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Alphacool Eisfrost Xtreme Liquid Metal Thermal Paste vs Zalman ZM-STG2: Comparison
Alphacool Eisfrost Xtreme Liquid Metal vs Zalman ZM-STG2: the electrical conductivity difference
The first real difference is electrical conductivity: Alphacool Eisfrost Xtreme Liquid Metal Conductive against Zalman ZM-STG2 Insulating. They differ on recommended use too, High-end CPU/GPU, including overclocking; also suited to Delidded-Direct-Die use... on the Alphacool Eisfrost Xtreme Liquid Metal versus General CPU Cooling on the Zalman ZM-STG2. They differ on paste segment too, Liquid Metal on the Alphacool Eisfrost Xtreme Liquid Metal versus Standard Paste on the Zalman ZM-STG2.
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. 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. Buy the Zalman ZM-STG2 for buyers replacing an existing Zalman-branded application, though it is the wrong buy for high-end or overclocked builds needing a documented, competitive conductivity figure and anyone wanting current-generation performance data before purchasing. It is equally the pick for budget general CPU cooling where a recognizable, long-running brand name matters. 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-STG2 (5.3/10): A long-running budget staple from Zalman, dated but still functional.
Specs and benchmarks
Brand
- Alphacool Eisfrost Xtreme Liquid Metal Thermal Paste
- Alphacool
- Zalman ZM-STG2
- Zalman
Model
- Alphacool Eisfrost Xtreme Liquid Metal Thermal Paste
- Alphacool Eisfrost Xtreme
- Zalman ZM-STG2
- Zalman ZM-STG2
Electrical Conductivity
- Alphacool Eisfrost Xtreme Liquid Metal Thermal Paste
- Conductive
- Zalman ZM-STG2
- Insulating
Package Size
- Alphacool Eisfrost Xtreme Liquid Metal Thermal Paste
- 1g syringe, includes 2 cotton application swabs and a cleaning wipe
- Zalman ZM-STG2
- 3.5g syringe
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-STG2
- General CPU Cooling
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.
- Zalman ZM-STG2
- None
Paste Segment
- Alphacool Eisfrost Xtreme Liquid Metal Thermal Paste
- Liquid Metal
- Zalman ZM-STG2
- Standard Paste
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-STG2 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-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 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-STG2
5.3 / 10 Expert Rating
A long-running budget staple from Zalman, dated but still functional.
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