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Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste vs Coollaboratory Liquid Extreme: Comparison
What is the difference between Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste and Coollaboratory Liquid Extreme?
These two are close on paper, and thermal conductivity is the only measure that separates them at all: Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste 6.7 W/mK against Coollaboratory Liquid Extreme 41 W/mK. Paste segment is not the same on both, Standard Paste on the Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste versus Liquid Metal on the Coollaboratory Liquid Extreme.
Who each one is for
it is the wrong buy 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 Coollaboratory Liquid Extreme is the one to take for delidded CPUs with nickel-plated copper heatspreaders and coolers and high-end GPU direct-die cooling with careful masking, though it is not built for any aluminum cooler, heatspreader or cold plate and first-time builders or anyone uncomfortable masking components. The same goes for experienced builders wanting a more spreadable liquid metal than Liquid Pro. It is the wrong buy for laptops or GPUs where a spill could reach exposed components unnoticed. 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 Coollaboratory Liquid Extreme (7.6/10): A straightforward 100% metal TIM from an established liquid-metal specialist, performance-focused rather than beginner-friendly.
Frequently asked questions
Do the Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste and Coollaboratory Liquid Extreme differ on electrical conductivity?
Yes. Electrical Conductivity reads Insulating on the Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste versus Conductive on the Coollaboratory Liquid Extreme.
Specs and benchmarks
Brand
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- Alphacool
- Coollaboratory Liquid Extreme
- Coollaboratory
Model
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- Alphacool Apex 2
- Coollaboratory Liquid Extreme
- Liquid Extreme
Thermal Conductivity
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- 6.7 W/mK
- Coollaboratory Liquid Extreme
- 41 W/mK (retailer-quoted; Coollaboratory prints no figure)Best
Electrical Conductivity
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- Insulating
- Coollaboratory Liquid Extreme
- Conductive
Package Size
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- 2g syringe
- Coollaboratory Liquid Extreme
- About 0.15ml (roughly 1g) kit with cleaning cloth
Recommended Use
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- High-end CPU/GPU (developed with Halnziye for CPUs, GPU hotspots, overclocking systems, workstations and servers)
- Coollaboratory Liquid Extreme
- High-end CPU/GPU, Delidded-Direct-Die
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.
- Coollaboratory Liquid Extreme
- Gallium-based liquid metal alloy. Will alloy with and corrode bare aluminum on contact, so never use it on aluminum heatsinks, cold plates or aluminum dies/IHS. Use only on nickel-plated copper or protected surfaces, avoid skin and eye contact, and contain spills immediately.
Conductivity Source
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- https://shop.alphacool.com/en/detail/index/sArticle/22025
- Coollaboratory Liquid Extreme
- https://www.overclockers.co.uk/coollaboratory-liquid-extreme-1g-cleaning-set-th-019-cl.html
Viscosity
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- 130 Pa-s
- Coollaboratory Liquid Extreme
- 100 Pa-s
Paste Segment
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- Standard Paste
- Coollaboratory Liquid Extreme
- Liquid Metal
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 Coollaboratory Liquid Extreme if you want the higher thermal conductivity (41 W/mK (retailer-quoted; Coollaboratory prints no figure) vs 6.7 W/mK).
Price comparison
| Retailer | Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste | Coollaboratory Liquid Extreme |
|---|---|---|
| Alphacool Shop (EU) | View on Alphacool Shop (EU) | |
| Coollaboratory | View on Coollaboratory | |
| Amazon | View on Amazon | |
| Performance-PCs | View on Performance-PCs |
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.
Coollaboratory Liquid Extreme
7.6 / 10 Expert Rating
A straightforward 100% metal TIM from an established liquid-metal specialist, performance-focused rather than beginner-friendly.
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