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Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK vs CS Labs (Computer Systems, Greece) CS Labs K5-Pro: Comparison
Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK vs CS Labs (Computer Systems, Greece) CS thermal conductivity compared
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 CS Labs (Computer Systems, Greece) CS >5.3 W/mK. 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://computer-systems.gr/products/k5-pro-20g/ on the CS Labs (Computer Systems, Greece) CS. Paste segment is not the same on both, Pad on the Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK versus Standard Paste on the CS Labs (Computer Systems, Greece) CS.
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. The same goes for 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 CS Labs (Computer Systems, Greece) CS suits GPU VRAM/MOSFET thermal pad replacement and laptop thin-GPU repairs, though it is not the pick for CPU IHS-to-cooler mounting and gaps thicker than a few millimeters. 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 CS Labs (Computer Systems, Greece) CS (5.7/10): A viscous putty-style pad replacement, a niche option for gap-filling rather than a typical CPU paste.
Frequently asked questions
Do the Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK and CS Labs (Computer Systems, Greece) CS differ on max operating temperature?
Yes. Max Operating Temperature reads 150 C on the Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK versus 250 C on the CS Labs (Computer Systems, Greece) CS.
Is the Electrical Conductivity the same on the Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK and CS Labs (Computer Systems, Greece) CS?
It is. Both are listed at Insulating, so it is not a reason to pick one over the other.
Specs and benchmarks
Brand
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- Alphacool
- CS Labs (Computer Systems, Greece) CS Labs K5-Pro
- CS Labs
Model
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- CS Labs (Computer Systems, Greece) CS Labs K5-Pro
- K5-PRO
Thermal Conductivity
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- 17.8 W/mK (ASTM D5470)Best
- CS Labs (Computer Systems, Greece) CS Labs K5-Pro
- >5.3 W/mK
Electrical Conductivity
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- Insulating
- CS Labs (Computer Systems, Greece) CS Labs K5-Pro
- Insulating
Material Class
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- Silicone, ultra-soft with high compressibility
- CS Labs (Computer Systems, Greece) CS Labs K5-Pro
- Silicone-Based gummy putty (liquid thermal pad substitute)
Package Size
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- 120 x 20 x 1.5mm sheet
- CS Labs (Computer Systems, Greece) CS Labs K5-Pro
- 20g jar; also sold as 3x10g twist-up tubes and in bulk up to 400g
Recommended Use
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- High-end CPU/GPU
- CS Labs (Computer Systems, Greece) CS Labs K5-Pro
- Thermal pad replacement for GPU VRAM/MOSFETs and laptop hot spots, not a CPU IHS-to-cooler paste
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
- CS Labs (Computer Systems, Greece) CS Labs K5-Pro
- https://computer-systems.gr/products/k5-pro-20g/
Min Operating Temperature
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- -50 C
- CS Labs (Computer Systems, Greece) CS Labs K5-Pro
- -90 CBest
Max Operating Temperature
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- 150 CBest
- CS Labs (Computer Systems, Greece) CS Labs K5-Pro
- 250 C
Paste Segment
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- Pad
- CS Labs (Computer Systems, Greece) CS Labs K5-Pro
- Standard Paste
Operating Temperature
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- -50 to +150 °C
- CS Labs (Computer Systems, Greece) CS Labs K5-Pro
- -90 to 250 CBest
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 >5.3 W/mK).
Choose CS Labs (Computer Systems, Greece) CS Labs K5-Pro if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Price comparison
| Retailer | Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK | CS Labs (Computer Systems, Greece) CS Labs K5-Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Alphacool Shop (EU) | View on Alphacool Shop (EU) | |
| CS Labs / Computer Systems (Manufacturer) | View on CS Labs / Computer Systems (Manufacturer) | |
| Amazon | View on Amazon | |
| Newegg | View on Newegg |
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.
CS Labs (Computer Systems, Greece) CS Labs K5-Pro
5.7 / 10 Expert Rating
A viscous putty-style pad replacement, a niche option for gap-filling rather than a typical CPU paste.
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