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Akasa AK-450 Silver Compound 450 vs Noctua NT-H1: Comparison

What is the difference between Akasa AK-450 Silver Compound 450 and Noctua NT-H1?

Recommended use is the dividing line, Akasa AK-450 Silver Compound 450 Mainstream CPU/GPU against Noctua NT-H1 Mainstream CPU/GPU, High-end CPU/GPU.

Which should you buy, Akasa AK-450 Silver Compound 450 or Noctua NT-H1?

The Akasa AK-450 Silver Compound 450 is the one to take for mainstream CPU repastes under air or AIO coolers and Akasa AK-455 owners wanting a higher-rated Akasa compound, though it is not built for sub-zero or chiller cooling, since Akasa rates it from 0C and buyers who need published electrical safety data. Take the Noctua NT-H1 for builders who already have NT-H1 on hand or find it at a discount versus NT-H2. The same goes for mainstream to upper-mid CPU builds that don't need liquid metal-tier performance. Avoid it for buyers making a fresh purchase decision. NT-H2 is the same brand, similar price, and simply newer. 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rating of the Noctua NT-H1 (7.4/10): A long-running favorite for its ease of application and reliability, now largely superseded by NT-H2 but still a safe, proven choice.

Where the two are identical

Everything else lines up. Paste segment read the same on both, so those are not worth weighing.

Specs and benchmarks

  • Brand

    Akasa AK-450 Silver Compound 450
    Akasa
    Noctua NT-H1
    Noctua
  • Model

    Akasa AK-450 Silver Compound 450
    AK-450-5G
    Noctua NT-H1
    Noctua NT-H1 , NT-H1
  • Package Size

    Akasa AK-450 Silver Compound 450
    5g syringe
    Noctua NT-H1
    3.5g / 10g tubes
  • Recommended Use

    Akasa AK-450 Silver Compound 450
    Mainstream CPU/GPU (formulated for CPU/heatsink interfaces)
    Noctua NT-H1
    Mainstream CPU/GPU, High-end CPU/GPU (Noctua's original flagship paste, superseded by NT-H2)
  • Paste Segment

    Akasa AK-450 Silver Compound 450
    Standard Paste
    Noctua NT-H1
    Standard Paste

    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 Noctua NT-H1 if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.

    Price comparison

    RetailerAkasa AK-450 Silver Compound 450Noctua NT-H1
    AkasaView on Akasa
    Amazon UKView on Amazon UK
    AmazonView on Amazon

    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.

    Noctua NT-H1

    7.4 / 10 Expert Rating

    A long-running favorite for its ease of application and reliability, now largely superseded by NT-H2 but still a safe, proven choice.

    More comparisons in Thermal Paste