Consumercarts

Consumercarts is reader-supported. Learn more

Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK vs Noctua NT-H2: Comparison

Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK vs Noctua NT-H2: the compound type difference

The first real difference is compound type: Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK Silicone-Based Pad against Noctua NT-H2 Metal-Oxide. They differ on recommended use too, 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-H2. They differ on paste segment too, Pad on the Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK versus Standard Paste on the Noctua NT-H2.

Which should you buy, Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK or Noctua NT-H2?

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 Noctua NT-H2 for buyers who want a forgiving, thick-consistency paste that won't migrate during application. This is a genuine practical advantage for less experienced builders. It also earns its place with anyone who wants to avoid repasting for as long as possible. Noctua's own extended stability testing backs a genuine 5-year longevity claim. Avoid it for buyers on the tightest possible budget. Arctic MX-4, covered elsewhere on this site, delivers strong mainstream performance at a meaningfully lower price. 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-H2 (8.2/10): A dependable, easy-to-apply premium paste, though some reviewers consider it a modest and pricey upgrade over NT-H1.

Where the two are identical

The common ground is wider than the gap: electrical conductivity are identical here.

Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK (Silicone-Based Pad/Non-Conductive/High-end CPU/GPU)
Alphacool
Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
Noctua NT-H2 (Metal-Oxide / Non-Conductive / Includes Cleaning Wipes)
Noctua
Noctua NT-H2

Specs and benchmarks

  • Brand

    Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
    Alphacool
    Noctua NT-H2
    Noctua

  • Compound Type

    Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
    Silicone-Based Pad
    Noctua NT-H2
    Metal-Oxide

  • Model

    Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
    Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
    Noctua NT-H2
    Noctua NT-H2 , NT-H2

  • Electrical Conductivity

    Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
    Insulating
    Noctua NT-H2
    Insulating

  • Package Size

    Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
    120 x 20 x 1.5mm sheet
    Noctua NT-H2
    1.4g / 3.5g / 10g tubes (includes cleaning wipes)

  • Recommended Use

    Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
    High-end CPU/GPU
    Noctua NT-H2
    Mainstream CPU/GPU, High-end CPU/GPU

  • Paste Segment

    Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
    Pad
    Noctua NT-H2
    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-H2 if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.

    Price comparison

    RetailerAlphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mKNoctua NT-H2
    Alphacool Shop (EU)View on Alphacool Shop (EU)
    AmazonView 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-H2

    8.2 / 10 Expert Rating

    A dependable, easy-to-apply premium paste, though some reviewers consider it a modest and pricey upgrade over NT-H1.

    More comparisons in Thermal Paste