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Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste vs Noctua NT-H1: Comparison

Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste vs Noctua NT-H1 recommended use compared

The first real difference is recommended use: Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste High-end CPU/GPU against Noctua NT-H1 Mainstream CPU/GPU, High-end CPU/GPU.

Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste vs Noctua NT-H1: which one fits your build

it is not built 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. Take the Noctua NT-H1 for builders who already have NT-H1 on hand or find it at a discount versus NT-H2. It is equally the pick for mainstream to upper-mid CPU builds that don't need liquid metal-tier performance. Avoid it for buyers making a fresh purchase decision. NT-H2 is the same brand, similar price, and simply newer. 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rating of the Noctua NT-H1 (7.4/10): A long-running favorite for its ease of application and reliability, now largely superseded by NT-H2 but still a safe, proven choice.

What Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste and Noctua NT-H1 have in common

The common ground is wider than the gap: electrical conductivity and paste segment are identical here.

Specs and benchmarks

  • Brand

    Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
    Alphacool
    Noctua NT-H1
    Noctua
  • Model

    Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
    Alphacool Apex 2
    Noctua NT-H1
    Noctua NT-H1 , NT-H1
  • Electrical Conductivity

    Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
    Insulating
    Noctua NT-H1
    Insulating
  • Package Size

    Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
    2g syringe
    Noctua NT-H1
    3.5g / 10g tubes
  • Recommended Use

    Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
    High-end CPU/GPU (developed with Halnziye for CPUs, GPU hotspots, overclocking systems, workstations and servers)
    Noctua NT-H1
    Mainstream CPU/GPU, High-end CPU/GPU (Noctua's original flagship paste, superseded by NT-H2)
  • 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.
    Noctua NT-H1
    Not electrically conductive and non-corroding; safe with copper or aluminium coolers, nickel-plated or not
  • Paste Segment

    Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
    Standard Paste
    Noctua NT-H1
    Standard Paste

    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 Noctua NT-H1 if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.

    Price comparison

    RetailerAlphacool Apex 2 Thermal PasteNoctua NT-H1
    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.

    Noctua NT-H1

    7.4 / 10 Expert Rating

    A long-running favorite for its ease of application and reliability, now largely superseded by NT-H2 but still a safe, proven choice.

    More comparisons in Thermal Paste