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Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK vs Thermalright TF7: Comparison
What is the difference between Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK and Thermalright TF7?
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 Thermalright TF7 12.8 W/mK. They differ on conductivity source too, https://shop.alphacool.com/en/shop/thermal-conductant/thermal-pads/waem-alphacool-apex-thermal-pad-soft-18w/mk-120x20x1mm on the Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK versus https://www.thermalright.com/product/tf7-2g/ on the Thermalright TF7. There is a split on density as well, 3.5 g/cm3 on the Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK versus 2.8 g/cm3 on the Thermalright TF7. They differ on paste segment too, Pad on the Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK versus Standard Paste on the Thermalright TF7.
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 Thermalright TF7 suits budget-conscious enthusiasts and mainstream gaming builds, though it is the wrong buy for extreme overclocking and delidded direct-die use. 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 Thermalright TF7 (6.3/10): A budget enthusiast paste from Thermalright, decent value though older than the brand's newer TF9/TFX releases.
Frequently asked questions
Do the Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK and Thermalright TF7 differ on max operating temperature?
Yes. Max Operating Temperature reads 150 C on the Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK versus 250 C on the Thermalright TF7.
Is the Electrical Conductivity the same on the Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK and Thermalright TF7?
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
- Thermalright TF7
- Thermalright
Model
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- Thermalright TF7
- TF7
Thermal Conductivity
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- 17.8 W/mK (ASTM D5470)Best
- Thermalright TF7
- 12.8 W/mK
Electrical Conductivity
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- Insulating
- Thermalright TF7
- Insulating
Material Class
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- Silicone, ultra-soft with high compressibility
- Thermalright TF7
- Silicone-Based
Package Size
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- 120 x 20 x 1.5mm sheet
- Thermalright TF7
- 2g and 8g syringe
Recommended Use
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- High-end CPU/GPU
- Thermalright TF7
- Mainstream CPU/GPU
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
- Thermalright TF7
- https://www.thermalright.com/product/tf7-2g/
Min Operating Temperature
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- -50 C
- Thermalright TF7
- -150 CBest
Max Operating Temperature
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- 150 CBest
- Thermalright TF7
- 250 C
Density
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- 3.5 g/cm3
- Thermalright TF7
- 2.8 g/cm3
Paste Segment
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- Pad
- Thermalright TF7
- Standard Paste
Operating Temperature
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- -50 to +150 °C
- Thermalright TF7
- -150 C to 250 CBest
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 12.8 W/mK).
Choose Thermalright TF7 if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Price comparison
| Retailer | Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK | Thermalright TF7 |
|---|---|---|
| Alphacool Shop (EU) | View on Alphacool Shop (EU) | |
| Thermalright (Manufacturer) | View on Thermalright (Manufacturer) | |
| Amazon | View on Amazon |
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.
Thermalright TF7
6.3 / 10 Expert Rating
A budget enthusiast paste from Thermalright, decent value though older than the brand's newer TF9/TFX releases.
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