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Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK vs Innovation Cooling IC Graphite: Comparison
What is the difference between Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK and Innovation Cooling IC Graphite?
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 Innovation Cooling IC Graphite 35 W/mK. There is a split on conductivity source as well, 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.innovationcooling.com/products/ic-graphite-thermal-pad/ on the Innovation Cooling IC Graphite.
Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK vs Innovation Cooling IC Graphite: 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 is equally the pick for builds needing a documented electrical safety spec sheet (volume resistance, dielectric breakdown) rather than a generic non-conductive claim. Avoid it for buyers who specifically want Eisschicht's softer, more paste-like conforming fit for delicate uneven surfaces. Buy the Innovation Cooling IC Graphite for builders who want to avoid pump-out and migration risks entirely, though it is the wrong buy for standard CPU IHS-to-cooler applications where a conventional paste is simpler and anyone needing a numeric W/mK figure for direct paste comparisons. The same goes for delidded CPUs and thin-gap laptop or GPU cooling wanting a mess-free, reusable TIM. 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 Innovation Cooling IC Graphite (6.3/10): A solid graphite pad offering reusable, high-conductivity gap-filling, a different approach from typical paste or pad materials.
Frequently asked questions
Do the Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK and Innovation Cooling IC Graphite differ on compound type?
Yes. Compound Type reads Silicone-Based Pad on the Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK versus Carbon Pad on the Innovation Cooling IC Graphite.
Is the Electrical Conductivity the same on the Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK and Innovation Cooling IC Graphite?
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
- Innovation Cooling IC Graphite
- Innovation Cooling
Compound Type
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- Silicone-Based Pad
- Innovation Cooling IC Graphite
- Carbon Pad
Model
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- Innovation Cooling IC Graphite
- Innovation Cooling IC Graphite
Thermal Conductivity
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- 17.8 W/mK (ASTM D5470)
- Innovation Cooling IC Graphite
- 35 W/mK (axis not stated by maker)Best
Electrical Conductivity
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- Insulating
- Innovation Cooling IC Graphite
- Insulating
Package Size
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- 120 x 20 x 1.5mm sheet
- Innovation Cooling IC Graphite
- Pre-cut pads: 30x30mm, 40x40mm, 90x90mm
Recommended Use
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- High-end CPU/GPU
- Innovation Cooling IC Graphite
- Delidded CPUs, Thin-Gap GPU/Laptop Cooling
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
- Innovation Cooling IC Graphite
- https://www.innovationcooling.com/products/ic-graphite-thermal-pad/
Paste Segment
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- Pad
- Innovation Cooling IC Graphite
- Pad
Which one should you pick?
Choose Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Choose Innovation Cooling IC Graphite if you want the higher thermal conductivity (35 W/mK (axis not stated by maker) vs 17.8 W/mK (ASTM D5470)).
Price comparison
| Retailer | Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK | Innovation Cooling IC Graphite |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Innovation Cooling IC Graphite
6.3 / 10 Expert Rating
A solid graphite pad offering reusable, high-conductivity gap-filling, a different approach from typical paste or pad materials.
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