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Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste vs Thermalright TF8: Comparison
Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste vs Thermalright TF8 thermal conductivity compared
The gap that matters here is thermal conductivity: Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste 6.7 W/mK against Thermalright TF8 13.8 W/mK, which puts Thermalright TF8 51% ahead. 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.thermalright.com/product/tf8-thermal-paste-1-2g/ on the Thermalright TF8. They differ on density too, 2.6 g/cm3 on the Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste versus 2.9 g/cm3 on the Thermalright TF8.
Which should you buy, Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste or Thermalright TF8?
it is the wrong buy 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 the wrong buy for anyone needing a confirmed silicone/carbon base disclosure, which Alphacool has not published for this formula. The Thermalright TF8 is the one to take for experienced builders comfortable spreading stiff paste, though it is not built for anyone who can't verify which TF8 batch they are buying and beginners who want an easy thin spread. The same goes for buyers who can confirm pre-2025 stock and want a dense, high-performing paste. 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 TF8 (6.6/10): A high-density filler paste from an older TF-series batch; buyers should be aware a 2025 formula change was flagged by independent testers.
Frequently asked questions
Do the Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste and Thermalright TF8 differ on viscosity?
Yes. Viscosity reads 130 Pa-s on the Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste versus Dense mix of thermally conductive fillers with relatively little... on the Thermalright TF8.
Is the Electrical Conductivity the same on the Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste and Thermalright TF8?
It is. Both are listed at Insulating, so it is not a reason to pick one over the other.
Specs and benchmarks
Brand
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- Alphacool
- Thermalright TF8
- Thermalright
Model
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- Alphacool Apex 2
- Thermalright TF8
- TF8
Thermal Conductivity
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- 6.7 W/mK-51%
- Thermalright TF8
- 13.8 W/mKBest
Electrical Conductivity
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- Insulating
- Thermalright TF8
- Insulating
Package Size
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- 2g syringe
- Thermalright TF8
- 1.2g, 2g, 5.8g, 12.8g syringe options
Recommended Use
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- High-end CPU/GPU (developed with Halnziye for CPUs, GPU hotspots, overclocking systems, workstations and servers)
- Thermalright TF8
- High-end 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 TF8
- Electrically non-conductive, harmless per manufacturer
Conductivity Source
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- https://shop.alphacool.com/en/detail/index/sArticle/22025
- Thermalright TF8
- https://www.thermalright.com/product/tf8-thermal-paste-1-2g/
Viscosity
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- 130 Pa-s
- Thermalright TF8
- Dense mix of thermally conductive fillers with relatively little silicone binder, per igor'sLAB teardown
Max Operating Temperature
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- 130 CBest
- Thermalright TF8
- 380 C
Density
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- 2.6 g/cm3
- Thermalright TF8
- 2.9 g/cm3
Paste Segment
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- Standard Paste
- Thermalright TF8
- Standard Paste
Operating Temperature
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- -20 to +130 °CBest
- Thermalright TF8
- Up to 380 C
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 TF8 if you want the higher thermal conductivity (13.8 W/mK vs 6.7 W/mK).
Price comparison
| Retailer | Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste | Thermalright TF8 |
|---|---|---|
| Alphacool Shop (EU) | View on Alphacool Shop (EU) | |
| Thermalright (Manufacturer) | View on Thermalright (Manufacturer) |
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 TF8
6.6 / 10 Expert Rating
A high-density filler paste from an older TF-series batch; buyers should be aware a 2025 formula change was flagged by independent testers.
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