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Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK vs Phobya NanoGrease Extreme: Comparison
What is the difference between Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK and Phobya NanoGrease Extreme?
These two are close on paper, and thermal conductivity is the only measure that separates them at all: Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK 17.8 W/mK against Phobya NanoGrease Extreme 16 W/mK. They differ on paste segment too, Pad on the Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK versus Standard Paste on the Phobya NanoGrease Extreme.
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. The same goes 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. it is not the pick for single-application buyers who don't need the reusable syringe format. It is equally the pick for CPU and GPU builds wanting high officially-rated conductivity with a reusable, mess-free syringe. It is the wrong buy for sub-ambient extreme cooling setups where Alphacool Subzero is more explicitly positioned. 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 Phobya NanoGrease Extreme (6.4/10): A screw-cap syringe format with a strong published conductivity figure from Phobya's higher tier.
Frequently asked questions
Do the Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK and Phobya NanoGrease Extreme differ on compound type?
Yes. Compound Type reads Silicone-Based Pad on the Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK versus Metal Oxide/Ceramic on the Phobya NanoGrease Extreme.
Is the Electrical Conductivity the same on the Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK and Phobya NanoGrease Extreme?
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
- Phobya NanoGrease Extreme
- Phobya
Compound Type
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- Silicone-Based Pad
- Phobya NanoGrease Extreme
- Metal Oxide/Ceramic
Model
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- Phobya NanoGrease Extreme
- Phobya NanoGrease Extreme
Thermal Conductivity
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- 17.8 W/mK (ASTM D5470)Best
- Phobya NanoGrease Extreme
- 16 W/mK
Electrical Conductivity
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- Insulating
- Phobya NanoGrease Extreme
- Insulating
Package Size
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- 120 x 20 x 1.5mm sheet
- Phobya NanoGrease Extreme
- 3.5g syringe with screw-cap
Recommended Use
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- High-end CPU/GPU
- Phobya NanoGrease Extreme
- CPU/GPU Air and Water Cooling
Viscosity
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- 0 Pa-s
- Phobya NanoGrease Extreme
- 85000 Pa-s
Density
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- 3.5 g/cm3
- Phobya NanoGrease Extreme
- 2.7 g/cm3
Paste Segment
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- Pad
- Phobya NanoGrease Extreme
- Standard Paste
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 16 W/mK).
Choose Phobya NanoGrease Extreme if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Price comparison
| Retailer | Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK | Phobya NanoGrease Extreme |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Phobya NanoGrease Extreme
6.4 / 10 Expert Rating
A screw-cap syringe format with a strong published conductivity figure from Phobya's higher tier.
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