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Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste vs Thermalright TFX: Comparison
Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste vs Thermalright TFX: the thermal conductivity difference
The gap that matters here is thermal conductivity: Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste 6.7 W/mK against Thermalright TFX 14.3 W/mK, which puts Thermalright TFX 53% ahead. There is a split on viscosity as well, 130 Pa-s on the Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste versus Very thick, dense filler load, described by reviewers as... on the Thermalright TFX. Max operating temperature is closer, 130 C on the Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste versus 300 C on the Thermalright TFX. 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/tfx-thermal-paste-2g/ on the Thermalright TFX. The operating temperature figures are near enough to ignore, -20 to +130 °C on the Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste versus Up to 300 C on the Thermalright TFX.
Who each one is for
it is the wrong buy 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. Avoid it for anyone needing a confirmed silicone/carbon base disclosure, which Alphacool has not published for this formula. it is not built for beginners or anyone wanting a quick, easy application and bare GPU or CPU dies, given igor'sLAB's surface damage finding. It also earns its place with experienced builders who accept the application and surface risks igor'sLAB found. 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 TFX (8.4/10): Thermalright's flagship TF-series paste with the range's highest rating at 14.3 W/mK, though igor'sLAB found particles over 10 microns and advised against it for PC use.
Where the two are identical
The common ground is wider than the gap: electrical conductivity, density and paste segment are identical here.
Specs and benchmarks
Brand
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- Alphacool
- Thermalright TFX
- Thermalright
Model
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- Alphacool Apex 2
- Thermalright TFX
- TFX
Thermal Conductivity
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- 6.7 W/mK-53%
- Thermalright TFX
- 14.3 W/mKBest
Electrical Conductivity
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- Insulating
- Thermalright TFX
- Insulating
Package Size
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- 2g syringe
- Thermalright TFX
- 2g and 6.2g 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 TFX
- 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 TFX
- Electrically non-conductive, harmless per manufacturer
Conductivity Source
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- https://shop.alphacool.com/en/detail/index/sArticle/22025
- Thermalright TFX
- https://www.thermalright.com/product/tfx-thermal-paste-2g/
Viscosity
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- 130 Pa-s
- Thermalright TFX
- Very thick, dense filler load, described by reviewers as bordering on putty-like
Max Operating Temperature
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- 130 CBest
- Thermalright TFX
- 300 C
Density
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- 2.6 g/cm3
- Thermalright TFX
- 2.6 g/cm3
Paste Segment
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- Standard Paste
- Thermalright TFX
- Standard Paste
Operating Temperature
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- -20 to +130 °CBest
- Thermalright TFX
- Up to 300 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 TFX if you want the higher thermal conductivity (14.3 W/mK vs 6.7 W/mK).
Price comparison
| Retailer | Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste | Thermalright TFX |
|---|---|---|
| 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 TFX
8.4 / 10 Expert Rating
Thermalright's flagship TF-series paste with the range's highest rating at 14.3 W/mK, though igor'sLAB found particles over 10 microns and advised against it for PC use.
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