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Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK vs Arctic Silver Ceramique 2: Comparison
Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK vs Arctic Silver Ceramique 2: the compound type difference
The first real difference is compound type: Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK Silicone-Based Pad against Arctic Silver Ceramique 2 Metal-Oxide.
Which should you buy, Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK or Arctic Silver Ceramique 2?
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. It is not the one for buyers who specifically want Eisschicht's softer, more paste-like conforming fit for delicate uneven surfaces. The Arctic Silver Ceramique 2 is the one to take for builders who want a fully metal-free, non-capacitive compound and Arctic Silver 5 users looking for a safer alternative, though it is not built for anyone who wants full performance immediately without a break-in and buyers who need a published W/mK figure. It also earns its place with mainstream CPUs and GPUs where a short break-in period is acceptable. It is the wrong buy for enthusiast overclocking where higher-rated pastes like Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut fit better. 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 Silver Ceramique 2 (5.7/10): A non-metallic ceramic formula from Arctic Silver, an older but still workable option.
Frequently asked questions
Do the Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK and Arctic Silver Ceramique 2 differ on viscosity?
Yes. Viscosity reads 0 Pa-s on the Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK versus Smooth ceramic-particle-based paste on the Arctic Silver Ceramique 2.
Is the Electrical Conductivity the same on the Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK and Arctic Silver Ceramique 2?
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 Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- Alphacool
- Arctic Silver Ceramique 2
- Arctic Silver
Compound Type
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- Silicone-Based Pad
- Arctic Silver Ceramique 2
- Metal-Oxide
Model
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- Arctic Silver Ceramique 2
- Arctic Silver Ceramique 2
Electrical Conductivity
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- Insulating
- Arctic Silver Ceramique 2
- Insulating
Package Size
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- 120 x 20 x 1.5mm sheet
- Arctic Silver Ceramique 2
- 2.7g syringe (retail) or 25g syringe
Recommended Use
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- High-end CPU/GPU
- Arctic Silver Ceramique 2
- Mainstream CPU/GPU
Viscosity
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- 0 Pa-s
- Arctic Silver Ceramique 2
- Smooth ceramic-particle-based paste
Min Operating Temperature
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- -50 C
- Arctic Silver Ceramique 2
- -150 CBest
Max Operating Temperature
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- 150 C
- Arctic Silver Ceramique 2
- 130 CBest
Paste Segment
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- Pad
- Arctic Silver Ceramique 2
- Standard Paste
Operating Temperature
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- -50 to +150 °C
- Arctic Silver Ceramique 2
- -150C to 130C long term, peaks above 185CBest
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 Silver Ceramique 2 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 Silver Ceramique 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Alphacool Shop (EU) | View on Alphacool Shop (EU) | |
| Arctic Silver | View on Arctic Silver |
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 Silver Ceramique 2
5.7 / 10 Expert Rating
A non-metallic ceramic formula from Arctic Silver, an older but still workable option.
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