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Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK vs Thermalright TF8: Comparison
Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK vs Thermalright TF8 thermal conductivity compared
Expect a near tie. The closest thing to a difference is thermal conductivity, Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK 17.8 W/mK against Thermalright TF8 13.8 W/mK. Paste segment is not the same on both, Pad on the Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK versus Standard Paste on the Thermalright TF8.
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 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 not the one for buyers who specifically want Eisschicht's softer, more paste-like conforming fit for delicate uneven surfaces. The Thermalright TF8 suits experienced builders comfortable spreading stiff paste, though it is not built for anyone who can't verify which TF8 batch they are buying and beginners who want an easy thin spread. It also earns its place with buyers who can confirm pre-2025 stock and want a dense, high-performing paste. 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 TF8 (6.6/10): A high-density filler paste from an older TF-series batch; buyers should be aware a 2025 formula change was flagged by independent testers.
Frequently asked questions
Do the Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK and Thermalright TF8 differ on viscosity?
Yes. Viscosity reads 0 Pa-s on the Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK versus Dense mix of thermally conductive fillers with relatively little... on the Thermalright TF8.
Is the Electrical Conductivity the same on the Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK and Thermalright TF8?
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 TF8
- Thermalright
Model
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- Thermalright TF8
- TF8
Thermal Conductivity
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- 17.8 W/mK (ASTM D5470)Best
- Thermalright TF8
- 13.8 W/mK
Electrical Conductivity
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- Insulating
- Thermalright TF8
- Insulating
Material Class
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- Silicone, ultra-soft with high compressibility
- Thermalright TF8
- Silicone-Based
Package Size
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- 120 x 20 x 1.5mm sheet
- Thermalright TF8
- 1.2g, 2g, 5.8g, 12.8g syringe options
Recommended Use
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- High-end CPU/GPU
- Thermalright TF8
- High-end 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 TF8
- https://www.thermalright.com/product/tf8-thermal-paste-1-2g/
Viscosity
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- 0 Pa-s
- Thermalright TF8
- Dense mix of thermally conductive fillers with relatively little silicone binder, per igor'sLAB teardown
Max Operating Temperature
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- 150 CBest
- Thermalright TF8
- 380 C
Density
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- 3.5 g/cm3
- Thermalright TF8
- 2.9 g/cm3
Paste Segment
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- Pad
- Thermalright TF8
- Standard Paste
Operating Temperature
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- -50 to +150 °CBest
- Thermalright TF8
- Up to 380 C
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 13.8 W/mK).
Choose Thermalright TF8 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 TF8 |
|---|---|---|
| Alphacool Shop (EU) | View on Alphacool Shop (EU) | |
| Thermalright (Manufacturer) | View on Thermalright (Manufacturer) |
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 TF8
6.6 / 10 Expert Rating
A high-density filler paste from an older TF-series batch; buyers should be aware a 2025 formula change was flagged by independent testers.
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