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Akasa AK-450 Silver Compound 450 vs Innovation Cooling IC Graphite: Comparison

What is the difference between Akasa AK-450 Silver Compound 450 and Innovation Cooling IC Graphite?

Expect a near tie. The closest thing to a difference is thermal conductivity, Akasa AK-450 Silver Compound 450 9.24 W/mK against Innovation Cooling IC Graphite 35 W/mK. There is a split on recommended use as well, Mainstream CPU/GPU on the Akasa AK-450 Silver Compound 450 versus Delidded CPUs, Thin-Gap GPU/Laptop Cooling on the Innovation Cooling IC Graphite. There is a split on conductivity source as well, https://www.akasa.co.uk/update.php?tpl=product/product.detail.tpl&model=AK-450-5G on the Akasa AK-450 Silver Compound 450 versus https://www.innovationcooling.com/products/ic-graphite-thermal-pad/ on the Innovation Cooling IC Graphite. Paste segment is not the same on both, Standard Paste on the Akasa AK-450 Silver Compound 450 versus Pad on the Innovation Cooling IC Graphite.

Which should you buy, Akasa AK-450 Silver Compound 450 or Innovation Cooling IC Graphite?

Buy the Akasa AK-450 Silver Compound 450 for mainstream CPU repastes under air or AIO coolers and Akasa AK-455 owners wanting a higher-rated Akasa compound, though it is not the pick for sub-zero or chiller cooling, since Akasa rates it from 0C and buyers who need published electrical safety data. The Innovation Cooling IC Graphite is the one to take for builders who want to avoid pump-out and migration risks entirely, though it is the wrong buy for standard CPU IHS-to-cooler applications where a conventional paste is simpler and anyone needing a numeric W/mK figure for direct paste comparisons. It is equally the pick for delidded CPUs and thin-gap laptop or GPU cooling wanting a mess-free, reusable TIM. Our rating of the Akasa AK-450 Silver Compound 450 (6/10): A silver-based compound with a solid published conductivity figure and a bundled spreader, reasonable for the price. Our rating of the Innovation Cooling IC Graphite (6.3/10): A solid graphite pad offering reusable, high-conductivity gap-filling, a different approach from typical paste or pad materials.

Specs and benchmarks

  • Brand

    Akasa AK-450 Silver Compound 450
    Akasa
    Innovation Cooling IC Graphite
    Innovation Cooling
  • Model

    Akasa AK-450 Silver Compound 450
    AK-450-5G
    Innovation Cooling IC Graphite
    Innovation Cooling IC Graphite
  • Thermal Conductivity

    Akasa AK-450 Silver Compound 450
    9.24 W/mK
    Innovation Cooling IC Graphite
    35 W/mK (axis not stated by maker)Best
  • Package Size

    Akasa AK-450 Silver Compound 450
    5g syringe
    Innovation Cooling IC Graphite
    Pre-cut pads: 30x30mm, 40x40mm, 90x90mm
  • Recommended Use

    Akasa AK-450 Silver Compound 450
    Mainstream CPU/GPU (formulated for CPU/heatsink interfaces)
    Innovation Cooling IC Graphite
    Delidded CPUs, Thin-Gap GPU/Laptop Cooling
  • Conductivity Source

    Akasa AK-450 Silver Compound 450
    https://www.akasa.co.uk/update.php?tpl=product/product.detail.tpl&model=AK-450-5G
    Innovation Cooling IC Graphite
    https://www.innovationcooling.com/products/ic-graphite-thermal-pad/
  • Paste Segment

    Akasa AK-450 Silver Compound 450
    Standard Paste
    Innovation Cooling IC Graphite
    Pad

    Which one should you pick?

    Choose Akasa AK-450 Silver Compound 450 if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.

    Choose Innovation Cooling IC Graphite if you want the higher thermal conductivity (35 W/mK (axis not stated by maker) vs 9.24 W/mK).

    Price comparison

    RetailerAkasa AK-450 Silver Compound 450Innovation Cooling IC Graphite
    AkasaView on Akasa
    Amazon UKView on Amazon UK

    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

    Akasa AK-450 Silver Compound 450

    6 / 10 Expert Rating

    A silver-based compound with a solid published conductivity figure and a bundled spreader, reasonable for the price.

    Innovation Cooling IC Graphite

    6.3 / 10 Expert Rating

    A solid graphite pad offering reusable, high-conductivity gap-filling, a different approach from typical paste or pad materials.

    More comparisons in Thermal Paste