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Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK vs Arctic TP-4: Comparison

Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK vs Arctic TP-4: the viscosity difference

Viscosity is the dividing line, Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK 0 Pa-s against Arctic TP-4 50 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, Laptop-Thin-GPU on the Arctic TP-4. They differ on density too, 3.5 g/cm3 on the Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK versus 3.4 g/cm3 on the Arctic TP-4.

Which should you buy, Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK or Arctic TP-4?

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 also earns its place with builds needing a documented electrical safety spec sheet (volume resistance, dielectric breakdown) rather than a generic non-conductive claim. It is the wrong buy for buyers who specifically want Eisschicht's softer, more paste-like conforming fit for delicate uneven surfaces. The Arctic TP-4 suits GPU memory and VRM repads with uneven gap heights and laptop and console thermal pad replacement, though it is the wrong buy for direct CPU or GPU die contact; use an MX-series paste and buyers who need a published W/mK figure. 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-4 (6.9/10): Arctic's premium stackable pad option, a solid choice where multiple thicknesses need to be combined precisely.

Frequently asked questions

Do the Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK and Arctic TP-4 differ on max operating temperature?

Yes. Max Operating Temperature reads 150 C on the Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK versus 200 C on the Arctic TP-4.

Is the Electrical Conductivity the same on the Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK and Arctic TP-4?

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-4 (Silicone-Based Pad/Non-Conductive/Premium Performance, Stackable, SP6-Ready)
Arctic
Arctic TP-4

Specs and benchmarks

  • Electrical Conductivity

    Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
    Insulating
    Arctic TP-4
    Insulating

  • Material Class

    Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
    Silicone, ultra-soft with high compressibility
    Arctic TP-4
    Silicone-Based (Premium Performance line)

  • Package Size

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

  • Recommended Use

    Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
    High-end CPU/GPU
    Arctic TP-4
    Mainstream CPU/GPU, Laptop-Thin-GPU (RAM, chipsets, GPUs, consoles, laptops)

  • Viscosity

    Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
    0 Pa-s
    Arctic TP-4
    50 Pa-s

  • Min Operating Temperature

    Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
    -50 CBest
    Arctic TP-4
    -40 C

  • Max Operating Temperature

    Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
    150 CBest
    Arctic TP-4
    200 C

  • Density

    Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
    3.5 g/cm3
    Arctic TP-4
    3.4 g/cm3

  • Paste Segment

    Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
    Pad
    Arctic TP-4
    Pad

  • Operating Temperature

    Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
    -50 to +150 °CBest
    Arctic TP-4
    -40C to 200C ambient

    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-4 if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.

    Price comparison

    RetailerAlphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mKArctic TP-4
    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-4

    6.9 / 10 Expert Rating

    Arctic's premium stackable pad option, a solid choice where multiple thicknesses need to be combined precisely.

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