Consumercarts is reader-supported. Learn more
Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste vs PrimoChill Ultra Extreme XR-m Thermal Pad: Comparison
Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste vs PrimoChill Ultra Extreme XR-m Thermal Pad: the thermal conductivity difference
On thermal conductivity the spread is 61%, Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste 6.7 W/mK against PrimoChill Ultra Extreme XR-m Thermal Pad 17.0 W/mK, so PrimoChill Ultra Extreme XR-m Thermal Pad takes it. There is a split on recommended use as well, High-end CPU/GPU on the Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste versus GPU VRM/MOSFET Cooling, Case-Mod Builds on the PrimoChill Ultra Extreme XR-m Thermal Pad. 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.primochill.com/products/primochill-ultra-extreme-thermal-pad-100-x-15-x-1-5-thermal-conductivity-17-0-w-mk on the PrimoChill Ultra Extreme XR-m Thermal Pad. Paste segment is not the same on both, Standard Paste on the Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste versus Pad on the PrimoChill Ultra Extreme XR-m Thermal Pad.
Who each one is for
it is not the pick for buyers who specifically want liquid-metal-level conductivity. It is equally the pick for 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. it is the wrong buy for standard CPU IHS-to-cooler applications where a conventional paste is simpler. It also earns its place with GPU VRM/MOSFET cooling and case-mod builds needing a cuttable, shapeable thermal pad. It is the wrong buy for anyone needing a spreadable liquid compound rather than a solid cut-to-size sheet. 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 PrimoChill Ultra Extreme XR-m Thermal Pad (6.9/10): A cuttable high-conductivity sheet aimed at GPU VRM and case-mod cooling, from a brand known for water-cooling components.
Where the two are identical
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
- PrimoChill Ultra Extreme XR-m Thermal Pad
- PrimoChill
Model
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- Alphacool Apex 2
- PrimoChill Ultra Extreme XR-m Thermal Pad
- PrimoChill Ultra Extreme XR-m Thermal Pad
Thermal Conductivity
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- 6.7 W/mK-61%
- PrimoChill Ultra Extreme XR-m Thermal Pad
- 17.0 W/mKBest
Electrical Conductivity
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- Insulating
- PrimoChill Ultra Extreme XR-m Thermal Pad
- Insulating
Package Size
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- 2g syringe
- PrimoChill Ultra Extreme XR-m Thermal Pad
- 60x50mm sheets, multiple thicknesses
Recommended Use
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- High-end CPU/GPU (developed with Halnziye for CPUs, GPU hotspots, overclocking systems, workstations and servers)
- PrimoChill Ultra Extreme XR-m Thermal Pad
- GPU VRM/MOSFET Cooling, Case-Mod Builds
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.
- PrimoChill Ultra Extreme XR-m Thermal Pad
- None
Conductivity Source
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- https://shop.alphacool.com/en/detail/index/sArticle/22025
- PrimoChill Ultra Extreme XR-m Thermal Pad
- https://www.primochill.com/products/primochill-ultra-extreme-thermal-pad-100-x-15-x-1-5-thermal-conductivity-17-0-w-mk
Pump-Out Resistance
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- High
- PrimoChill Ultra Extreme XR-m Thermal Pad
- High
Paste Segment
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- Standard Paste
- PrimoChill Ultra Extreme XR-m Thermal Pad
- 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 PrimoChill Ultra Extreme XR-m Thermal Pad if you want the higher thermal conductivity (17.0 W/mK vs 6.7 W/mK).
Price comparison
| Retailer | Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste | PrimoChill Ultra Extreme XR-m Thermal Pad |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
PrimoChill Ultra Extreme XR-m Thermal Pad
6.9 / 10 Expert Rating
A cuttable high-conductivity sheet aimed at GPU VRM and case-mod cooling, from a brand known for water-cooling components.
More comparisons in Thermal Paste
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste vs Thermal Grizzly Minus Pad Pro
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste vs ID-Cooling Frost X45
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste vs Noctua NT-H1
- Arctic MX-7 vs PrimoChill Ultra Extreme XR-m Thermal Pad
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste vs ID-Cooling Frost X25
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste vs Zalman ZM-STC10