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Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK vs Parker Chomerics THERM-A-GAP PAD 80: Comparison
Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK vs Parker Chomerics THERM-A-GAP PAD 80: the thermal conductivity difference
These two are close on paper, and thermal conductivity is the only measure that separates them at all: Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK 17.8 W/mK against Parker Chomerics THERM-A-GAP PAD 80 8.3 W/mK. They differ on viscosity too, 0 Pa-s on the Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK versus Soft, compressible silicone elastomer sheet on the Parker Chomerics THERM-A-GAP PAD 80. They differ on recommended use too, High-end CPU/GPU on the Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK versus High-end CPU/GPU and general electronics gap filling on the Parker Chomerics THERM-A-GAP PAD 80. There is a split on conductivity source as well, 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://ph.parker.com/us/en/product-list/therm-a-gap-pad-80-thermally-conductive-gap-filler-pads on the Parker Chomerics THERM-A-GAP PAD 80.
Who each one is for
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. Avoid it for buyers who specifically want Eisschicht's softer, more paste-like conforming fit for delicate uneven surfaces. Buy the Parker Chomerics THERM-A-GAP PAD 80 for high-power component gap filling and high-end CPU/GPU, though it is the wrong buy for budget-conscious low-power builds. 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 Parker Chomerics THERM-A-GAP PAD 80 (6.8/10): an industrial-grade gap pad from Parker Chomerics, reliable but aimed more at OEM and industrial use than PC building.
Where the two are identical
Everything else lines up. Compound type, electrical conductivity and paste segment read the same on both, so those are not worth weighing.
Specs and benchmarks
Brand
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- Alphacool
- Parker Chomerics THERM-A-GAP PAD 80
- Parker Chomerics
Compound Type
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- Silicone-Based Pad
- Parker Chomerics THERM-A-GAP PAD 80
- Silicone-Based Pad
Model
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- Parker Chomerics THERM-A-GAP PAD 80
- THERM-A-GAP PAD 80
Thermal Conductivity
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- 17.8 W/mK (ASTM D5470)Best
- Parker Chomerics THERM-A-GAP PAD 80
- 8.3 W/mK
Electrical Conductivity
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- Insulating
- Parker Chomerics THERM-A-GAP PAD 80
- Insulating
Package Size
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- 120 x 20 x 1.5mm sheet
- Parker Chomerics THERM-A-GAP PAD 80
- Sheet form, cut to size, multiple thicknesses
Recommended Use
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- High-end CPU/GPU
- Parker Chomerics THERM-A-GAP PAD 80
- High-end 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
- Parker Chomerics THERM-A-GAP PAD 80
- https://ph.parker.com/us/en/product-list/therm-a-gap-pad-80-thermally-conductive-gap-filler-pads
Viscosity
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- 0 Pa-s
- Parker Chomerics THERM-A-GAP PAD 80
- Soft, compressible silicone elastomer sheet
Paste Segment
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- Pad
- Parker Chomerics THERM-A-GAP PAD 80
- 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 8.3 W/mK).
Choose Parker Chomerics THERM-A-GAP PAD 80 if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Price comparison
| Retailer | Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK | Parker Chomerics THERM-A-GAP PAD 80 |
|---|---|---|
| Alphacool Shop (EU) | View on Alphacool Shop (EU) | |
| DigiKey | View on DigiKey |
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.
Parker Chomerics THERM-A-GAP PAD 80
6.8 / 10 Expert Rating
An industrial-grade gap pad from Parker Chomerics, reliable but aimed more at OEM and industrial use than PC building.
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