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Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK vs EKWB EK Thermal PAD F 1.5mm: Comparison

Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK vs EKWB EK Thermal PAD F 1.5mm thermal conductivity compared

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 EKWB EK Thermal PAD F 1.5mm 3.5 W/mK.

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 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 EKWB EK Thermal PAD F 1.5mm for DIY water block rebuilds needing a 1.5mm gap-filler pad, though it is the wrong buy for CPU/GPU direct-die paste application. The same goes for replacing worn factory thermal pads on EK full-cover water blocks with a 120x16mm contact strip. It is the wrong buy for builds needing a higher-conductivity performance paste rather than a gap-filler pad. 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 EKWB EK Thermal PAD F 1.5mm (6.4/10): A reusable replacement pad sized for EK water blocks, a practical maintenance item rather than a performance pick.

Frequently asked questions

Do the Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK and EKWB EK Thermal PAD F 1.5mm differ on viscosity?

Yes. Viscosity reads 0 Pa-s on the Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK versus 5 Pa-s on the EKWB EK Thermal PAD F 1.5mm.

Is the Electrical Conductivity the same on the Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK and EKWB EK Thermal PAD F 1.5mm?

It is. Both are listed at Insulating, so it is not a reason to pick one over the other.

Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK (Silicone-Based Pad/Non-Conductive/High-end CPU/GPU)
Alphacool
Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
EK Thermal PAD F 1.5mm (120x16mm) (Aluminum-Oxide/Metal-Oxide/Non-Conductive/Reusable Water Block Replacement Pad)
EKWB
EKWB EK Thermal PAD F 1.5mm

Specs and benchmarks

  • Thermal Conductivity

    Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
    17.8 W/mK (ASTM D5470)Best
    EKWB EK Thermal PAD F 1.5mm
    3.5 W/mK

  • Electrical Conductivity

    Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
    Insulating
    EKWB EK Thermal PAD F 1.5mm
    Insulating

  • Material Class

    Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
    Silicone, ultra-soft with high compressibility
    EKWB EK Thermal PAD F 1.5mm
    Aluminum Oxide (Al2O3), 85-95% main ingredient

  • Package Size

    Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
    120 x 20 x 1.5mm sheet
    EKWB EK Thermal PAD F 1.5mm
    Type F, 120 x 16 x 1.5mm

  • Recommended Use

    Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
    High-end CPU/GPU
    EKWB EK Thermal PAD F 1.5mm
    High-end CPU/GPU (replacement pad for EK full-cover water blocks)

  • 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
    EKWB EK Thermal PAD F 1.5mm
    https://www.ekwb.com/shop/thermal-pad-f-1-5mm-120x16mm

  • Viscosity

    Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
    0 Pa-s
    EKWB EK Thermal PAD F 1.5mm
    5 Pa-s

  • Min Operating Temperature

    Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
    -50 C
    EKWB EK Thermal PAD F 1.5mm
    -55 CBest

  • Max Operating Temperature

    Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
    150 CBest
    EKWB EK Thermal PAD F 1.5mm
    200 C

  • Density

    Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
    3.5 g/cm3
    EKWB EK Thermal PAD F 1.5mm
    2.6 g/cm3

  • Paste Segment

    Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
    Pad
    EKWB EK Thermal PAD F 1.5mm
    Pad

  • Operating Temperature

    Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
    -50 to +150 °C
    EKWB EK Thermal PAD F 1.5mm
    -55C to +200CBest

    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 3.5 W/mK).

    Choose EKWB EK Thermal PAD F 1.5mm if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.

    Price comparison

    RetailerAlphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mKEKWB EK Thermal PAD F 1.5mm
    Alphacool Shop (EU)View on Alphacool Shop (EU)
    Titan RigView on Titan Rig

    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.

    EKWB EK Thermal PAD F 1.5mm

    6.4 / 10 Expert Rating

    A reusable replacement pad sized for EK water blocks, a practical maintenance item rather than a performance pick.

    More comparisons in Thermal Paste