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Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK vs Thermaltake TG-30: Comparison
Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK vs Thermaltake TG-30 thermal conductivity compared
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 Thermaltake TG-30 4.5 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 Thermaltake TG-30. They differ on operating temperature too, -50 to +150 °C on the Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK versus -50 to 200 C on the Thermaltake TG-30.
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. The same goes 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. Buy the Thermaltake TG-30 for mainstream CPU/GPU builds and first-time PC builders wanting a guided applicator kit, though it is not built for overclockers chasing sub-3C deltas versus premium compounds. 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 Thermaltake TG-30 (5.4/10): A diamond-based budget compound from Thermaltake with a syringe applicator kit.
Frequently asked questions
Do the Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK and Thermaltake TG-30 differ on viscosity?
Yes. Viscosity reads 0 Pa-s on the Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK versus Grey, will not dry or crack over long-term use... on the Thermaltake TG-30.
Is the Electrical Conductivity the same on the Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK and Thermaltake TG-30?
It is. Both are listed at Insulating, so it is not a reason to pick one over the other.
Specs and benchmarks
Thermal Conductivity
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- 17.8 W/mK (ASTM D5470)Best
- Thermaltake TG-30
- 4.5 W/mK
Electrical Conductivity
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- Insulating
- Thermaltake TG-30
- Insulating
Material Class
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- Silicone, ultra-soft with high compressibility
- Thermaltake TG-30
- Diamond-Based
Package Size
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- 120 x 20 x 1.5mm sheet
- Thermaltake TG-30
- 4.0g syringe
Recommended Use
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- High-end CPU/GPU
- Thermaltake TG-30
- 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
- Thermaltake TG-30
- https://br.thermaltake.com/tg-30-thermal-compound.html
Viscosity
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- 0 Pa-s
- Thermaltake TG-30
- Grey, will not dry or crack over long-term use per manufacturer
Min Operating Temperature
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- -50 C
- Thermaltake TG-30
- -50 C
Max Operating Temperature
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- 150 CBest
- Thermaltake TG-30
- 200 C
Paste Segment
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- Pad
- Thermaltake TG-30
- Standard Paste
Operating Temperature
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- -50 to +150 °C
- Thermaltake TG-30
- -50 to 200 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 4.5 W/mK).
Choose Thermaltake TG-30 if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Price comparison
| Retailer | Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK | Thermaltake TG-30 |
|---|---|---|
| Alphacool Shop (EU) | View on Alphacool Shop (EU) | |
| Newegg | View 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.
Thermaltake TG-30
5.4 / 10 Expert Rating
A diamond-based budget compound from Thermaltake with a syringe applicator kit.
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