View on Newark | |
| Alphacool Shop (EU) | View on Alphacool Shop (EU) |
Disclaimer: The price and specification of the given product may differ from the actual product. Please confirm on the retailer's website before buying.
Verdict
3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H
6.6 / 10 Expert Rating
An industrial acrylic interface pad from an established materials manufacturer, aimed at OEM and repair use rather than enthusiast builds.
Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
6.7 / 10 Expert Rating
A high-end Alphacool paste with a solid published conductivity figure, though independent review coverage is thinner than bigger paste-specialist brands.
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