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Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste vs Zalman ZM-STG2: Comparison
What is the difference between Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste and Zalman ZM-STG2?
On thermal conductivity the spread is 39%, Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste 6.7 W/mK against Zalman ZM-STG2 4.1 W/mK, so Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste takes it. Recommended use is not the same on both, High-end CPU/GPU on the Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste versus General CPU Cooling on the Zalman ZM-STG2. 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/US/Product/ProductDetail.do?productSeq=264 on the Zalman ZM-STG2.
Who each one is for
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. Avoid it for anyone needing a confirmed silicone/carbon base disclosure, which Alphacool has not published for this formula. The Zalman ZM-STG2 is the one to take for buyers replacing an existing Zalman-branded application, though it is not built for high-end or overclocked builds needing a documented, competitive conductivity figure and anyone wanting current-generation performance data before purchasing. The same goes for budget general CPU cooling where a recognizable, long-running brand name matters. 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-STG2 (5.3/10): A long-running budget staple from Zalman, dated but still functional.
Where the two are identical
The common ground is wider than the gap: electrical conductivity and paste segment are identical here.
Specs and benchmarks
Brand
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- Alphacool
- Zalman ZM-STG2
- Zalman
Model
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- Alphacool Apex 2
- Zalman ZM-STG2
- Zalman ZM-STG2
Thermal Conductivity
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- 6.7 W/mKBest
- Zalman ZM-STG2
- 4.1 W/mK-39%
Electrical Conductivity
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- Insulating
- Zalman ZM-STG2
- Insulating
Package Size
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- 2g syringe
- Zalman ZM-STG2
- 3.5g syringe
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-STG2
- General CPU Cooling
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.
- Zalman ZM-STG2
- None
Conductivity Source
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- https://shop.alphacool.com/en/detail/index/sArticle/22025
- Zalman ZM-STG2
- https://www.zalman.com/US/Product/ProductDetail.do?productSeq=264
Paste Segment
- Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste
- Standard Paste
- Zalman ZM-STG2
- Standard Paste
Which one should you pick?
Choose Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste if you want the higher thermal conductivity (6.7 W/mK vs 4.1 W/mK).
Choose Zalman ZM-STG2 if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Price comparison
| Retailer | Alphacool Apex 2 Thermal Paste | Zalman ZM-STG2 |
|---|---|---|
| Alphacool Shop (EU) | View on Alphacool Shop (EU) |
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-STG2
5.3 / 10 Expert Rating
A long-running budget staple from Zalman, dated but still functional.
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