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Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK vs Deepcool G40: Comparison
Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK vs Deepcool G40: the thermal conductivity difference
Expect a near tie. The closest thing to a difference is thermal conductivity, Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK 17.8 W/mK against Deepcool G40 5.2 W/mK. Paste segment is not the same on both, Pad on the Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK versus Standard Paste on the Deepcool G40. Operating temperature is not the same on both, -50 to +150 °C on the Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK versus -50°C to +240°C on the Deepcool G40.
Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK vs Deepcool G40: 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. The Deepcool G40 suits multiple installs, dual-GPU setups, or repeat reapplications from one tube and overclockers who want the G-series conductivity in a larger package, though it is not built for buyers who need DS7/DS9-tier top-end conductivity. Avoid it for single-install buyers who don't need 4g of paste (G15's 1.5g is cheaper and sufficient). 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 Deepcool G40 (5.8/10): an overclocking-focused entry paste from Deepcool, adequate but unremarkable.
Frequently asked questions
Do the Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK and Deepcool G40 differ on max operating temperature?
Yes. Max Operating Temperature reads 150 C on the Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK versus 240 C on the Deepcool G40.
Is the Electrical Conductivity the same on the Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK and Deepcool G40?
It is. Both are listed at Insulating, so it is not a reason to pick one over the other.
Specs and benchmarks
Thermal Conductivity
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- 17.8 W/mK (ASTM D5470)Best
- Deepcool G40
- 5.2 W/mK
Electrical Conductivity
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- Insulating
- Deepcool G40
- Insulating
Material Class
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- Silicone, ultra-soft with high compressibility
- Deepcool G40
- Silicone-Based (Deepcool describes it as an "organosilicon material" using nanotechnology)
Package Size
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- 120 x 20 x 1.5mm sheet
- Deepcool G40
- 4 g grease weight (16 g net weight incl. syringe)
Recommended Use
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- High-end CPU/GPU
- Deepcool G40
- High-end CPU/GPU (marketed for the overclocking community and extreme gamers)
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
- Deepcool G40
- https://www.deepcool.com/products/Accessories/ThermalPaste/2021/11408.shtml
Min Operating Temperature
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- -50 C
- Deepcool G40
- -50 C
Max Operating Temperature
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- 150 CBest
- Deepcool G40
- 240 C
Density
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- 3.5 g/cm3
- Deepcool G40
- 2.6 g/cm3
Paste Segment
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- Pad
- Deepcool G40
- Standard Paste
Operating Temperature
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- -50 to +150 °C
- Deepcool G40
- -50°C to +240°C
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 5.2 W/mK).
Choose Deepcool G40 if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Price comparison
| Retailer | Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK | Deepcool G40 |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Deepcool G40
5.8 / 10 Expert Rating
An overclocking-focused entry paste from Deepcool, adequate but unremarkable.
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