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Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK vs StarTech.com StarTech SILV5-THERMAL-PASTE: Comparison
What is the difference between Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK and StarTech.com StarTech SILV5-THERMAL-PASTE?
There is no decisive spec gap here. Thermal conductivity splits them by a margin most buyers will never feel, Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK 17.8 W/mK against StarTech.com StarTech SILV5-THERMAL-PASTE 3.195 W/mK at 25C. Paste segment is not the same on both, Pad on the Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK versus Standard Paste on the StarTech.com StarTech SILV5-THERMAL-PASTE.
Which should you buy, Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK or StarTech.com StarTech SILV5-THERMAL-PASTE?
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 StarTech.com StarTech SILV5-THERMAL-PASTE is the one to take for IT technicians servicing multiple workstations and mainstream desktop CPU/GPU re-pasting, though it is not the pick for high-end overclocking or delidded direct-die use and single-application home users (single syringe SILVGREASE1 is more economical). 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 StarTech.com StarTech SILV5-THERMAL-PASTE (5.6/10): A five-pack of re-sealable syringes built for IT technicians managing several machines, not a performance-focused pick.
Frequently asked questions
Do the Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK and StarTech.com StarTech SILV5-THERMAL-PASTE differ on max operating temperature?
Yes. Max Operating Temperature reads 150 C on the Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK versus 180 C on the StarTech.com StarTech SILV5-THERMAL-PASTE.
Is the Electrical Conductivity the same on the Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK and StarTech.com StarTech SILV5-THERMAL-PASTE?
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
- StarTech.com StarTech SILV5-THERMAL-PASTE
- StarTech.com
Model
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- StarTech.com StarTech SILV5-THERMAL-PASTE
- SILV5-THERMAL-PASTE
Thermal Conductivity
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- 17.8 W/mK (ASTM D5470)Best
- StarTech.com StarTech SILV5-THERMAL-PASTE
- 3.195 W/mK at 25C
Electrical Conductivity
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- Insulating
- StarTech.com StarTech SILV5-THERMAL-PASTE
- Insulating
Material Class
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- Silicone, ultra-soft with high compressibility
- StarTech.com StarTech SILV5-THERMAL-PASTE
- Metal Oxide Compound 60% / Silicone Compounds 30% / Carbon Compounds 10%
Package Size
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- 120 x 20 x 1.5mm sheet
- StarTech.com StarTech SILV5-THERMAL-PASTE
- 5 x 1.5g re-sealable syringes (7.5g total)
Recommended Use
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- High-end CPU/GPU
- StarTech.com StarTech SILV5-THERMAL-PASTE
- Mainstream CPU/GPU (best suited for CPUs with TDP up to 65W)
Conductivity Source
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- https://shop.alphacool.com/en/shop/thermal-conductant/thermal-pads/waem-alphacool-apex-thermal-pad-soft-18w/mk-120x20x1mm
- StarTech.com StarTech SILV5-THERMAL-PASTE
- https://www.startech.com/en-us/computer-parts/silv5-thermal-paste
Min Operating Temperature
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- -50 CBest
- StarTech.com StarTech SILV5-THERMAL-PASTE
- -30 C
Max Operating Temperature
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- 150 CBest
- StarTech.com StarTech SILV5-THERMAL-PASTE
- 180 C
Paste Segment
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- Pad
- StarTech.com StarTech SILV5-THERMAL-PASTE
- Standard Paste
Operating Temperature
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- -50 to +150 °CBest
- StarTech.com StarTech SILV5-THERMAL-PASTE
- -30°C to 180°C (-22°F to 356°F)
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 3.195 W/mK at 25C).
Choose StarTech.com StarTech SILV5-THERMAL-PASTE if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Price comparison
| Retailer | Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK | StarTech.com StarTech SILV5-THERMAL-PASTE |
|---|---|---|
| Alphacool Shop (EU) | View on Alphacool Shop (EU) | |
| StarTech.com | View on StarTech.com |
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.
StarTech.com StarTech SILV5-THERMAL-PASTE
5.6 / 10 Expert Rating
A five-pack of re-sealable syringes built for IT technicians managing several machines, not a performance-focused pick.
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