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Akasa AK-450 Silver Compound 450 vs Zalman ZM-STG2: Comparison
What is the difference between Akasa AK-450 Silver Compound 450 and Zalman ZM-STG2?
Start with thermal conductivity, because it is the widest measured gap between them: Akasa AK-450 Silver Compound 450 9.24 W/mK against Zalman ZM-STG2 4.1 W/mK, 56% in favour of Akasa AK-450 Silver Compound 450. Recommended use is not the same on both, Mainstream CPU/GPU on the Akasa AK-450 Silver Compound 450 versus General CPU Cooling on the Zalman ZM-STG2. 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.zalman.com/US/Product/ProductDetail.do?productSeq=264 on the Zalman ZM-STG2.
Which should you buy, Akasa AK-450 Silver Compound 450 or Zalman ZM-STG2?
The Akasa AK-450 Silver Compound 450 suits 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. The Zalman ZM-STG2 is the one to take for buyers replacing an existing Zalman-branded application, though it is not the pick for high-end or overclocked builds needing a documented, competitive conductivity figure and anyone wanting current-generation performance data before purchasing. It also earns its place with budget general CPU cooling where a recognizable, long-running brand name matters. 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 Zalman ZM-STG2 (5.3/10): A long-running budget staple from Zalman, dated but still functional.
What Akasa AK-450 Silver Compound 450 and Zalman ZM-STG2 have in common
Where they agree, they agree completely, paste segment included, so the decision does not turn on any of those.
Specs and benchmarks
Brand
- Akasa AK-450 Silver Compound 450
- Akasa
- Zalman ZM-STG2
- Zalman
Model
- Akasa AK-450 Silver Compound 450
- AK-450-5G
- Zalman ZM-STG2
- Zalman ZM-STG2
Thermal Conductivity
- Akasa AK-450 Silver Compound 450
- 9.24 W/mKBest
- Zalman ZM-STG2
- 4.1 W/mK-56%
Package Size
- Akasa AK-450 Silver Compound 450
- 5g syringe
- Zalman ZM-STG2
- 3.5g syringe
Recommended Use
- Akasa AK-450 Silver Compound 450
- Mainstream CPU/GPU (formulated for CPU/heatsink interfaces)
- Zalman ZM-STG2
- General CPU 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
- Zalman ZM-STG2
- https://www.zalman.com/US/Product/ProductDetail.do?productSeq=264
Paste Segment
- Akasa AK-450 Silver Compound 450
- Standard Paste
- Zalman ZM-STG2
- Standard Paste
Which one should you pick?
Choose Akasa AK-450 Silver Compound 450 if you want the higher thermal conductivity (9.24 W/mK vs 4.1 W/mK).
Choose Zalman ZM-STG2 if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Price comparison
| Retailer | Akasa AK-450 Silver Compound 450 | Zalman ZM-STG2 |
|---|---|---|
| Akasa | View on Akasa | |
| Amazon UK | View 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.
Zalman ZM-STG2
5.3 / 10 Expert Rating
A long-running budget staple from Zalman, dated but still functional.