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Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK vs PCCooler EX90: Comparison

Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK vs PCCooler EX90 viscosity compared

Viscosity is the dividing line, Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK 0 Pa-s against PCCooler EX90 Gray, includes scraper tool. There is a split on density as well, 3.5 g/cm3 on the Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK versus 2.6 g/cm3 on the PCCooler EX90. There is a split on paste segment as well, Pad on the Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK versus Standard Paste on the PCCooler EX90.

Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK vs PCCooler EX90: 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. The PCCooler EX90 suits overclockers and high-TDP builds wanting PCCooler's flagship-tier number. It is not the one for buyers who want a paste with a longer independent review history, TFX or Kryonaut are more established. 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 PCCooler EX90 (7/10): PCCooler's flagship compound offers strong published numbers, though it lacks the independent review base of bigger brands.

Where the two are identical

The common ground is wider than the gap: electrical conductivity and recommended use 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
PCCooler EX90 (Non-Conductive/Flagship Paste)
PCCooler
PCCooler EX90

Specs and benchmarks

  • Brand

    Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
    Alphacool
    PCCooler EX90
    PCCooler

  • Model

    Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
    Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
    PCCooler EX90
    PCCooler EX90

  • Electrical Conductivity

    Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
    Insulating
    PCCooler EX90
    Insulating

  • Package Size

    Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
    120 x 20 x 1.5mm sheet
    PCCooler EX90
    4g tube

  • Recommended Use

    Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
    High-end CPU/GPU
    PCCooler EX90
    High-end CPU/GPU

  • Viscosity

    Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
    0 Pa-s
    PCCooler EX90
    Gray, includes scraper tool

  • Density

    Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
    3.5 g/cm3
    PCCooler EX90
    2.6 g/cm3

  • Paste Segment

    Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
    Pad
    PCCooler EX90
    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 PCCooler EX90 if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.

    Price comparison

    RetailerAlphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mKPCCooler EX90
    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.

    PCCooler EX90

    7 / 10 Expert Rating

    PCCooler's flagship compound offers strong published numbers, though it lacks the independent review base of bigger brands.

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