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Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste vs Zalman ZM-STC10: Comparison
Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste vs Zalman ZM-STC10: the thermal conductivity difference
Start with thermal conductivity, because it is the widest measured gap between them: Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste 6.7 W/mK against Zalman ZM-STC10 11.5 W/mK, 42% in favour of Zalman ZM-STC10. Viscosity is not the same on both, 130 Pa-s on the Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste versus 300 Pa-s on the Zalman ZM-STC10. They differ on recommended use too, High-end CPU/GPU on the Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste versus Mainstream CPU/GPU on the Zalman ZM-STC10. Conductivity source is not the same on both, https://shop.alphacool.com/en/detail/index/sArticle/22025 on the Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste versus https://www.zalman.com/EN/Product/ProductDetail.do?productSeq=1495 on the Zalman ZM-STC10. They differ on density too, 2.6 g/cm3 on the Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste versus 2.9 g/cm3 on the Zalman ZM-STC10.
Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste vs Zalman ZM-STC10: which one fits your build
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 the wrong buy for anyone needing a confirmed silicone/carbon base disclosure, which Alphacool has not published for this formula. The Zalman ZM-STC10 suits mainstream CPU/GPU cooling and users upgrading from Zalman's entry ZM-STG series, though it is not built for delidded direct-die extreme overclocking and liquid-metal-tier performance needs. 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 Zalman ZM-STC10 (6.1/10): A reasonable mid-tier Zalman compound with a solid published conductivity figure.
Frequently asked questions
Do the Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste and Zalman ZM-STC10 differ on max operating temperature?
Yes. Max Operating Temperature reads 130 C on the Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste versus 200 C on the Zalman ZM-STC10.
Is the Electrical Conductivity the same on the Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste and Zalman ZM-STC10?
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
- Zalman ZM-STC10
- Zalman
Model
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- Alphacool Apex 2
- Zalman ZM-STC10
- ZM-STC10
Thermal Conductivity
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- 6.7 W/mK-42%
- Zalman ZM-STC10
- 11.5 W/mKBest
Electrical Conductivity
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- Insulating
- Zalman ZM-STC10
- Insulating
Package Size
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- 2g syringe
- Zalman ZM-STC10
- 2g syringe (110 x 23 x 14mm)
Recommended Use
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- High-end CPU/GPU (developed with Halnziye for CPUs, GPU hotspots, overclocking systems, workstations and servers)
- Zalman ZM-STC10
- Mainstream CPU/GPU
Conductivity Source
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- https://shop.alphacool.com/en/detail/index/sArticle/22025
- Zalman ZM-STC10
- https://www.zalman.com/EN/Product/ProductDetail.do?productSeq=1495
Viscosity
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- 130 Pa-s
- Zalman ZM-STC10
- 300 Pa-s
Min Operating Temperature
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- -20 C
- Zalman ZM-STC10
- -40 CBest
Max Operating Temperature
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- 130 CBest
- Zalman ZM-STC10
- 200 C
Density
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- 2.6 g/cm3
- Zalman ZM-STC10
- 2.9 g/cm3
Paste Segment
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- Standard Paste
- Zalman ZM-STC10
- Standard Paste
Operating Temperature
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- -20 to +130 °C
- Zalman ZM-STC10
- -40°C to 200°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 Zalman ZM-STC10 if you want the higher thermal conductivity (11.5 W/mK vs 6.7 W/mK).
Price comparison
| Retailer | Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste | Zalman ZM-STC10 |
|---|---|---|
| Alphacool Shop (EU) | View on Alphacool Shop (EU) | |
| Aquatuning | View on Aquatuning |
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.
Zalman ZM-STC10
6.1 / 10 Expert Rating
A reasonable mid-tier Zalman compound with a solid published conductivity figure.