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Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste vs Phobya Thermal Pad XT 7W/mK: Comparison

Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste vs Phobya Thermal Pad XT 7W/mK viscosity compared

The first real difference is viscosity: Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste 130 Pa-s against Phobya Thermal Pad XT 7W/mK Very flexible, low-hardness pad that adapts to uneven surfaces.... 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 markets it as able to match... on the Phobya Thermal Pad XT 7W/mK. There is a split on paste segment as well, Standard Paste on the Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste versus Pad on the Phobya Thermal Pad XT 7W/mK.

Who each one is for

it is not built 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. Avoid it for anyone needing a confirmed silicone/carbon base disclosure, which Alphacool has not published for this formula. Take the Phobya Thermal Pad XT 7W/mK for VRAM, VRM, and large-surface chipset cooling wanting a higher-conductivity cuttable pad than Phobya's Ultra line. It is equally the pick for builds needing a big 100x100mm sheet that can be trimmed to several smaller components. It is not the one for applications needing to bridge gaps larger than this pad's 1.0mm thickness allows. 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 XT 7W/mK (6.1/10): A cuttable sheet pad from Phobya, a modest but usable option for water-cooling gap-filling.

Where the two are identical

The common ground is wider than the gap: electrical conductivity and pump-out resistance are identical here.

Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste (Non-Conductive/6.7 W/mK/High-end CPU/GPU)
Alphacool
Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
Phobya Thermal Pad XT 7W/mK (Pad/Non-Conductive/100x100x1.0mm)
Phobya
Phobya Thermal Pad XT 7W/mK

Specs and benchmarks

  • Brand

    Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
    Alphacool
    Phobya Thermal Pad XT 7W/mK
    Phobya

  • Model

    Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
    Alphacool Apex 2
    Phobya Thermal Pad XT 7W/mK
    Phobya Thermal Pad XT 7W/mk

  • Electrical Conductivity

    Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
    Insulating
    Phobya Thermal Pad XT 7W/mK
    Insulating

  • Package Size

    Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
    2g syringe
    Phobya Thermal Pad XT 7W/mK
    100 x 100 x 1.0mm sheet, cuttable to size; also sold in other thicknesses

  • 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 XT 7W/mK
    Mainstream CPU/GPU; Phobya markets it as able to match high-end thermal compounds for VRAM, VRM, and North/Southbridge cooling

  • Viscosity

    Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
    130 Pa-s
    Phobya Thermal Pad XT 7W/mK
    Very flexible, low-hardness pad that adapts to uneven surfaces at low contact pressure; slightly sticky surface under a removable protective foil

  • Pump-Out Resistance

    Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
    High
    Phobya Thermal Pad XT 7W/mK
    High

  • Paste Segment

    Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
    Standard Paste
    Phobya Thermal Pad XT 7W/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 XT 7W/mK if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.

    Price comparison

    RetailerAlphacool Apex 2 Thermal PastePhobya Thermal Pad XT 7W/mK
    Alphacool Shop (EU)View on Alphacool Shop (EU)
    NeweggView 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 XT 7W/mK

    6.1 / 10 Expert Rating

    A cuttable sheet pad from Phobya, a modest but usable option for water-cooling gap-filling.

    More comparisons in Thermal Paste