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Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK vs Zalman ZM-STC10: Comparison
What is the difference between Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK and Zalman ZM-STC10?
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 Zalman ZM-STC10 11.5 W/mK. There is a split on density as well, 3.5 g/cm3 on the Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK versus 2.9 g/cm3 on the Zalman ZM-STC10. Paste segment is not the same on both, Pad on the Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK versus Standard Paste on the Zalman ZM-STC10.
Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK vs Zalman ZM-STC10: which one fits your build
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 Zalman ZM-STC10 is the one to take for mainstream CPU/GPU cooling and users upgrading from Zalman's entry ZM-STG series, though it is not built for delidded direct-die extreme overclocking and liquid-metal-tier performance needs. 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 Zalman ZM-STC10 (6.1/10): A reasonable mid-tier Zalman compound with a solid published conductivity figure.
Frequently asked questions
Do the Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK and Zalman ZM-STC10 differ on viscosity?
Yes. Viscosity reads 0 Pa-s on the Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK versus 300 Pa-s on the Zalman ZM-STC10.
Is the Electrical Conductivity the same on the Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK and Zalman ZM-STC10?
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
- Zalman ZM-STC10
- Zalman
Model
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- Zalman ZM-STC10
- ZM-STC10
Thermal Conductivity
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- 17.8 W/mK (ASTM D5470)Best
- Zalman ZM-STC10
- 11.5 W/mK
Electrical Conductivity
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- Insulating
- Zalman ZM-STC10
- Insulating
Material Class
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- Silicone, ultra-soft with high compressibility
- Zalman ZM-STC10
- Polydimethylsiloxane (silicone) base with Zinc Oxide and Aluminum Oxide fillers
Package Size
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- 120 x 20 x 1.5mm sheet
- Zalman ZM-STC10
- 2g syringe (110 x 23 x 14mm)
Recommended Use
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- High-end CPU/GPU
- Zalman ZM-STC10
- 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
- Zalman ZM-STC10
- https://www.zalman.com/EN/Product/ProductDetail.do?productSeq=1495
Viscosity
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- 0 Pa-s
- Zalman ZM-STC10
- 300 Pa-s
Min Operating Temperature
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- -50 CBest
- Zalman ZM-STC10
- -40 C
Max Operating Temperature
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- 150 CBest
- Zalman ZM-STC10
- 200 C
Density
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- 3.5 g/cm3
- Zalman ZM-STC10
- 2.9 g/cm3
Paste Segment
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- Pad
- Zalman ZM-STC10
- Standard Paste
Operating Temperature
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- -50 to +150 °CBest
- Zalman ZM-STC10
- -40°C 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 11.5 W/mK).
Choose Zalman ZM-STC10 if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Price comparison
| Retailer | Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK | Zalman ZM-STC10 |
|---|---|---|
| Alphacool Shop (EU) | View on Alphacool Shop (EU) | |
| Aquatuning | View on Aquatuning |
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.
Zalman ZM-STC10
6.1 / 10 Expert Rating
A reasonable mid-tier Zalman compound with a solid published conductivity figure.
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