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Alphacool Eisfrost Xtreme Liquid Metal Thermal Paste vs Arctic TP-4: Comparison
Alphacool Eisfrost Xtreme Liquid Metal vs Arctic TP-4: the electrical conductivity difference
The first real difference is electrical conductivity: Alphacool Eisfrost Xtreme Liquid Metal Conductive against Arctic TP-4 Insulating. Recommended use is not the same on both, High-end CPU/GPU, including overclocking; also suited to Delidded-Direct-Die use... on the Alphacool Eisfrost Xtreme Liquid Metal versus Mainstream CPU/GPU, Laptop-Thin-GPU on the Arctic TP-4. They differ on density too, 6.44 g/cm3 on the Alphacool Eisfrost Xtreme Liquid Metal versus 3.4 g/cm3 on the Arctic TP-4. There is a split on paste segment as well, Liquid Metal on the Alphacool Eisfrost Xtreme Liquid Metal versus Pad on the Arctic TP-4.
Alphacool Eisfrost Xtreme Liquid Metal vs Arctic TP-4: 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. The same goes for delidded, direct-die CPU/GPU setups where liquid metal is the established choice. It is the wrong buy for aluminum coolers or any aluminum contact surface, which liquid metal will corrode. The Arctic TP-4 suits GPU memory and VRM repads with uneven gap heights and laptop and console thermal pad replacement, though it is not the pick for direct CPU or GPU die contact; use an MX-series paste and buyers who need a published W/mK figure. 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-4 (6.9/10): Arctic's premium stackable pad option, a solid choice where multiple thicknesses need to be combined precisely.
Frequently asked questions
Do the Alphacool Eisfrost Xtreme Liquid Metal and Arctic TP-4 differ on viscosity?
Yes. Viscosity reads 6 Pa-s on the Alphacool Eisfrost Xtreme Liquid Metal versus 50 Pa-s on the Arctic TP-4.
Is the Applicator Included the same on the Alphacool Eisfrost Xtreme Liquid Metal and Arctic TP-4?
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-4
- Insulating
Material Class
- Alphacool Eisfrost Xtreme Liquid Metal Thermal Paste
- Gallium Alloy
- Arctic TP-4
- Silicone-Based (Premium Performance line)
Package Size
- Alphacool Eisfrost Xtreme Liquid Metal Thermal Paste
- 1g syringe, includes 2 cotton application swabs and a cleaning wipe
- Arctic TP-4
- 120x20mm or 100x100mm sheets, 0.5mm/1mm/1.5mm thickness, 1 or 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-4
- Mainstream CPU/GPU, Laptop-Thin-GPU (RAM, chipsets, GPUs, consoles, laptops)
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-4
- Electrically insulating (volume resistance 1.52x10^13 ohm-cm, breakdown voltage 8620 V/mil), non-adhesive, UL 94 V-0 flammability rated, dielectric constant 7.2 @1MHz
Viscosity
- Alphacool Eisfrost Xtreme Liquid Metal Thermal Paste
- 6 Pa-s
- Arctic TP-4
- 50 Pa-s
Applicator Included
- Alphacool Eisfrost Xtreme Liquid Metal Thermal Paste
- None
- Arctic TP-4
- None
Density
- Alphacool Eisfrost Xtreme Liquid Metal Thermal Paste
- 6.44 g/cm3
- Arctic TP-4
- 3.4 g/cm3
Paste Segment
- Alphacool Eisfrost Xtreme Liquid Metal Thermal Paste
- Liquid Metal
- Arctic TP-4
- 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-4
- -40C to 200C ambientBest
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-4 if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Price comparison
| Retailer | Alphacool Eisfrost Xtreme Liquid Metal Thermal Paste | Arctic TP-4 |
|---|---|---|
| Alphacool Shop (EU) | View on Alphacool Shop (EU) | |
| Arctic Store | View 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-4
6.9 / 10 Expert Rating
Arctic's premium stackable pad option, a solid choice where multiple thicknesses need to be combined precisely.
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