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Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK vs Honeywell PTM7950: Comparison

Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK vs Honeywell PTM7950: 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 Honeywell PTM7950 8.5 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://www.solstice.com/us/en/products/advanced-semiconductor-materials/thermal-management/phase-change-materials/ptm7950 on the Honeywell PTM7950.

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. It is the wrong buy for buyers who specifically want Eisschicht's softer, more paste-like conforming fit for delicate uneven surfaces. Take the Honeywell PTM7950 for laptops, thin GPUs, and small-form-factor builds where repeated repasting is impractical. It also earns its place with builders who want to avoid the pump-out issues that eventually affect paste-based compounds. Avoid it for builders wanting a simple syringe-and-applicator experience; PTM7950 requires cutting a pad to size. 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 Honeywell PTM7950 (8.4/10): widely regarded as the strongest choice for GPUs and thin laptops thanks to reapplication-free longevity, though counterfeits are common so buying from a verified source matters.

Frequently asked questions

Do the Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK and Honeywell PTM7950 differ on compound type?

Yes. Compound Type reads Silicone-Based Pad on the Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK versus Phase-Change Pad on the Honeywell PTM7950.

Is the Electrical Conductivity the same on the Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK and Honeywell PTM7950?

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
Honeywell PTM7950 (Phase-Change Pad/Non-Conductive/Reapplication-Free for Repeated Thermal Cycles)
Honeywell
Honeywell PTM7950

Specs and benchmarks

  • Brand

    Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
    Alphacool
    Honeywell PTM7950
    Honeywell

  • Compound Type

    Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
    Silicone-Based Pad
    Honeywell PTM7950
    Phase-Change Pad

  • Model

    Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
    Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
    Honeywell PTM7950
    Honeywell PTM7950 , PTM7950

  • Thermal Conductivity

    Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
    17.8 W/mK (ASTM D5470)Best
    Honeywell PTM7950
    8.5 W/mK

  • Electrical Conductivity

    Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
    Insulating
    Honeywell PTM7950
    Insulating

  • Package Size

    Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
    120 x 20 x 1.5mm sheet
    Honeywell PTM7950
    Sheet/pad cut to size (sold by area, not weight)

  • Recommended Use

    Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
    High-end CPU/GPU
    Honeywell PTM7950
    Laptop-Thin-GPU (and builds needing reapplication-free long-term use)

  • 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
    Honeywell PTM7950
    https://www.solstice.com/us/en/products/advanced-semiconductor-materials/thermal-management/phase-change-materials/ptm7950

  • Paste Segment

    Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
    Pad
    Honeywell PTM7950
    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 8.5 W/mK).

    Choose Honeywell PTM7950 if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.

    Price comparison

    RetailerAlphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mKHoneywell PTM7950
    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.

    Honeywell PTM7950

    8.4 / 10 Expert Rating

    Widely regarded as the strongest choice for GPUs and thin laptops thanks to reapplication-free longevity, though counterfeits are common so buying from a verified source matters.

    More comparisons in Thermal Paste