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Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK vs Arctic MX-1: Comparison
Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK vs Arctic MX-1 recommended use compared
Recommended use is the dividing line, Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK High-end CPU/GPU against Arctic MX-1 Mainstream CPU/GPU. There is a split on paste segment as well, Pad on the Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK versus Standard Paste on the Arctic MX-1.
Who each one is for
Take the Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK for high-end CPU/GPU, VRM/MOSFET, and memory-module cooling wanting the highest independently-measured W/mK figure among this catalog's pads. It is equally the pick for builds needing a documented electrical safety spec sheet (volume resistance, dielectric breakdown) rather than a generic non-conductive claim. Avoid it for buyers who specifically want Eisschicht's softer, more paste-like conforming fit for delicate uneven surfaces. The Arctic MX-1 suits retro/vintage PC builders restoring an early-2000s Arctic Cooling Freezer setup and historical reference on Arctic's MX lineage, though it is not built for buyers needing a modern, independently benchmarked paste. It is not the one for any current-generation CPU or GPU - superseded by MX-2 through MX-7 with two decades of formula improvements. Our rating of the Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK (6.8/10): A soft, high-conductivity pad aimed at high-end builds, though it lacks the independent review base of the paste side of Alphacool's lineup. Our rating of the Arctic MX-1 (4.8/10): A legacy compound originally bundled with older Arctic Cooling coolers; Arctic no longer publishes current specifications for it, so treat it as a dated, no-longer-current option.
Where the two are identical
The common ground is wider than the gap: electrical conductivity are identical here.
Specs and benchmarks
Electrical Conductivity
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- Insulating
- Arctic MX-1
- Insulating
Recommended Use
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- High-end CPU/GPU
- Arctic MX-1
- Mainstream CPU/GPU (originally bundled with Arctic Cooling Freezer 4/7/64 and Accelero coolers, rated for all AMD and Intel platforms of its era)
Paste Segment
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- Pad
- Arctic MX-1
- Standard Paste
Which one should you pick?
Choose Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Choose Arctic MX-1 if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Price comparison
| Retailer | Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK | Arctic MX-1 |
|---|---|---|
| Alphacool Shop (EU) | View on Alphacool Shop (EU) | |
| Newegg | View on Newegg |
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 Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
6.8 / 10 Expert Rating
A soft, high-conductivity pad aimed at high-end builds, though it lacks the independent review base of the paste side of Alphacool's lineup.
Arctic MX-1
4.8 / 10 Expert Rating
A legacy compound originally bundled with older Arctic Cooling coolers; Arctic no longer publishes current specifications for it, so treat it as a dated, no-longer-current option.
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