Consumercarts

Consumercarts is reader-supported. Learn more

Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste vs Arctic TP-1: Comparison

Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste vs Arctic TP-1: the viscosity difference

Viscosity is the dividing line, Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste 130 Pa-s against Arctic TP-1 20 Pa-s. They differ on recommended use too, High-end CPU/GPU on the Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste versus Mainstream CPU/GPU on the Arctic TP-1. They differ on density too, 2.6 g/cm3 on the Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste versus 2.3 g/cm3 on the Arctic TP-1. Paste segment is not the same on both, Standard Paste on the Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste versus Pad on the Arctic TP-1.

Which should you buy, Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste or Arctic TP-1?

it is the wrong buy for buyers who specifically want liquid-metal-level conductivity. It is equally the pick 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. The Arctic TP-1 suits RAM heatsinks and VRM gap-filling and Raspberry Pi and single-board computer builds, though it is not the pick for buyers who want a published W/mK thermal conductivity number. Avoid it for high-wattage CPU or GPU direct cooling - too soft/thin for that duty. 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 TP-1 (6/10): Arctic's entry-level pad, ultra-soft and easy to fit, aimed at low-cost gap-filling rather than peak conductivity.

Frequently asked questions

Do the Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste and Arctic TP-1 differ on max operating temperature?

Yes. Max Operating Temperature reads 130 C on the Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste versus 150 C on the Arctic TP-1.

Is the Electrical Conductivity the same on the Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste and Arctic TP-1?

It is. Both are listed at Insulating, so it is not a reason to pick one over the other.

Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste (Non-Conductive/6.7 W/mK/High-end CPU/GPU)
Alphacool
Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
Arctic TP-1 (APT2012) (Thermal Pad/Non-Conductive/Ultra-Soft Entry-Level Gap Filler)
Arctic
Arctic TP-1

Specs and benchmarks

  • Electrical Conductivity

    Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
    Insulating
    Arctic TP-1
    Insulating

  • Package Size

    Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
    2g syringe
    Arctic TP-1
    120x20mm or 100x100mm sheets, 0.5mm/1mm/1.5mm thickness, sold in 4-pad packs

  • Recommended Use

    Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
    High-end CPU/GPU (developed with Halnziye for CPUs, GPU hotspots, overclocking systems, workstations and servers)
    Arctic TP-1
    Mainstream CPU/GPU (RAM heatsinks, chipsets, single-board computers)

  • 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 TP-1
    Non-adhesive, electrically insulating, no metal particles, not capacitive - safe even in contact with electrical components

  • Viscosity

    Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
    130 Pa-s
    Arctic TP-1
    20 Pa-s

  • Min Operating Temperature

    Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
    -20 C
    Arctic TP-1
    -40 CBest

  • Max Operating Temperature

    Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
    130 CBest
    Arctic TP-1
    150 C

  • Density

    Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
    2.6 g/cm3
    Arctic TP-1
    2.3 g/cm3

  • Paste Segment

    Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
    Standard Paste
    Arctic TP-1
    Pad

  • Operating Temperature

    Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
    -20 to +130 °C
    Arctic TP-1
    -40C to 150C continuous useBest

    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 TP-1 if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.

    Price comparison

    RetailerAlphacool Apex 2 Thermal PasteArctic TP-1
    Alphacool Shop (EU)View on Alphacool Shop (EU)
    Arctic StoreView on Arctic Store

    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 TP-1

    6 / 10 Expert Rating

    Arctic's entry-level pad, ultra-soft and easy to fit, aimed at low-cost gap-filling rather than peak conductivity.

    More comparisons in Thermal Paste