Consumercarts is reader-supported. Learn more
Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK vs Noctua NT-H1: Comparison
Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK vs Noctua NT-H1: the compound type difference
The first real difference is compound type: Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK Silicone-Based Pad against Noctua NT-H1 Metal-Oxide. Recommended use is not the same on both, High-end CPU/GPU on the Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK versus Mainstream CPU/GPU, High-end CPU/GPU on the Noctua NT-H1. There is a split on paste segment as well, Pad on the Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK versus Standard Paste on the Noctua NT-H1.
Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK vs Noctua NT-H1: 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. It is not the one for buyers who specifically want Eisschicht's softer, more paste-like conforming fit for delicate uneven surfaces. Take the Noctua NT-H1 for builders who already have NT-H1 on hand or find it at a discount versus NT-H2. The same goes for mainstream to upper-mid CPU builds that don't need liquid metal-tier performance. Avoid it for buyers making a fresh purchase decision. NT-H2 is the same brand, similar price, and simply newer. 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rating of the Noctua NT-H1 (7.4/10): A long-running favorite for its ease of application and reliability, now largely superseded by NT-H2 but still a safe, proven choice.
What Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK and Noctua NT-H1 have in common
Where they agree, they agree completely, electrical conductivity included, so the decision does not turn on any of those.
Specs and benchmarks
Brand
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- Alphacool
- Noctua NT-H1
- Noctua
Compound Type
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- Silicone-Based Pad
- Noctua NT-H1
- Metal-Oxide
Model
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- Noctua NT-H1
- Noctua NT-H1 , NT-H1
Electrical Conductivity
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- Insulating
- Noctua NT-H1
- Insulating
Package Size
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- 120 x 20 x 1.5mm sheet
- Noctua NT-H1
- 3.5g / 10g tubes
Recommended Use
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- High-end CPU/GPU
- Noctua NT-H1
- Mainstream CPU/GPU, High-end CPU/GPU (Noctua's original flagship paste, superseded by NT-H2)
Paste Segment
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- Pad
- Noctua NT-H1
- Standard Paste
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 Noctua NT-H1 if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Price comparison
| Retailer | Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK | Noctua NT-H1 |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Noctua NT-H1
7.4 / 10 Expert Rating
A long-running favorite for its ease of application and reliability, now largely superseded by NT-H2 but still a safe, proven choice.