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Alphacool Silver Grease Thermal Paste vs Zalman ZM-STG2: Comparison

Alphacool Silver Grease Thermal Paste vs Zalman ZM-STG2: the recommended use difference

The first real difference is recommended use: Alphacool Silver Grease Thermal Paste Mainstream CPU/GPU; marketed by Alphacool as an affordable entry-level... against Zalman ZM-STG2 General CPU Cooling.

Alphacool Silver Grease Thermal Paste vs Zalman ZM-STG2: which one fits your build

it is the wrong buy for buyers who need a large syringe for multiple full-size applications. It also earns its place with budget builds and spare-parts stock where a cheap, reliable paste is enough. It is the wrong buy for high-end overclocking or delidded setups wanting a documented high W/mK figure. The Zalman ZM-STG2 is the one to take for buyers replacing an existing Zalman-branded application, though it is not built for high-end or overclocked builds needing a documented, competitive conductivity figure and anyone wanting current-generation performance data before purchasing. The same goes for budget general CPU cooling where a recognizable, long-running brand name matters. Our rating of the Alphacool Silver Grease Thermal Paste (5.6/10): A basic silicone-based grease from Alphacool, mainstream tier. Our rating of the Zalman ZM-STG2 (5.3/10): A long-running budget staple from Zalman, dated but still functional.

Where the two are identical

The common ground is wider than the gap: electrical conductivity and paste segment are identical here.

Specs and benchmarks

  • Brand

    Alphacool Silver Grease Thermal Paste
    Alphacool
    Zalman ZM-STG2
    Zalman
  • Model

    Alphacool Silver Grease Thermal Paste
    Alphacool Silver Grease
    Zalman ZM-STG2
    Zalman ZM-STG2
  • Electrical Conductivity

    Alphacool Silver Grease Thermal Paste
    Insulating
    Zalman ZM-STG2
    Insulating
  • Package Size

    Alphacool Silver Grease Thermal Paste
    0.5g syringe
    Zalman ZM-STG2
    3.5g syringe
  • Recommended Use

    Alphacool Silver Grease Thermal Paste
    Mainstream CPU/GPU; marketed by Alphacool as an affordable entry-level paste and test/spare stock
    Zalman ZM-STG2
    General CPU Cooling
  • Safety Notes

    Alphacool Silver Grease Thermal Paste
    RoHS compliant per manufacturer
    Zalman ZM-STG2
    None
  • Paste Segment

    Alphacool Silver Grease Thermal Paste
    Standard Paste
    Zalman ZM-STG2
    Standard Paste

    Which one should you pick?

    Choose Alphacool Silver Grease 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

    RetailerAlphacool Silver Grease Thermal PasteZalman 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 Silver Grease Thermal Paste

    5.6 / 10 Expert Rating

    A basic silicone-based grease from Alphacool, mainstream tier.

    Zalman ZM-STG2

    5.3 / 10 Expert Rating

    A long-running budget staple from Zalman, dated but still functional.