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Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK vs Thermalright TFX: Comparison
Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK vs Thermalright TFX thermal conductivity compared
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 TFX 14.3 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 TFX.
Which should you buy, Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK or Thermalright TFX?
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. It is not the one for buyers who specifically want Eisschicht's softer, more paste-like conforming fit for delicate uneven surfaces. it is not the pick for beginners or anyone wanting a quick, easy application and bare GPU or CPU dies, given igor'sLAB's surface damage finding. The same goes for experienced builders who accept the application and surface risks igor'sLAB found. 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 TFX (8.4/10): Thermalright's flagship TF-series paste with the range's highest rating at 14.3 W/mK, though igor'sLAB found particles over 10 microns and advised against it for PC use.
Frequently asked questions
Do the Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK and Thermalright TFX differ on viscosity?
Yes. Viscosity reads 0 Pa-s on the Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK versus Very thick, dense filler load, described by reviewers as... on the Thermalright TFX.
Is the Electrical Conductivity the same on the Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK and Thermalright TFX?
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 TFX
- Thermalright
Model
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- Thermalright TFX
- TFX
Thermal Conductivity
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- 17.8 W/mK (ASTM D5470)Best
- Thermalright TFX
- 14.3 W/mK
Electrical Conductivity
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- Insulating
- Thermalright TFX
- Insulating
Material Class
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- Silicone, ultra-soft with high compressibility
- Thermalright TFX
- Silicone-Based
Package Size
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- 120 x 20 x 1.5mm sheet
- Thermalright TFX
- 2g and 6.2g syringe
Recommended Use
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- High-end CPU/GPU
- Thermalright TFX
- 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 TFX
- https://www.thermalright.com/product/tfx-thermal-paste-2g/
Viscosity
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- 0 Pa-s
- Thermalright TFX
- Very thick, dense filler load, described by reviewers as bordering on putty-like
Max Operating Temperature
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- 150 CBest
- Thermalright TFX
- 300 C
Density
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- 3.5 g/cm3
- Thermalright TFX
- 2.6 g/cm3
Paste Segment
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- Pad
- Thermalright TFX
- Standard Paste
Operating Temperature
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- -50 to +150 °CBest
- Thermalright TFX
- Up to 300 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 14.3 W/mK).
Choose Thermalright TFX 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 TFX |
|---|---|---|
| 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 TFX
8.4 / 10 Expert Rating
Thermalright's flagship TF-series paste with the range's highest rating at 14.3 W/mK, though igor'sLAB found particles over 10 microns and advised against it for PC use.
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