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Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK vs Arctic MX-7: Comparison
Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK vs Arctic MX-7 viscosity compared
They are built to different briefs, and viscosity shows it, Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK 0 Pa-s against Arctic MX-7 35000 Pa-s. They differ on operating temperature too, -50 to +150 °C on the Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK versus -50C to 250C continuous use temperature on the Arctic MX-7.
Which should you buy, Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK or Arctic MX-7?
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. The same goes for builds needing a documented electrical safety spec sheet (volume resistance, dielectric breakdown) rather than a generic non-conductive claim. It is not the one for buyers who specifically want Eisschicht's softer, more paste-like conforming fit for delicate uneven surfaces. Buy the Arctic MX-7 for MX-4 and MX-6 users wanting Arctic's newest formula and builds with exposed SMD components near the die, though it is not the pick for buyers who want a published W/mK figure to compare and anyone who prefers spreading paste with a spatula. It is equally the pick for GPU, console and laptop repastes where pump-out is the main concern. 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-7 (8.7/10): Arctic's newest flagship compound, positioned as a genuine step up over MX-6 for enthusiasts chasing the last few degrees.
Frequently asked questions
Do the Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK and Arctic MX-7 differ on max operating temperature?
Yes. Max Operating Temperature reads 150 C on the Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK versus 250 C on the Arctic MX-7.
Is the Electrical Conductivity the same on the Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK and Arctic MX-7?
It is. Both are listed at Insulating, so it is not a reason to pick one over the other.
Specs and benchmarks
Electrical Conductivity
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- Insulating
- Arctic MX-7
- Insulating
Material Class
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- Silicone, ultra-soft with high compressibility
- Arctic MX-7
- Carbon-Based
Package Size
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- 120 x 20 x 1.5mm sheet
- Arctic MX-7
- 2g, 4g, 8g tubes; 4g also sold bundled with 6x MX Cleaner wipes
Recommended Use
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- High-end CPU/GPU
- Arctic MX-7
- Mainstream CPU/GPU, High-end CPU/GPU (marketed for CPUs, GPUs, consoles and laptops)
Viscosity
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- 0 Pa-s
- Arctic MX-7
- 35000 Pa-s
Min Operating Temperature
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- -50 C
- Arctic MX-7
- -50 C
Max Operating Temperature
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- 150 CBest
- Arctic MX-7
- 250 C
Density
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- 3.5 g/cm3
- Arctic MX-7
- 2.9 g/cm3
Paste Segment
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- Pad
- Arctic MX-7
- Standard Paste
Operating Temperature
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- -50 to +150 °C
- Arctic MX-7
- -50C to 250C continuous use temperature
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-7 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-7 |
|---|---|---|
| Alphacool Shop (EU) | View on Alphacool Shop (EU) | |
| Arctic Store | View on Arctic Store | |
| Amazon | View on Amazon | |
| Best Buy | View on Best Buy |
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-7
8.7 / 10 Expert Rating
Arctic's newest flagship compound, positioned as a genuine step up over MX-6 for enthusiasts chasing the last few degrees.