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Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste vs Arctic Silver 5: Comparison

What is the difference between Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste and Arctic Silver 5?

Pump-out resistance is the dividing line, Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste High against Arctic Silver 5 Medium. There is a split on recommended use as well, High-end CPU/GPU on the Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste versus Mainstream CPU/GPU, High-end CPU/GPU on the Arctic Silver 5. Operating temperature is closer, -20 to +130 °C on the Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste versus -50 C to 130 C long-term; peak -50 C... on the Arctic Silver 5.

Which should you buy, Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste or Arctic Silver 5?

it is the wrong buy for buyers who specifically want liquid-metal-level conductivity. The same goes for high-end CPU and GPU builds, overclocking rigs, workstations and servers wanting Alphacool's current-generation paste. It is not the one for anyone needing a confirmed silicone/carbon base disclosure, which Alphacool has not published for this formula. Buy the Arctic Silver 5 for builders specifically seeking out Arctic Silver's historic formula, though it is not built for anyone who wants immediate full performance right after application. It is equally the pick for enthusiasts comfortable with a multi-day burn-in period who want a well-documented legacy compound. It is the wrong buy for builders unfamiliar with the curing requirement who might misjudge initial results. 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. Our rating of the Arctic Silver 5 (5.9/10): A long-running metal-based paste known for a lengthy 200-hour cure period; once a category leader, now showing its age against newer non-curing formulas.

Where the two are identical

Where they agree, they agree completely, electrical conductivity and paste segment included, so the decision does not turn on any of those.

Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste (Non-Conductive/6.7 W/mK/High-end CPU/GPU)
Alphacool
Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
Arctic Silver 5 (Metal-Based/Non-Conductive/200-Hour Cure Period)
Arctic
Arctic Silver 5

Specs and benchmarks

  • Brand

    Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
    Alphacool
    Arctic Silver 5
    Arctic Silver

  • Model

    Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
    Alphacool Apex 2
    Arctic Silver 5
    Arctic Silver 5

  • Electrical Conductivity

    Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
    Insulating
    Arctic Silver 5
    Insulating

  • Package Size

    Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
    2g syringe
    Arctic Silver 5
    3.5g syringe (also 12g)

  • Recommended Use

    Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
    High-end CPU/GPU (developed with Halnziye for CPUs, GPU hotspots, overclocking systems, workstations and servers)
    Arctic Silver 5
    Mainstream CPU/GPU, High-end CPU/GPU

  • Safety Notes

    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.
    Arctic Silver 5
    Requires ~200-hour burn-in period to reach rated performance

  • Pump-Out Resistance

    Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
    High
    Arctic Silver 5
    Medium

  • Paste Segment

    Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
    Standard Paste
    Arctic Silver 5
    Standard Paste

  • Operating Temperature

    Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
    -20 to +130 °C
    Arctic Silver 5
    -50 C to 130 C long-term; peak -50 C to above 180 CBest

    Which one should you pick?

    Choose Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.

    Choose Arctic Silver 5 if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.

    Price comparison

    RetailerAlphacool Apex 2 Thermal PasteArctic Silver 5
    Alphacool Shop (EU)View on Alphacool Shop (EU)
    NeweggView on Newegg
    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

    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.

    Arctic Silver 5

    5.9 / 10 Expert Rating

    A long-running metal-based paste known for a lengthy 200-hour cure period; once a category leader, now showing its age against newer non-curing formulas.

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