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Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste vs Thermalright TF7: Comparison
What is the difference between Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste and Thermalright TF7?
Thermal conductivity is where these two genuinely part company, Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste 6.7 W/mK against Thermalright TF7 12.8 W/mK, a 48% lead for Thermalright TF7. There is a split on recommended use as well, High-end CPU/GPU on the Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste versus Mainstream CPU/GPU on the Thermalright TF7. They differ on conductivity source too, https://shop.alphacool.com/en/detail/index/sArticle/22025 on the Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste versus https://www.thermalright.com/product/tf7-2g/ on the Thermalright TF7. Density is not the same on both, 2.6 g/cm3 on the Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste versus 2.8 g/cm3 on the Thermalright TF7.
Which should you buy, Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste or Thermalright TF7?
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. The Thermalright TF7 is the one to take for budget-conscious enthusiasts and mainstream gaming builds, though it is not built for extreme overclocking and delidded direct-die use. 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 Thermalright TF7 (6.3/10): A budget enthusiast paste from Thermalright, decent value though older than the brand's newer TF9/TFX releases.
What Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste and Thermalright TF7 have in common
Where they agree, they agree completely, electrical conductivity and paste segment included, so the decision does not turn on any of those.
Frequently asked questions
Do the Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste and Thermalright TF7 differ on max operating temperature?
Yes. Max Operating Temperature reads 130 C on the Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste versus 250 C on the Thermalright TF7.
Specs and benchmarks
Brand
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- Alphacool
- Thermalright TF7
- Thermalright
Model
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- Alphacool Apex 2
- Thermalright TF7
- TF7
Thermal Conductivity
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- 6.7 W/mK-48%
- Thermalright TF7
- 12.8 W/mKBest
Electrical Conductivity
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- Insulating
- Thermalright TF7
- Insulating
Package Size
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- 2g syringe
- Thermalright TF7
- 2g and 8g syringe
Recommended Use
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- High-end CPU/GPU (developed with Halnziye for CPUs, GPU hotspots, overclocking systems, workstations and servers)
- Thermalright TF7
- Mainstream CPU/GPU
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.
- Thermalright TF7
- Electrically non-conductive, non-corrosive per manufacturer
Conductivity Source
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- https://shop.alphacool.com/en/detail/index/sArticle/22025
- Thermalright TF7
- https://www.thermalright.com/product/tf7-2g/
Min Operating Temperature
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- -20 C
- Thermalright TF7
- -150 CBest
Max Operating Temperature
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- 130 CBest
- Thermalright TF7
- 250 C
Density
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- 2.6 g/cm3
- Thermalright TF7
- 2.8 g/cm3
Paste Segment
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- Standard Paste
- Thermalright TF7
- Standard Paste
Operating Temperature
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- -20 to +130 °C
- Thermalright TF7
- -150 C to 250 CBest
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 Thermalright TF7 if you want the higher thermal conductivity (12.8 W/mK vs 6.7 W/mK).
Price comparison
| Retailer | Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste | Thermalright TF7 |
|---|---|---|
| Alphacool Shop (EU) | View on Alphacool Shop (EU) | |
| Thermalright (Manufacturer) | View on Thermalright (Manufacturer) | |
| Amazon | View 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.
Thermalright TF7
6.3 / 10 Expert Rating
A budget enthusiast paste from Thermalright, decent value though older than the brand's newer TF9/TFX releases.
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