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Alphacool Eisfrost Xtreme Liquid Metal Thermal Paste vs Zalman ZM-STC10: Comparison
What is the difference between Alphacool Eisfrost Xtreme Liquid Metal and Zalman ZM-STC10?
They are built to different briefs, and electrical conductivity shows it, Alphacool Eisfrost Xtreme Liquid Metal Conductive against Zalman ZM-STC10 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 Zalman ZM-STC10. They differ on density too, 6.44 g/cm3 on the Alphacool Eisfrost Xtreme Liquid Metal versus 2.9 g/cm3 on the Zalman ZM-STC10. Paste segment is not the same on both, Liquid Metal on the Alphacool Eisfrost Xtreme Liquid Metal versus Standard Paste on the Zalman ZM-STC10.
Alphacool Eisfrost Xtreme Liquid Metal vs Zalman ZM-STC10: 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 also earns its place with delidded, direct-die CPU/GPU setups where liquid metal is the established choice. It is not the one for aluminum coolers or any aluminum contact surface, which liquid metal will corrode. 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 the pick for delidded direct-die extreme overclocking and Liquid-metal-tier performance needs. 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 Zalman ZM-STC10 (6.1/10): A reasonable mid-tier Zalman compound with a solid published conductivity figure.
Frequently asked questions
Do the Alphacool Eisfrost Xtreme Liquid Metal and Zalman ZM-STC10 differ on viscosity?
Yes. Viscosity reads 6 Pa-s on the Alphacool Eisfrost Xtreme Liquid Metal versus 300 Pa-s on the Zalman ZM-STC10.
Specs and benchmarks
Brand
- Alphacool Eisfrost Xtreme Liquid Metal Thermal Paste
- Alphacool
- Zalman ZM-STC10
- Zalman
Model
- Alphacool Eisfrost Xtreme Liquid Metal Thermal Paste
- Alphacool Eisfrost Xtreme
- Zalman ZM-STC10
- ZM-STC10
Electrical Conductivity
- Alphacool Eisfrost Xtreme Liquid Metal Thermal Paste
- Conductive
- Zalman ZM-STC10
- Insulating
Material Class
- Alphacool Eisfrost Xtreme Liquid Metal Thermal Paste
- Gallium Alloy
- Zalman ZM-STC10
- Polydimethylsiloxane (silicone) base with Zinc Oxide and Aluminum Oxide fillers
Package Size
- Alphacool Eisfrost Xtreme Liquid Metal Thermal Paste
- 1g syringe, includes 2 cotton application swabs and a cleaning wipe
- Zalman ZM-STC10
- 2g syringe (110 x 23 x 14mm)
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
- Zalman ZM-STC10
- Mainstream CPU/GPU
Viscosity
- Alphacool Eisfrost Xtreme Liquid Metal Thermal Paste
- 6 Pa-s
- Zalman ZM-STC10
- 300 Pa-s
Density
- Alphacool Eisfrost Xtreme Liquid Metal Thermal Paste
- 6.44 g/cm3
- Zalman ZM-STC10
- 2.9 g/cm3
Paste Segment
- Alphacool Eisfrost Xtreme Liquid Metal Thermal Paste
- Liquid Metal
- Zalman ZM-STC10
- Standard Paste
Operating Temperature
- Alphacool Eisfrost Xtreme Liquid Metal Thermal Paste
- Melting point -19.3°C; liquid at all normal operating and room temperatures
- Zalman ZM-STC10
- -40°C to 200°CBest
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 Zalman ZM-STC10 if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Price comparison
| Retailer | Alphacool Eisfrost Xtreme Liquid Metal Thermal Paste | 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 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.
Zalman ZM-STC10
6.1 / 10 Expert Rating
A reasonable mid-tier Zalman compound with a solid published conductivity figure.
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