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Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK vs ID-Cooling Frost X45: Comparison
Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK vs ID-Cooling Frost X45 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 ID-Cooling Frost X45 15.2 W/mK. They differ on operating temperature too, -50 to +150 °C on the Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK versus -50C to 300C on the ID-Cooling Frost X45.
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 the wrong buy for buyers who specifically want Eisschicht's softer, more paste-like conforming fit for delicate uneven surfaces. Take the ID-Cooling Frost X45 for enthusiasts and overclockers who want flagship-adjacent numbers without paying flagship prices. Avoid it for builders who specifically want an established brand name over a value pick, TFX or Kryonaut carry more brand recognition. 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 ID-Cooling Frost X45 (8.8/10): one of the best-performing pastes on air cooling in independent testing, though its thick consistency takes practice to spread well.
Frequently asked questions
Do the Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK and ID-Cooling Frost X45 differ on compound type?
Yes. Compound Type reads Silicone-Based Pad on the Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK versus Silicone-Based on the ID-Cooling Frost X45.
Is the Electrical Conductivity the same on the Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK and ID-Cooling Frost X45?
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
- ID-Cooling Frost X45
- ID-Cooling
Compound Type
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- Silicone-Based Pad
- ID-Cooling Frost X45
- Silicone-Based
Model
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- ID-Cooling Frost X45
- Frost X45
Thermal Conductivity
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- 17.8 W/mK (ASTM D5470)Best
- ID-Cooling Frost X45
- 15.2 W/mK
Electrical Conductivity
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- Insulating
- ID-Cooling Frost X45
- Insulating
Package Size
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- 120 x 20 x 1.5mm sheet
- ID-Cooling Frost X45
- 2g or 4g syringe
Recommended Use
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- High-end CPU/GPU
- ID-Cooling Frost X45
- High-end CPU/GPU
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
- ID-Cooling Frost X45
- https://www.idcooling.com/product/list?category_parent=69
Viscosity
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- 0 Pa-s
- ID-Cooling Frost X45
- Gray, silicone oil-based with nano particles, non-curing
Min Operating Temperature
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- -50 C
- ID-Cooling Frost X45
- -50 C
Max Operating Temperature
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- 150 CBest
- ID-Cooling Frost X45
- 300 C
Density
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- 3.5 g/cm3
- ID-Cooling Frost X45
- 2.8 g/cm3
Paste Segment
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- Pad
- ID-Cooling Frost X45
- Standard Paste
Operating Temperature
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- -50 to +150 °C
- ID-Cooling Frost X45
- -50C to 300C
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 15.2 W/mK).
Choose ID-Cooling Frost X45 if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Price comparison
| Retailer | Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK | ID-Cooling Frost X45 |
|---|---|---|
| Alphacool Shop (EU) | View on Alphacool Shop (EU) | |
| Amazon | View on Amazon |
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.
ID-Cooling Frost X45
8.8 / 10 Expert Rating
One of the best-performing pastes on air cooling in independent testing, though its thick consistency takes practice to spread well.
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