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Alphacool Eisfrost Xtreme Liquid Metal Thermal Paste vs Arctic TP-1: Comparison

What is the difference between Alphacool Eisfrost Xtreme Liquid Metal and Arctic TP-1?

They are built to different briefs, and electrical conductivity shows it, Alphacool Eisfrost Xtreme Liquid Metal Conductive against Arctic TP-1 Insulating. There is a split on recommended use as well, High-end CPU/GPU, including overclocking; also suited to Delidded-Direct-Die use... on the Alphacool Eisfrost Xtreme Liquid Metal versus Mainstream CPU/GPU on the Arctic TP-1. They differ on density too, 6.44 g/cm3 on the Alphacool Eisfrost Xtreme Liquid Metal versus 2.3 g/cm3 on the Arctic TP-1. There is a split on paste segment as well, Liquid Metal on the Alphacool Eisfrost Xtreme Liquid Metal versus Pad on the Arctic TP-1.

Alphacool Eisfrost Xtreme Liquid Metal vs Arctic TP-1: which one fits your build

Take the Alphacool Eisfrost Xtreme Liquid Metal for experienced overclockers with copper or nickel-plated-copper cooler bases wanting maximum conductivity. It is equally the pick for delidded, direct-die CPU/GPU setups where liquid metal is the established choice. Avoid it for aluminum coolers or any aluminum contact surface, which liquid metal will corrode. Buy the Arctic TP-1 for RAM heatsinks and VRM gap-filling and Raspberry Pi and single-board computer builds, though it is not built for buyers who want a published W/mK thermal conductivity number. It is the wrong buy for high-wattage CPU or GPU direct cooling - too soft/thin for that duty. Our rating of the Alphacool Eisfrost Xtreme Liquid Metal (7.8/10): A gallium-alloy liquid metal aimed at high-end builds, bundled with application swabs to ease the learning curve. Our rating of the Arctic TP-1 (6/10): Arctic's entry-level pad, ultra-soft and easy to fit, aimed at low-cost gap-filling rather than peak conductivity.

Frequently asked questions

Do the Alphacool Eisfrost Xtreme Liquid Metal and Arctic TP-1 differ on viscosity?

Yes. Viscosity reads 6 Pa-s on the Alphacool Eisfrost Xtreme Liquid Metal versus 20 Pa-s on the Arctic TP-1.

Is the Applicator Included the same on the Alphacool Eisfrost Xtreme Liquid Metal and Arctic TP-1?

It is. Both are listed at None, so it is not a reason to pick one over the other.

Specs and benchmarks

  • Electrical Conductivity

    Alphacool Eisfrost Xtreme Liquid Metal Thermal Paste
    Conductive
    Arctic TP-1
    Insulating
  • Package Size

    Alphacool Eisfrost Xtreme Liquid Metal Thermal Paste
    1g syringe, includes 2 cotton application swabs and a cleaning wipe
    Arctic TP-1
    120x20mm or 100x100mm sheets, 0.5mm/1mm/1.5mm thickness, sold in 4-pad packs
  • Recommended Use

    Alphacool Eisfrost Xtreme Liquid Metal Thermal Paste
    High-end CPU/GPU, including overclocking; also suited to Delidded-Direct-Die use per manufacturer application guidance
    Arctic TP-1
    Mainstream CPU/GPU (RAM heatsinks, chipsets, single-board computers)
  • Safety Notes

    Alphacool Eisfrost Xtreme Liquid Metal Thermal Paste
    Electrically conductive liquid metal; must never contact exposed electronic components or it can cause a short circuit. Compatible only with copper, gold, silver, lead, zinc, or nickel-plated copper surfaces; will corrode and damage bare aluminum and must never be applied to aluminum coolers. Causes skin irritation; wash affected skin thoroughly with water.
    Arctic TP-1
    Non-adhesive, electrically insulating, no metal particles, not capacitive - safe even in contact with electrical components
  • Viscosity

    Alphacool Eisfrost Xtreme Liquid Metal Thermal Paste
    6 Pa-s
    Arctic TP-1
    20 Pa-s
  • Applicator Included

    Alphacool Eisfrost Xtreme Liquid Metal Thermal Paste
    None
    Arctic TP-1
    None
  • Density

    Alphacool Eisfrost Xtreme Liquid Metal Thermal Paste
    6.44 g/cm3
    Arctic TP-1
    2.3 g/cm3
  • Paste Segment

    Alphacool Eisfrost Xtreme Liquid Metal Thermal Paste
    Liquid Metal
    Arctic TP-1
    Pad
  • Operating Temperature

    Alphacool Eisfrost Xtreme Liquid Metal Thermal Paste
    Melting point -19.3°C; liquid at all normal operating and room temperatures
    Arctic TP-1
    -40C to 150C continuous useBest

    Which one should you pick?

    Choose Alphacool Eisfrost Xtreme Liquid Metal Thermal Paste if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.

    Choose Arctic TP-1 if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.

    Price comparison

    RetailerAlphacool Eisfrost Xtreme Liquid Metal Thermal PasteArctic TP-1
    Alphacool Shop (EU)View on Alphacool Shop (EU)
    Arctic StoreView on Arctic Store

    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 Eisfrost Xtreme Liquid Metal Thermal Paste

    7.8 / 10 Expert Rating

    A gallium-alloy liquid metal aimed at high-end builds, bundled with application swabs to ease the learning curve.

    Arctic TP-1

    6 / 10 Expert Rating

    Arctic's entry-level pad, ultra-soft and easy to fit, aimed at low-cost gap-filling rather than peak conductivity.

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