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Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste vs ID-Cooling Frost X45: Comparison

Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste vs ID-Cooling Frost X45 thermal conductivity compared

On thermal conductivity the spread is 56%, Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste 6.7 W/mK against ID-Cooling Frost X45 15.2 W/mK, so ID-Cooling Frost X45 takes it. They differ on viscosity too, 130 Pa-s on the Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste versus Gray, silicone oil-based with nano particles, non-curing on the ID-Cooling Frost X45. There is a split on conductivity source as well, https://shop.alphacool.com/en/detail/index/sArticle/22025 on the Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste versus https://www.idcooling.com/product/list?category_parent=69 on the ID-Cooling Frost X45. There is a split on density as well, 2.6 g/cm3 on the Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste versus 2.8 g/cm3 on the ID-Cooling Frost X45.

Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste vs ID-Cooling Frost X45: which one fits your build

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. Take the ID-Cooling Frost X45 for enthusiasts and overclockers who want flagship-adjacent numbers without paying flagship prices. Avoid it for builders who specifically want an established brand name over a value pick, TFX or Kryonaut carry more brand recognition. 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 X45 (8.8/10): one of the best-performing pastes on air cooling in independent testing, though its thick consistency takes practice to spread well.

Frequently asked questions

Do the Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste and ID-Cooling Frost X45 differ on max operating temperature?

Yes. Max Operating Temperature reads 130 C on the Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste versus 300 C on the ID-Cooling Frost X45.

Is the Electrical Conductivity the same on the Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste and ID-Cooling Frost X45?

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 X45
    ID-Cooling
  • Model

    Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
    Alphacool Apex 2
    ID-Cooling Frost X45
    Frost X45
  • Thermal Conductivity

    Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
    6.7 W/mK-56%
    ID-Cooling Frost X45
    15.2 W/mKBest
  • Electrical Conductivity

    Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
    Insulating
    ID-Cooling Frost X45
    Insulating
  • Package Size

    Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
    2g syringe
    ID-Cooling Frost X45
    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 X45
    High-end CPU/GPU
  • Conductivity Source

    Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
    https://shop.alphacool.com/en/detail/index/sArticle/22025
    ID-Cooling Frost X45
    https://www.idcooling.com/product/list?category_parent=69
  • Viscosity

    Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
    130 Pa-s
    ID-Cooling Frost X45
    Gray, silicone oil-based with nano particles, non-curing
  • Min Operating Temperature

    Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
    -20 C
    ID-Cooling Frost X45
    -50 CBest
  • Max Operating Temperature

    Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
    130 CBest
    ID-Cooling Frost X45
    300 C
  • Density

    Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
    2.6 g/cm3
    ID-Cooling Frost X45
    2.8 g/cm3
  • Paste Segment

    Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
    Standard Paste
    ID-Cooling Frost X45
    Standard Paste
  • Operating Temperature

    Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
    -20 to +130 °C
    ID-Cooling Frost X45
    -50C to 300CBest

    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 X45 if you want the higher thermal conductivity (15.2 W/mK vs 6.7 W/mK).

    Price comparison

    RetailerAlphacool Apex 2 Thermal PasteID-Cooling Frost X45
    Alphacool Shop (EU)View on Alphacool Shop (EU)
    AmazonView on Amazon

    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 X45

    8.8 / 10 Expert Rating

    One of the best-performing pastes on air cooling in independent testing, though its thick consistency takes practice to spread well.

    More comparisons in Thermal Paste