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Alphacool Subzero vs Arctic Silver 5: Comparison
Alphacool Subzero and Arctic Silver 5 separate most on thermal conductivity: Alphacool Subzero at 16 W/mK, Arctic Silver 5 at 8.9 W/mK, 44% in favour of Alphacool Subzero. They match on electrical conductivity and paste segment.
Specs
| Specification |  |  |
|---|---|---|
| Compound Type | High-Performance Silicone-Based | Metal-Based |
| Brand | Alphacool | Arctic Silver |
| Model | Alphacool Subzero , Subzero | Arctic Silver 5 |
| Thermal Conductivity | 16 W/mK | 8.9 W/mK-44% |
| Electrical Conductivity | Insulating | Insulating |
| Package Size | 1g / 3.5g / 20g tubes | 3.5g syringe (also 12g) |
| Recommended Use | High-end CPU/GPU (including overclocking) | Mainstream CPU/GPU, High-end CPU/GPU |
| Reapplication Interval | Verify manufacturer-rated interval | Periodic reapplication recommended due to curing/drying behavior |
| Safety Notes | None | Requires ~200-hour burn-in period to reach rated performance |
| Paste Segment | Standard Paste | Standard Paste |