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Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste vs Innovation Cooling IC Graphite: Comparison
What is the difference between Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste and Innovation Cooling IC Graphite?
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 Innovation Cooling IC Graphite 35 W/mK. Recommended use is not the same on both, High-end CPU/GPU on the Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste versus Delidded CPUs, Thin-Gap GPU/Laptop Cooling on the Innovation Cooling IC Graphite. 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.innovationcooling.com/products/ic-graphite-thermal-pad/ on the Innovation Cooling IC Graphite. They differ on paste segment too, Standard Paste on the Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste versus Pad on the Innovation Cooling IC Graphite.
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. Avoid it for anyone needing a confirmed silicone/carbon base disclosure, which Alphacool has not published for this formula. The Innovation Cooling IC Graphite is the one to take for builders who want to avoid pump-out and migration risks entirely, though it is not the pick for standard CPU IHS-to-cooler applications where a conventional paste is simpler and anyone needing a numeric W/mK figure for direct paste comparisons. It is equally the pick for delidded CPUs and thin-gap laptop or GPU cooling wanting a mess-free, reusable TIM. 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 Innovation Cooling IC Graphite (6.3/10): A solid graphite pad offering reusable, high-conductivity gap-filling, a different approach from typical paste or pad materials.
What Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste and Innovation Cooling IC Graphite have in common
The common ground is wider than the gap: electrical conductivity and pump-out resistance are identical here.
Specs and benchmarks
Brand
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- Alphacool
- Innovation Cooling IC Graphite
- Innovation Cooling
Model
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- Alphacool Apex 2
- Innovation Cooling IC Graphite
- Innovation Cooling IC Graphite
Thermal Conductivity
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- 6.7 W/mK
- Innovation Cooling IC Graphite
- 35 W/mK (axis not stated by maker)Best
Electrical Conductivity
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- Insulating
- Innovation Cooling IC Graphite
- Insulating
Package Size
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- 2g syringe
- Innovation Cooling IC Graphite
- Pre-cut pads: 30x30mm, 40x40mm, 90x90mm
Recommended Use
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- High-end CPU/GPU (developed with Halnziye for CPUs, GPU hotspots, overclocking systems, workstations and servers)
- Innovation Cooling IC Graphite
- Delidded CPUs, Thin-Gap GPU/Laptop Cooling
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.
- Innovation Cooling IC Graphite
- None
Conductivity Source
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- https://shop.alphacool.com/en/detail/index/sArticle/22025
- Innovation Cooling IC Graphite
- https://www.innovationcooling.com/products/ic-graphite-thermal-pad/
Pump-Out Resistance
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- High
- Innovation Cooling IC Graphite
- High
Paste Segment
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- Standard Paste
- Innovation Cooling IC Graphite
- Pad
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 Innovation Cooling IC Graphite if you want the higher thermal conductivity (35 W/mK (axis not stated by maker) vs 6.7 W/mK).
Price comparison
| Retailer | Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste | Innovation Cooling IC Graphite |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Innovation Cooling IC Graphite
6.3 / 10 Expert Rating
A solid graphite pad offering reusable, high-conductivity gap-filling, a different approach from typical paste or pad materials.
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