Consumercarts is reader-supported. Learn more
Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste vs StarTech.com StarTech SILV5-THERMAL-PASTE: Comparison
Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste vs StarTech.com StarTech SILV5-THERMAL-PASTE: the thermal conductivity difference
There is no decisive spec gap here. Thermal conductivity splits them by a margin most buyers will never feel, Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste 6.7 W/mK against StarTech.com StarTech SILV5-THERMAL-PASTE 3.195 W/mK at 25C. They differ on recommended use too, High-end CPU/GPU on the Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste versus Mainstream CPU/GPU on the StarTech.com StarTech SILV5-THERMAL-PASTE. 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.startech.com/en-us/computer-parts/silv5-thermal-paste on the StarTech.com StarTech SILV5-THERMAL-PASTE.
Which should you buy, Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste or StarTech.com StarTech SILV5-THERMAL-PASTE?
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. It is not the one for anyone needing a confirmed silicone/carbon base disclosure, which Alphacool has not published for this formula. The StarTech.com StarTech SILV5-THERMAL-PASTE suits IT technicians servicing multiple workstations and mainstream desktop CPU/GPU re-pasting, though it is the wrong buy for high-end overclocking or delidded direct-die use and single-application home users (single syringe SILVGREASE1 is more economical). 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 StarTech.com StarTech SILV5-THERMAL-PASTE (5.6/10): A five-pack of re-sealable syringes built for IT technicians managing several machines, not a performance-focused pick.
Where the two are identical
Everything else lines up. Electrical conductivity and paste segment read the same on both, so those are not worth weighing.
Frequently asked questions
Do the Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste and StarTech.com StarTech SILV5-THERMAL-PASTE differ on max operating temperature?
Yes. Max Operating Temperature reads 130 C on the Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste versus 180 C on the StarTech.com StarTech SILV5-THERMAL-PASTE.
Specs and benchmarks
Brand
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- Alphacool
- StarTech.com StarTech SILV5-THERMAL-PASTE
- StarTech.com
Model
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- Alphacool Apex 2
- StarTech.com StarTech SILV5-THERMAL-PASTE
- SILV5-THERMAL-PASTE
Thermal Conductivity
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- 6.7 W/mKBest
- StarTech.com StarTech SILV5-THERMAL-PASTE
- 3.195 W/mK at 25C
Electrical Conductivity
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- Insulating
- StarTech.com StarTech SILV5-THERMAL-PASTE
- Insulating
Package Size
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- 2g syringe
- StarTech.com StarTech SILV5-THERMAL-PASTE
- 5 x 1.5g re-sealable syringes (7.5g total)
Recommended Use
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- High-end CPU/GPU (developed with Halnziye for CPUs, GPU hotspots, overclocking systems, workstations and servers)
- StarTech.com StarTech SILV5-THERMAL-PASTE
- Mainstream CPU/GPU (best suited for CPUs with TDP up to 65W)
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.
- StarTech.com StarTech SILV5-THERMAL-PASTE
- CE and RoHS certified
Conductivity Source
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- https://shop.alphacool.com/en/detail/index/sArticle/22025
- StarTech.com StarTech SILV5-THERMAL-PASTE
- https://www.startech.com/en-us/computer-parts/silv5-thermal-paste
Min Operating Temperature
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- -20 C
- StarTech.com StarTech SILV5-THERMAL-PASTE
- -30 CBest
Max Operating Temperature
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- 130 CBest
- StarTech.com StarTech SILV5-THERMAL-PASTE
- 180 C
Paste Segment
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- Standard Paste
- StarTech.com StarTech SILV5-THERMAL-PASTE
- Standard Paste
Operating Temperature
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- -20 to +130 °C
- StarTech.com StarTech SILV5-THERMAL-PASTE
- -30°C to 180°C (-22°F to 356°F)Best
Which one should you pick?
Choose Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste if you want the higher thermal conductivity (6.7 W/mK vs 3.195 W/mK at 25C).
Choose StarTech.com StarTech SILV5-THERMAL-PASTE if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Price comparison
| Retailer | Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste | StarTech.com StarTech SILV5-THERMAL-PASTE |
|---|---|---|
| Alphacool Shop (EU) | View on Alphacool Shop (EU) | |
| StarTech.com | View on StarTech.com |
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.
StarTech.com StarTech SILV5-THERMAL-PASTE
5.6 / 10 Expert Rating
A five-pack of re-sealable syringes built for IT technicians managing several machines, not a performance-focused pick.
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
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste vs ID-Cooling Frost X25
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste vs Zalman ZM-STC10
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste vs Arctic TP-4