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Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK vs Arctic TP-1: Comparison

Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK vs Arctic TP-1: the viscosity difference

Viscosity is the dividing line, Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK 0 Pa-s against Arctic TP-1 20 Pa-s. They differ on recommended use too, High-end CPU/GPU on the Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK versus Mainstream CPU/GPU on the Arctic TP-1. Density is not the same on both, 3.5 g/cm3 on the Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK versus 2.3 g/cm3 on the Arctic TP-1.

Which should you buy, Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK or Arctic TP-1?

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. Avoid it for buyers who specifically want Eisschicht's softer, more paste-like conforming fit for delicate uneven surfaces. Buy the Arctic TP-1 for RAM heatsinks and VRM gap-filling and Raspberry Pi and single-board computer builds, though it is not built for buyers who want a published W/mK thermal conductivity number. It is the wrong buy for high-wattage CPU or GPU direct cooling - too soft/thin for that duty. 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 TP-1 (6/10): Arctic's entry-level pad, ultra-soft and easy to fit, aimed at low-cost gap-filling rather than peak conductivity.

Frequently asked questions

Do the Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK and Arctic TP-1 differ on min operating temperature?

Yes. Min Operating Temperature reads -50 C on the Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK versus -40 C on the Arctic TP-1.

Is the Electrical Conductivity the same on the Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK and Arctic TP-1?

It is. Both are listed at Insulating, so it is not a reason to pick one over the other.

Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK (Silicone-Based Pad/Non-Conductive/High-end CPU/GPU)
Alphacool
Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
Arctic TP-1 (APT2012) (Thermal Pad/Non-Conductive/Ultra-Soft Entry-Level Gap Filler)
Arctic
Arctic TP-1

Specs and benchmarks

  • Electrical Conductivity

    Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
    Insulating
    Arctic TP-1
    Insulating

  • Package Size

    Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
    120 x 20 x 1.5mm sheet
    Arctic TP-1
    120x20mm or 100x100mm sheets, 0.5mm/1mm/1.5mm thickness, sold in 4-pad packs

  • Recommended Use

    Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
    High-end CPU/GPU
    Arctic TP-1
    Mainstream CPU/GPU (RAM heatsinks, chipsets, single-board computers)

  • Viscosity

    Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
    0 Pa-s
    Arctic TP-1
    20 Pa-s

  • Min Operating Temperature

    Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
    -50 CBest
    Arctic TP-1
    -40 C

  • Max Operating Temperature

    Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
    150 C
    Arctic TP-1
    150 C

  • Density

    Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
    3.5 g/cm3
    Arctic TP-1
    2.3 g/cm3

  • Paste Segment

    Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
    Pad
    Arctic TP-1
    Pad

  • Operating Temperature

    Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
    -50 to +150 °CBest
    Arctic TP-1
    -40C to 150C continuous use

    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 TP-1 if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.

    Price comparison

    RetailerAlphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mKArctic TP-1
    Alphacool Shop (EU)View on Alphacool Shop (EU)
    Arctic StoreView on Arctic Store

    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 TP-1

    6 / 10 Expert Rating

    Arctic's entry-level pad, ultra-soft and easy to fit, aimed at low-cost gap-filling rather than peak conductivity.

    More comparisons in Thermal Paste