Consumercarts is reader-supported. Learn more
Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK vs Zalman ZM-STG2: Comparison
Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK vs Zalman ZM-STG2: the thermal conductivity difference
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 Zalman ZM-STG2 4.1 W/mK. There is a split on conductivity source as well, 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.zalman.com/US/Product/ProductDetail.do?productSeq=264 on the Zalman ZM-STG2. 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-STG2.
Which should you buy, Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK or Zalman ZM-STG2?
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. Avoid it for buyers who specifically want Eisschicht's softer, more paste-like conforming fit for delicate uneven surfaces. The Zalman ZM-STG2 is the one to take for buyers replacing an existing Zalman-branded application, though it is not the pick for high-end or overclocked builds needing a documented, competitive conductivity figure and anyone wanting current-generation performance data before purchasing. It also earns its place with budget general CPU cooling where a recognizable, long-running brand name matters. 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-STG2 (5.3/10): A long-running budget staple from Zalman, dated but still functional.
Frequently asked questions
Do the Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK and Zalman ZM-STG2 differ on compound type?
Yes. Compound Type reads Silicone-Based Pad on the Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK versus Silicone-Based on the Zalman ZM-STG2.
Is the Electrical Conductivity the same on the Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK and Zalman ZM-STG2?
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-STG2
- Zalman
Compound Type
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- Silicone-Based Pad
- Zalman ZM-STG2
- Silicone-Based
Model
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- Zalman ZM-STG2
- Zalman ZM-STG2
Thermal Conductivity
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- 17.8 W/mK (ASTM D5470)Best
- Zalman ZM-STG2
- 4.1 W/mK
Electrical Conductivity
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- Insulating
- Zalman ZM-STG2
- Insulating
Package Size
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- 120 x 20 x 1.5mm sheet
- Zalman ZM-STG2
- 3.5g syringe
Recommended Use
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- High-end CPU/GPU
- Zalman ZM-STG2
- General CPU Cooling
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-STG2
- https://www.zalman.com/US/Product/ProductDetail.do?productSeq=264
Paste Segment
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK
- Pad
- Zalman ZM-STG2
- Standard Paste
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 4.1 W/mK).
Choose Zalman ZM-STG2 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-STG2 |
|---|---|---|
| Alphacool Shop (EU) | View on Alphacool Shop (EU) |
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-STG2
5.3 / 10 Expert Rating
A long-running budget staple from Zalman, dated but still functional.
More comparisons in Thermal Paste
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK vs Noctua NT-H1
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK vs Noctua NT-H2
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK vs Honeywell PTM7950
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK vs PCCooler EX90
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK vs Thermal Grizzly KryoSheet
- Alphacool Apex Thermal Pad Soft 18W/mK vs Arctic TP-4