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Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK vs Rosewill RCX-TC001: Comparison

Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK vs Rosewill RCX-TC001 viscosity compared

The first real difference is viscosity: Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK 0 Pa-s against Rosewill RCX-TC001 76 Pa-s. The max operating temperature figures are near enough to ignore, 150 C on the Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK versus 240 C on the Rosewill RCX-TC001. They differ on recommended use too, High-end CPU/GPU on the Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK versus Mainstream CPU/GPU on the Rosewill RCX-TC001. On min operating temperature there is little in it, -50 C on the Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK versus -45 C on the Rosewill RCX-TC001. Paste segment is not the same on both, Pad on the Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK versus Standard Paste on the Rosewill RCX-TC001. On operating temperature there is little in it, -50 to +150 °C on the Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK versus -45°C to 240°C on the Rosewill RCX-TC001.

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. It also earns its place with 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 Rosewill RCX-TC001 is the one to take for budget desktop builds and basic CPU cooler re-pasting, though it is not the pick for high-end CPU/GPU overclocking and performance-focused builds. 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 Rosewill RCX-TC001 (4.9/10): A low-viscosity budget grease with a modest published conductivity figure.

Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK (Silicone-Based Pad/Non-Conductive/High-end CPU/GPU)
Alphacool
Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
Rosewill RCX-TC001 (Thermal Grease/5g Tube/Low-Viscosity Budget Compound)
Rosewill
Rosewill RCX-TC001

Specs and benchmarks

  • Brand

    Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
    Alphacool
    Rosewill RCX-TC001
    Rosewill

  • Model

    Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
    Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
    Rosewill RCX-TC001
    RCX-TC001

  • Package Size

    Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
    120 x 20 x 1.5mm sheet
    Rosewill RCX-TC001
    5g

  • Recommended Use

    Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
    High-end CPU/GPU
    Rosewill RCX-TC001
    Mainstream CPU/GPU

  • Viscosity

    Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
    0 Pa-s
    Rosewill RCX-TC001
    76 Pa-s

  • Min Operating Temperature

    Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
    -50 CBest
    Rosewill RCX-TC001
    -45 C

  • Max Operating Temperature

    Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
    150 CBest
    Rosewill RCX-TC001
    240 C

  • Paste Segment

    Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
    Pad
    Rosewill RCX-TC001
    Standard Paste

  • Operating Temperature

    Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
    -50 to +150 °CBest
    Rosewill RCX-TC001
    -45°C to 240°C

    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 Rosewill RCX-TC001 if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.

    Price comparison

    RetailerAlphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mKRosewill RCX-TC001
    Alphacool Shop (EU)View on Alphacool Shop (EU)
    AmazonView on Amazon
    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.

    Rosewill RCX-TC001

    4.9 / 10 Expert Rating

    A low-viscosity budget grease with a modest published conductivity figure.

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