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Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste vs Phobya Thermal Pad Ultra 5W/mK: Comparison
What is the difference between Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste and Phobya Thermal Pad Ultra 5W/mK?
They are built to different briefs, and viscosity shows it, Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste 130 Pa-s against Phobya Thermal Pad Ultra 5W/mK 4 Pa-s. There is a split on recommended use as well, High-end CPU/GPU on the Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste versus Mainstream CPU/GPU; Phobya also markets it for VRAM, VRM,... on the Phobya Thermal Pad Ultra 5W/mK. Paste segment is not the same on both, Standard Paste on the Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste versus Pad on the Phobya Thermal Pad Ultra 5W/mK.
Who each one is for
it is not the pick 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. it is the wrong buy for buyers wanting Phobya's higher-conductivity Thermal Pad XT line instead. The same goes for VRAM, VRM, and mainboard chipset cooling needing a compressible pad to bridge height differences up to 4mm. It is not the one for CPU IHS-to-cooler contact where a conventional paste offers thinner bond lines. 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 Phobya Thermal Pad Ultra 5W/mK (5.8/10): A small single-piece pad with modest conductivity, a niche fit for specific gap sizes.
Where the two are identical
Where they agree, they agree completely, electrical conductivity and pump-out resistance included, so the decision does not turn on any of those.
Specs and benchmarks
Brand
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- Alphacool
- Phobya Thermal Pad Ultra 5W/mK
- Phobya
Model
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- Alphacool Apex 2
- Phobya Thermal Pad Ultra 5W/mK
- Phobya Thermal Pad Ultra 5W/mk
Electrical Conductivity
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- Insulating
- Phobya Thermal Pad Ultra 5W/mK
- Insulating
Package Size
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- 2g syringe
- Phobya Thermal Pad Ultra 5W/mK
- 15 x 15 x 4mm, sold as a single piece; also available in other sizes up to 120x20mm strips
Recommended Use
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- High-end CPU/GPU (developed with Halnziye for CPUs, GPU hotspots, overclocking systems, workstations and servers)
- Phobya Thermal Pad Ultra 5W/mK
- Mainstream CPU/GPU; Phobya also markets it for VRAM, VRM, and North/Southbridge cooling
Viscosity
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- 130 Pa-s
- Phobya Thermal Pad Ultra 5W/mK
- 4 Pa-s
Pump-Out Resistance
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- High
- Phobya Thermal Pad Ultra 5W/mK
- High
Paste Segment
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- Standard Paste
- Phobya Thermal Pad Ultra 5W/mK
- 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 Phobya Thermal Pad Ultra 5W/mK if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Price comparison
| Retailer | Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste | Phobya Thermal Pad Ultra 5W/mK |
|---|---|---|
| Alphacool Shop (EU) | View on Alphacool Shop (EU) | |
| Performance-PCs | View on Performance-PCs | |
| Newegg | View on Newegg |
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.
Phobya Thermal Pad Ultra 5W/mK
5.8 / 10 Expert Rating
A small single-piece pad with modest conductivity, a niche fit for specific gap sizes.
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