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Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK vs Phobya Thermal Pad XT 7W/mK: Comparison

Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK vs Phobya Thermal Pad XT 7W/mK viscosity compared

They are built to different briefs, and viscosity shows it, Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK 0 Pa-s against Phobya Thermal Pad XT 7W/mK Very flexible, low-hardness pad that adapts to uneven surfaces.... 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; Phobya markets it as able to match... on the Phobya Thermal Pad XT 7W/mK.

Which should you buy, Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK or Phobya Thermal Pad XT 7W/mK?

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 Phobya Thermal Pad XT 7W/mK for VRAM, VRM, and large-surface chipset cooling wanting a higher-conductivity cuttable pad than Phobya's Ultra line. It also earns its place with builds needing a big 100x100mm sheet that can be trimmed to several smaller components. Avoid it for applications needing to bridge gaps larger than this pad's 1.0mm thickness allows. 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 Thermal Pad XT 7W/mK (6.1/10): A cuttable sheet pad from Phobya, a modest but usable option for water-cooling gap-filling.

Where the two are identical

Where they agree, they agree completely, electrical conductivity and paste segment included, so the decision does not turn on any of those.

Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK (Silicone-Based Pad/Non-Conductive/High-end CPU/GPU)
Alphacool
Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
Phobya Thermal Pad XT 7W/mK (Pad/Non-Conductive/100x100x1.0mm)
Phobya
Phobya Thermal Pad XT 7W/mK

Specs and benchmarks

  • Brand

    Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
    Alphacool
    Phobya Thermal Pad XT 7W/mK
    Phobya

  • Model

    Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
    Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
    Phobya Thermal Pad XT 7W/mK
    Phobya Thermal Pad XT 7W/mk

  • Electrical Conductivity

    Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
    Insulating
    Phobya Thermal Pad XT 7W/mK
    Insulating

  • Package Size

    Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
    120 x 20 x 1.5mm sheet
    Phobya Thermal Pad XT 7W/mK
    100 x 100 x 1.0mm sheet, cuttable to size; also sold in other thicknesses

  • Recommended Use

    Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
    High-end CPU/GPU
    Phobya Thermal Pad XT 7W/mK
    Mainstream CPU/GPU; Phobya markets it as able to match high-end thermal compounds for VRAM, VRM, and North/Southbridge cooling

  • Viscosity

    Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
    0 Pa-s
    Phobya Thermal Pad XT 7W/mK
    Very flexible, low-hardness pad that adapts to uneven surfaces at low contact pressure; slightly sticky surface under a removable protective foil

  • Paste Segment

    Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
    Pad
    Phobya Thermal Pad XT 7W/mK
    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 Phobya Thermal Pad XT 7W/mK if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.

    Price comparison

    RetailerAlphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mKPhobya Thermal Pad XT 7W/mK
    Alphacool Shop (EU)View on Alphacool Shop (EU)
    NeweggView on Newegg

    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 Thermal Pad XT 7W/mK

    6.1 / 10 Expert Rating

    A cuttable sheet pad from Phobya, a modest but usable option for water-cooling gap-filling.

    More comparisons in Thermal Paste