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Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste vs ID-Cooling Frost X25: Comparison
What is the difference between Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste and ID-Cooling Frost X25?
The gap that matters here is thermal conductivity: Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste 6.7 W/mK against ID-Cooling Frost X25 10.5 W/mK, which puts ID-Cooling Frost X25 36% ahead. There is a split on recommended use as well, High-end CPU/GPU on the Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste versus Mainstream CPU/GPU on the ID-Cooling Frost X25. They differ on conductivity source too, https://shop.alphacool.com/en/detail/index/sArticle/22025 on the Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste versus https://www.idcooling.com/product/detail?id=286 on the ID-Cooling Frost X25.
Which should you buy, Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste or ID-Cooling Frost X25?
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 the wrong buy for anyone needing a confirmed silicone/carbon base disclosure, which Alphacool has not published for this formula. The ID-Cooling Frost X25 suits mainstream gaming CPUs under air or AIO coolers and ID-TG15 users wanting a documented step up, though it is not built for overclocked or high-wattage CPUs, where Frost X45 fits better and extreme overclocking or direct-die cooling. It is equally the pick for buyers who want viscosity and density data on the spec sheet. 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 ID-Cooling Frost X25 (7.5/10): A capable mainstream paste from ID-Cooling's well-regarded Frost line, offering most of X45's benefit at a lower price.
Frequently asked questions
Do the Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste and ID-Cooling Frost X25 differ on max operating temperature?
Yes. Max Operating Temperature reads 130 C on the Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste versus 180 C on the ID-Cooling Frost X25.
Is the Electrical Conductivity the same on the Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste and ID-Cooling Frost X25?
It is. Both are listed at Insulating, so it is not a reason to pick one over the other.
Specs and benchmarks
Brand
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- Alphacool
- ID-Cooling Frost X25
- ID-Cooling
Model
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- Alphacool Apex 2
- ID-Cooling Frost X25
- Frost X25
Thermal Conductivity
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- 6.7 W/mK-36%
- ID-Cooling Frost X25
- 10.5 W/mKBest
Electrical Conductivity
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- Insulating
- ID-Cooling Frost X25
- Insulating
Package Size
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- 2g syringe
- ID-Cooling Frost X25
- 2g or 4g syringe
Recommended Use
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- High-end CPU/GPU (developed with Halnziye for CPUs, GPU hotspots, overclocking systems, workstations and servers)
- ID-Cooling Frost X25
- Mainstream CPU/GPU
Conductivity Source
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- https://shop.alphacool.com/en/detail/index/sArticle/22025
- ID-Cooling Frost X25
- https://www.idcooling.com/product/detail?id=286
Viscosity
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- 130 Pa-s
- ID-Cooling Frost X25
- 560 Pa-s
Min Operating Temperature
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- -20 C
- ID-Cooling Frost X25
- -40 CBest
Max Operating Temperature
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- 130 CBest
- ID-Cooling Frost X25
- 180 C
Density
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- 2.6 g/cm3
- ID-Cooling Frost X25
- 2.6 g/cm3
Paste Segment
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- Standard Paste
- ID-Cooling Frost X25
- Standard Paste
Operating Temperature
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- -20 to +130 °C
- ID-Cooling Frost X25
- -40C to 180CBest
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 ID-Cooling Frost X25 if you want the higher thermal conductivity (10.5 W/mK vs 6.7 W/mK).
Price comparison
| Retailer | Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste | ID-Cooling Frost X25 |
|---|---|---|
| Alphacool Shop (EU) | View on Alphacool Shop (EU) |
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.
ID-Cooling Frost X25
7.5 / 10 Expert Rating
A capable mainstream paste from ID-Cooling's well-regarded Frost line, offering most of X45's benefit at a lower price.