Consumercarts is reader-supported. Learn more
Akasa AK-450 Silver Compound 450 vs Thermalright TF8: Comparison
Akasa AK-450 Silver Compound 450 vs Thermalright TF8: the thermal conductivity difference
Thermal conductivity is where these two genuinely part company, Akasa AK-450 Silver Compound 450 9.24 W/mK against Thermalright TF8 13.8 W/mK, a 33% lead for Thermalright TF8. Recommended use is not the same on both, Mainstream CPU/GPU on the Akasa AK-450 Silver Compound 450 versus High-end CPU/GPU on the Thermalright TF8. They differ on conductivity source too, 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.thermalright.com/product/tf8-thermal-paste-1-2g/ on the Thermalright TF8.
Akasa AK-450 Silver Compound 450 vs Thermalright TF8: which one fits your build
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 the wrong buy for sub-zero or chiller cooling, since Akasa rates it from 0C and buyers who need published electrical safety data. Buy the Thermalright TF8 for experienced builders comfortable spreading stiff paste, though it is not the pick for anyone who can't verify which TF8 batch they are buying and beginners who want an easy thin spread. It is equally the pick for buyers who can confirm pre-2025 stock and want a dense, high-performing paste. 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 Thermalright TF8 (6.6/10): A high-density filler paste from an older TF-series batch; buyers should be aware a 2025 formula change was flagged by independent testers.
Frequently asked questions
Do the Akasa AK-450 Silver Compound 450 and Thermalright TF8 differ on max operating temperature?
Yes. Max Operating Temperature reads 200 C on the Akasa AK-450 Silver Compound 450 versus 380 C on the Thermalright TF8.
Is the Applicator Included the same on the Akasa AK-450 Silver Compound 450 and Thermalright TF8?
It is. Both are listed at Spatula, so it is not a reason to pick one over the other.
Specs and benchmarks
Brand
- Akasa AK-450 Silver Compound 450
- Akasa
- Thermalright TF8
- Thermalright
Model
- Akasa AK-450 Silver Compound 450
- AK-450-5G
- Thermalright TF8
- TF8
Thermal Conductivity
- Akasa AK-450 Silver Compound 450
- 9.24 W/mK-33%
- Thermalright TF8
- 13.8 W/mKBest
Material Class
- Akasa AK-450 Silver Compound 450
- Silver-based thermal compound
- Thermalright TF8
- Silicone-Based
Package Size
- Akasa AK-450 Silver Compound 450
- 5g syringe
- Thermalright TF8
- 1.2g, 2g, 5.8g, 12.8g syringe options
Recommended Use
- Akasa AK-450 Silver Compound 450
- Mainstream CPU/GPU (formulated for CPU/heatsink interfaces)
- Thermalright TF8
- High-end CPU/GPU
Conductivity Source
- Akasa AK-450 Silver Compound 450
- https://www.akasa.co.uk/update.php?tpl=product/product.detail.tpl&model=AK-450-5G
- Thermalright TF8
- https://www.thermalright.com/product/tf8-thermal-paste-1-2g/
Applicator Included
- Akasa AK-450 Silver Compound 450
- Spatula
- Thermalright TF8
- Spatula
Max Operating Temperature
- Akasa AK-450 Silver Compound 450
- 200 CBest
- Thermalright TF8
- 380 C
Paste Segment
- Akasa AK-450 Silver Compound 450
- Standard Paste
- Thermalright TF8
- Standard Paste
Operating Temperature
- Akasa AK-450 Silver Compound 450
- 0°C to 200°CBest
- Thermalright TF8
- Up to 380 C
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 Thermalright TF8 if you want the higher thermal conductivity (13.8 W/mK vs 9.24 W/mK).
Price comparison
| Retailer | Akasa AK-450 Silver Compound 450 | Thermalright TF8 |
|---|---|---|
| Akasa | View on Akasa | |
| Amazon UK | View on Amazon UK | |
| Thermalright (Manufacturer) | View on Thermalright (Manufacturer) |
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.
Thermalright TF8
6.6 / 10 Expert Rating
A high-density filler paste from an older TF-series batch; buyers should be aware a 2025 formula change was flagged by independent testers.