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Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste vs Arctic TP-4: Comparison

Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste vs Arctic TP-4: the viscosity difference

They are built to different briefs, and viscosity shows it, Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste 130 Pa-s against Arctic TP-4 50 Pa-s. There is a split on density as well, 2.6 g/cm3 on the Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste versus 3.4 g/cm3 on the Arctic TP-4. Paste segment is not the same on both, Standard Paste on the Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste versus Pad on the Arctic TP-4.

Which should you buy, Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste or Arctic TP-4?

it is not the pick for buyers who specifically want liquid-metal-level conductivity. It also earns its place with 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-4 is the one to take for GPU memory and VRM repads with uneven gap heights and laptop and console thermal pad replacement, though it is the wrong buy for direct CPU or GPU die contact; use an MX-series paste and buyers who need a published W/mK figure. 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-4 (6.9/10): Arctic's premium stackable pad option, a solid choice where multiple thicknesses need to be combined precisely.

Frequently asked questions

Do the Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste and Arctic TP-4 differ on max operating temperature?

Yes. Max Operating Temperature reads 130 C on the Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste versus 200 C on the Arctic TP-4.

Is the Electrical Conductivity the same on the Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste and Arctic TP-4?

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-4 (Silicone-Based Pad/Non-Conductive/Premium Performance, Stackable, SP6-Ready)
Arctic
Arctic TP-4

Specs and benchmarks

  • Electrical Conductivity

    Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
    Insulating
    Arctic TP-4
    Insulating

  • Package Size

    Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
    2g syringe
    Arctic TP-4
    120x20mm or 100x100mm sheets, 0.5mm/1mm/1.5mm thickness, 1 or 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-4
    Mainstream CPU/GPU, Laptop-Thin-GPU (RAM, chipsets, GPUs, consoles, laptops)

  • 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-4
    Electrically insulating (volume resistance 1.52x10^13 ohm-cm, breakdown voltage 8620 V/mil), non-adhesive, UL 94 V-0 flammability rated, dielectric constant 7.2 @1MHz

  • Viscosity

    Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
    130 Pa-s
    Arctic TP-4
    50 Pa-s

  • Min Operating Temperature

    Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
    -20 C
    Arctic TP-4
    -40 CBest

  • Max Operating Temperature

    Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
    130 CBest
    Arctic TP-4
    200 C

  • Density

    Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
    2.6 g/cm3
    Arctic TP-4
    3.4 g/cm3

  • Paste Segment

    Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
    Standard Paste
    Arctic TP-4
    Pad

  • Operating Temperature

    Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
    -20 to +130 °C
    Arctic TP-4
    -40C to 200C ambientBest

    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-4 if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.

    Price comparison

    RetailerAlphacool Apex 2 Thermal PasteArctic TP-4
    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-4

    6.9 / 10 Expert Rating

    Arctic's premium stackable pad option, a solid choice where multiple thicknesses need to be combined precisely.

    More comparisons in Thermal Paste