Consumercarts is reader-supported. Learn more
Alphacool Eisfrost Xtreme Liquid Metal Thermal Paste vs EKWB EK-Quantum Vector³ RTX 5080/90 Thermal Pad Kit: Comparison
What is the difference between Alphacool Eisfrost Xtreme Liquid Metal and EKWB EK-Quantum Vector³ RTX 5080/90?
Electrical conductivity is the dividing line, Alphacool Eisfrost Xtreme Liquid Metal Conductive against EKWB EK-Quantum Vector³ RTX 5080/90 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 High-end CPU/GPU on the EKWB EK-Quantum Vector³ RTX 5080/90. Applicator included is not the same on both, None on the Alphacool Eisfrost Xtreme Liquid Metal versus No on the EKWB EK-Quantum Vector³ RTX 5080/90. There is a split on paste segment as well, Liquid Metal on the Alphacool Eisfrost Xtreme Liquid Metal versus Pad on the EKWB EK-Quantum Vector³ RTX 5080/90.
Who each one is for
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. The EKWB EK-Quantum Vector³ RTX 5080/90 suits EK-Quantum Vector³ RTX 5080/5090 water block rebuilds and maintenance and replacing degraded factory VRAM/VRM pads on EK GPU blocks, though it is the wrong buy for Non-EK Vector³ water blocks or other GPU models. It is the wrong buy for CPU thermal interface use (this is a GPU block pad kit, not a paste). 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 EKWB EK-Quantum Vector³ RTX 5080/90 (6.5/10): A genuine replacement kit for EK's specific GPU water blocks, valued for fit rather than headline performance.
Specs and benchmarks
Electrical Conductivity
- Alphacool Eisfrost Xtreme Liquid Metal Thermal Paste
- Conductive
- EKWB EK-Quantum Vector³ RTX 5080/90 Thermal Pad Kit
- Insulating
Package Size
- Alphacool Eisfrost Xtreme Liquid Metal Thermal Paste
- 1g syringe, includes 2 cotton application swabs and a cleaning wipe
- EKWB EK-Quantum Vector³ RTX 5080/90 Thermal Pad Kit
- Kit of 12 pads: 2x 8x16x2mm, 2x 55x16x2mm, 1x 27x16x2mm, 3x 120x12x1mm, 3x 120x6x2mm, 1x 30x15x3mm
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
- EKWB EK-Quantum Vector³ RTX 5080/90 Thermal Pad Kit
- High-end CPU/GPU (genuine replacement thermal pad kit for EK-Quantum Vector³ RTX 5080/5090 GPU water blocks, covering VRAM and power-delivery contact points)
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.
- EKWB EK-Quantum Vector³ RTX 5080/90 Thermal Pad Kit
- Pads carry natural tack on one side only; double-sided protective foil must be removed before installation
Applicator Included
- Alphacool Eisfrost Xtreme Liquid Metal Thermal Paste
- None
- EKWB EK-Quantum Vector³ RTX 5080/90 Thermal Pad Kit
- No
Paste Segment
- Alphacool Eisfrost Xtreme Liquid Metal Thermal Paste
- Liquid Metal
- EKWB EK-Quantum Vector³ RTX 5080/90 Thermal Pad Kit
- Pad
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 EKWB EK-Quantum Vector³ RTX 5080/90 Thermal Pad Kit if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Price comparison
| Retailer | Alphacool Eisfrost Xtreme Liquid Metal Thermal Paste | EKWB EK-Quantum Vector³ RTX 5080/90 Thermal Pad Kit |
|---|---|---|
| Alphacool Shop (EU) | View on Alphacool Shop (EU) | |
| EK Webshop | View on EK Webshop |
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.
EKWB EK-Quantum Vector³ RTX 5080/90 Thermal Pad Kit
6.5 / 10 Expert Rating
A genuine replacement kit for EK's specific GPU water blocks, valued for fit rather than headline performance.
More comparisons in Thermal Paste
- 3M Thermally Conductive Acrylic Interface Pad 5590H vs EKWB EK-Quantum Vector³ RTX 5080/90 Thermal Pad Kit
- Alphacool Eisfrost Xtreme Liquid Metal Thermal Paste vs EKWB EK Thermal PAD G 2.0mm
- Alphacool Eisfrost Xtreme Liquid Metal Thermal Paste vs Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut
- Alphacool Eisfrost Xtreme Liquid Metal Thermal Paste vs Thermal Grizzly Minus Pad Pro
- Alphacool Eisfrost Xtreme Liquid Metal Thermal Paste vs Deepcool G40