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Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK vs Coollaboratory Liquid Extreme: Comparison
Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK vs Coollaboratory Liquid Extreme: the thermal conductivity difference
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 Coollaboratory Liquid Extreme 41 W/mK.
Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK vs Coollaboratory Liquid Extreme: 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. 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 Coollaboratory Liquid Extreme for delidded CPUs with nickel-plated copper heatspreaders and coolers and high-end GPU direct-die cooling with careful masking, though it is the wrong buy for any aluminum cooler, heatspreader or cold plate and first-time builders or anyone uncomfortable masking components. It is equally the pick for experienced builders wanting a more spreadable liquid metal than Liquid Pro. It is not the one for laptops or GPUs where a spill could reach exposed components unnoticed. 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 Coollaboratory Liquid Extreme (7.6/10): A straightforward 100% metal TIM from an established liquid-metal specialist, performance-focused rather than beginner-friendly.
Frequently asked questions
Do the Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK and Coollaboratory Liquid Extreme differ on compound type?
Yes. Compound Type reads Silicone-Based Pad on the Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK versus Liquid Metal on the Coollaboratory Liquid Extreme.
Specs and benchmarks
Brand
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- Alphacool
- Coollaboratory Liquid Extreme
- Coollaboratory
Compound Type
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- Silicone-Based Pad
- Coollaboratory Liquid Extreme
- Liquid Metal
Model
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- Coollaboratory Liquid Extreme
- Liquid Extreme
Thermal Conductivity
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- 17.8 W/mK (ASTM D5470)
- Coollaboratory Liquid Extreme
- 41 W/mK (retailer-quoted; Coollaboratory prints no figure)Best
Electrical Conductivity
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- Insulating
- Coollaboratory Liquid Extreme
- Conductive
Package Size
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- 120 x 20 x 1.5mm sheet
- Coollaboratory Liquid Extreme
- About 0.15ml (roughly 1g) kit with cleaning cloth
Recommended Use
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- High-end CPU/GPU
- Coollaboratory Liquid Extreme
- High-end CPU/GPU, Delidded-Direct-Die
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
- Coollaboratory Liquid Extreme
- https://www.overclockers.co.uk/coollaboratory-liquid-extreme-1g-cleaning-set-th-019-cl.html
Viscosity
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- 0 Pa-s
- Coollaboratory Liquid Extreme
- 100 Pa-s
Paste Segment
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- Pad
- Coollaboratory Liquid Extreme
- Liquid Metal
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 Coollaboratory Liquid Extreme if you want the higher thermal conductivity (41 W/mK (retailer-quoted; Coollaboratory prints no figure) vs 17.8 W/mK (ASTM D5470)).
Price comparison
| Retailer | Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK | Coollaboratory Liquid Extreme |
|---|---|---|
| Alphacool Shop (EU) | View on Alphacool Shop (EU) | |
| Coollaboratory | View on Coollaboratory | |
| Amazon | View on Amazon | |
| Performance-PCs | View on Performance-PCs |
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.
Coollaboratory Liquid Extreme
7.6 / 10 Expert Rating
A straightforward 100% metal TIM from an established liquid-metal specialist, performance-focused rather than beginner-friendly.
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