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Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste vs EKWB EK Thermal PAD F 1.5mm: Comparison
Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste vs EKWB EK Thermal PAD F 1.5mm: the thermal conductivity difference
On thermal conductivity the spread is 48%, Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste 6.7 W/mK against EKWB EK Thermal PAD F 1.5mm 3.5 W/mK, so Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste takes it. There is a split on paste segment as well, Standard Paste on the Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste versus Pad on the EKWB EK Thermal PAD F 1.5mm.
Which should you buy, Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste or EKWB EK Thermal PAD F 1.5mm?
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. Avoid it for anyone needing a confirmed silicone/carbon base disclosure, which Alphacool has not published for this formula. Buy the EKWB EK Thermal PAD F 1.5mm for DIY water block rebuilds needing a 1.5mm gap-filler pad, though it is not built for CPU/GPU direct-die paste application. The same goes for replacing worn factory thermal pads on EK full-cover water blocks with a 120x16mm contact strip. It is not the one for builds needing a higher-conductivity performance paste rather than a gap-filler pad. 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 EKWB EK Thermal PAD F 1.5mm (6.4/10): A reusable replacement pad sized for EK water blocks, a practical maintenance item rather than a performance pick.
Frequently asked questions
Do the Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste and EKWB EK Thermal PAD F 1.5mm differ on viscosity?
Yes. Viscosity reads 130 Pa-s on the Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste versus 5 Pa-s on the EKWB EK Thermal PAD F 1.5mm.
Is the Electrical Conductivity the same on the Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste and EKWB EK Thermal PAD F 1.5mm?
It is. Both are listed at Insulating, so it is not a reason to pick one over the other.
Specs and benchmarks
Thermal Conductivity
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- 6.7 W/mKBest
- EKWB EK Thermal PAD F 1.5mm
- 3.5 W/mK-48%
Electrical Conductivity
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- Insulating
- EKWB EK Thermal PAD F 1.5mm
- Insulating
Package Size
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- 2g syringe
- EKWB EK Thermal PAD F 1.5mm
- Type F, 120 x 16 x 1.5mm
Recommended Use
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- High-end CPU/GPU (developed with Halnziye for CPUs, GPU hotspots, overclocking systems, workstations and servers)
- EKWB EK Thermal PAD F 1.5mm
- High-end CPU/GPU (replacement pad for EK full-cover water blocks)
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.
- EKWB EK Thermal PAD F 1.5mm
- Flame rating V-0; dielectric breakdown voltage >4kV; volume resistance >10^11 Ohm-m; natural tack on one side only, remove protective foil before installation
Conductivity Source
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- https://shop.alphacool.com/en/detail/index/sArticle/22025
- EKWB EK Thermal PAD F 1.5mm
- https://www.ekwb.com/shop/thermal-pad-f-1-5mm-120x16mm
Viscosity
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- 130 Pa-s
- EKWB EK Thermal PAD F 1.5mm
- 5 Pa-s
Min Operating Temperature
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- -20 C
- EKWB EK Thermal PAD F 1.5mm
- -55 CBest
Max Operating Temperature
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- 130 CBest
- EKWB EK Thermal PAD F 1.5mm
- 200 C
Density
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- 2.6 g/cm3
- EKWB EK Thermal PAD F 1.5mm
- 2.6 g/cm3
Paste Segment
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- Standard Paste
- EKWB EK Thermal PAD F 1.5mm
- Pad
Operating Temperature
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- -20 to +130 °C
- EKWB EK Thermal PAD F 1.5mm
- -55C to +200CBest
Which one should you pick?
Choose Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste if you want the higher thermal conductivity (6.7 W/mK vs 3.5 W/mK).
Choose EKWB EK Thermal PAD F 1.5mm if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Price comparison
| Retailer | Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste | EKWB EK Thermal PAD F 1.5mm |
|---|---|---|
| Alphacool Shop (EU) | View on Alphacool Shop (EU) | |
| Titan Rig | View on Titan Rig |
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.
EKWB EK Thermal PAD F 1.5mm
6.4 / 10 Expert Rating
A reusable replacement pad sized for EK water blocks, a practical maintenance item rather than a performance pick.
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