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Alphacool Eisschicht Thermal Pad 11W/mK vs Noctua NT-H1: Comparison

Alphacool Eisschicht Thermal Pad 11W/mK vs Noctua NT-H1: the recommended use difference

The first real difference is recommended use: Alphacool Eisschicht Thermal Pad 11W/mK Mainstream CPU/GPU; Alphacool also markets it for VRM, VRAM,... against Noctua NT-H1 Mainstream CPU/GPU, High-end CPU/GPU. There is a split on paste segment as well, Pad on the Alphacool Eisschicht Thermal Pad 11W/mK versus Standard Paste on the Noctua NT-H1.

Who each one is for

it is not the pick for large single-surface coverage, given this sheet's compact 95x32mm footprint. The same goes for VRM, VRAM, and other board-level components needing a conforming, paste-like pad rather than a stiff sheet. It is not the one for buyers wanting Alphacool's highest-conductivity Eisschicht variant, which is sold at 14 and 17 W/mK in other sizes. Take the Noctua NT-H1 for builders who already have NT-H1 on hand or find it at a discount versus NT-H2. It is equally the pick for mainstream to upper-mid CPU builds that don't need liquid metal-tier performance. It is the wrong buy for buyers making a fresh purchase decision. NT-H2 is the same brand, similar price, and simply newer. Our rating of the Alphacool Eisschicht Thermal Pad 11W/mK (6.6/10): A cuttable pad that clings closely to components and resists drying out, according to Alphacool, though independent testing is limited. Our rating of the Noctua NT-H1 (7.4/10): A long-running favorite for its ease of application and reliability, now largely superseded by NT-H2 but still a safe, proven choice.

Specs and benchmarks

  • Brand

    Alphacool Eisschicht Thermal Pad 11W/mK
    Alphacool
    Noctua NT-H1
    Noctua
  • Model

    Alphacool Eisschicht Thermal Pad 11W/mK
    Alphacool Eisschicht 11W/mK
    Noctua NT-H1
    Noctua NT-H1 , NT-H1
  • Package Size

    Alphacool Eisschicht Thermal Pad 11W/mK
    95 x 32 x 0.5mm sheet, cuttable to size while the protective foil is left on
    Noctua NT-H1
    3.5g / 10g tubes
  • Recommended Use

    Alphacool Eisschicht Thermal Pad 11W/mK
    Mainstream CPU/GPU; Alphacool also markets it for VRM, VRAM, and other board-level components
    Noctua NT-H1
    Mainstream CPU/GPU, High-end CPU/GPU (Noctua's original flagship paste, superseded by NT-H2)
  • Paste Segment

    Alphacool Eisschicht Thermal Pad 11W/mK
    Pad
    Noctua NT-H1
    Standard Paste

    Which one should you pick?

    Choose Alphacool Eisschicht Thermal Pad 11W/mK if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.

    Choose Noctua NT-H1 if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.

    Price comparison

    RetailerAlphacool Eisschicht Thermal Pad 11W/mKNoctua NT-H1
    AmazonView on Amazon

    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 Eisschicht Thermal Pad 11W/mK

    6.6 / 10 Expert Rating

    A cuttable pad that clings closely to components and resists drying out, according to Alphacool, though independent testing is limited.

    Noctua NT-H1

    7.4 / 10 Expert Rating

    A long-running favorite for its ease of application and reliability, now largely superseded by NT-H2 but still a safe, proven choice.

    More comparisons in Thermal Paste