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Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK vs Bergquist (Henkel) Bergquist Gap Pad 2500S20: Comparison
What is the difference between Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK and Bergquist (Henkel) Bergquist Gap Pad?
There is no decisive spec gap here. Thermal conductivity splits them by a margin most buyers will never feel, Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK 17.8 W/mK against Bergquist (Henkel) Bergquist Gap Pad 2.4 W/mK. There is a split on viscosity as well, 0 Pa-s on the Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK versus Reinforced soft silicone sheet on the Bergquist (Henkel) Bergquist Gap Pad. Recommended use is not the same on both, High-end CPU/GPU on the Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK versus Mainstream CPU/GPU and general electronics gap filling on the Bergquist (Henkel) Bergquist Gap Pad. They differ on conductivity source too, https://shop.alphacool.com/en/shop/thermal-conductant/thermal-pads/waem-alphacool-apex-thermal-pad-soft-18w/mk-120x20x1mm on the Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK versus https://next.henkel-adhesives.com/us/en/products/thermal-management-materials/central-pdp.html/bergquist-gap-pad-tgp-2400/112643IB.html on the Bergquist (Henkel) Bergquist Gap Pad.
Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK vs Bergquist (Henkel) Bergquist Gap Pad: which one fits your build
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 not the one for buyers who specifically want Eisschicht's softer, more paste-like conforming fit for delicate uneven surfaces. Buy the Bergquist (Henkel) Bergquist Gap Pad for general electronics gap filling and mainstream CPU/GPU, though it is the wrong buy for high-power dies needing >5 W/mK. 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 Bergquist (Henkel) Bergquist Gap Pad (6/10): A lower-conductivity industrial gap pad, suited to less demanding OEM cooling needs.
Where the two are identical
The common ground is wider than the gap: compound type, electrical conductivity and paste segment are identical here.
Specs and benchmarks
Brand
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- Alphacool
- Bergquist (Henkel) Bergquist Gap Pad 2500S20
- Bergquist (Henkel)
Compound Type
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- Silicone-Based Pad
- Bergquist (Henkel) Bergquist Gap Pad 2500S20
- Silicone-Based Pad
Model
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- Bergquist (Henkel) Bergquist Gap Pad 2500S20
- Gap Pad 2500S20
Thermal Conductivity
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- 17.8 W/mK (ASTM D5470)Best
- Bergquist (Henkel) Bergquist Gap Pad 2500S20
- 2.4 W/mK (ASTM D5470)
Electrical Conductivity
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- Insulating
- Bergquist (Henkel) Bergquist Gap Pad 2500S20
- Insulating
Package Size
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- 120 x 20 x 1.5mm sheet
- Bergquist (Henkel) Bergquist Gap Pad 2500S20
- 8 x 16in reinforced sheet, multiple thicknesses
Recommended Use
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- High-end CPU/GPU
- Bergquist (Henkel) Bergquist Gap Pad 2500S20
- Mainstream CPU/GPU and general electronics gap filling
Conductivity Source
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- https://shop.alphacool.com/en/shop/thermal-conductant/thermal-pads/waem-alphacool-apex-thermal-pad-soft-18w/mk-120x20x1mm
- Bergquist (Henkel) Bergquist Gap Pad 2500S20
- https://next.henkel-adhesives.com/us/en/products/thermal-management-materials/central-pdp.html/bergquist-gap-pad-tgp-2400/112643IB.html
Viscosity
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- 0 Pa-s
- Bergquist (Henkel) Bergquist Gap Pad 2500S20
- Reinforced (fiberglass-supported) soft silicone sheet
Paste Segment
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- Pad
- Bergquist (Henkel) Bergquist Gap Pad 2500S20
- Pad
Which one should you pick?
Choose Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK if you want the higher thermal conductivity (17.8 W/mK (ASTM D5470) vs 2.4 W/mK (ASTM D5470)).
Choose Bergquist (Henkel) Bergquist Gap Pad 2500S20 if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Price comparison
| Retailer | Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK | Bergquist (Henkel) Bergquist Gap Pad 2500S20 |
|---|---|---|
| Alphacool Shop (EU) | View on Alphacool Shop (EU) |
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.
Bergquist (Henkel) Bergquist Gap Pad 2500S20
6 / 10 Expert Rating
A lower-conductivity industrial gap pad, suited to less demanding OEM cooling needs.
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