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Alphacool Subzero vs StarTech.com StarTech SILV5-THERMAL-PASTE: Comparison
Alphacool Subzero vs StarTech.com StarTech SILV5-THERMAL-PASTE thermal conductivity compared
These two are close on paper, and thermal conductivity is the only measure that separates them at all: Alphacool Subzero 16 W/mK against StarTech.com StarTech SILV5-THERMAL-PASTE 3.195 W/mK at 25C. They differ on recommended use too, High-end CPU/GPU on the Alphacool Subzero versus Mainstream CPU/GPU on the StarTech.com StarTech SILV5-THERMAL-PASTE. They differ on conductivity source too, https://shop.alphacool.com/en/shop/thermal-conductant/thermal-compound/13009-alphacool-subzero-thermal-grease-20g on the Alphacool Subzero versus https://www.startech.com/en-us/computer-parts/silv5-thermal-paste on the StarTech.com StarTech SILV5-THERMAL-PASTE.
Who each one is for
Take the Alphacool Subzero for high-end CPU and GPU builds, including overclocking, wanting the highest non-liquid-metal conductivity available. It is equally the pick for builders who want liquid metal-adjacent performance without the electrical conductivity risk. It is not the one for budget builds where Arctic MX-4 or MX-6 deliver adequate performance for less. The StarTech.com StarTech SILV5-THERMAL-PASTE suits IT technicians servicing multiple workstations and mainstream desktop CPU/GPU re-pasting, though it is not the pick for high-end overclocking or delidded direct-die use and single-application home users (single syringe SILVGREASE1 is more economical). Our rating of the Alphacool Subzero (6.6/10): A high-performance silicone-based compound from Alphacool with a strong published conductivity figure. Our rating of the StarTech.com StarTech SILV5-THERMAL-PASTE (5.6/10): A five-pack of re-sealable syringes built for IT technicians managing several machines, not a performance-focused pick.
What Alphacool Subzero and StarTech.com StarTech SILV5-THERMAL-PASTE have in common
The common ground is wider than the gap: electrical conductivity and paste segment are identical here.
Specs and benchmarks
Brand
- Alphacool Subzero
- Alphacool
- StarTech.com StarTech SILV5-THERMAL-PASTE
- StarTech.com
Model
- Alphacool Subzero
- Alphacool Subzero , Subzero
- StarTech.com StarTech SILV5-THERMAL-PASTE
- SILV5-THERMAL-PASTE
Thermal Conductivity
- Alphacool Subzero
- 16 W/mKBest
- StarTech.com StarTech SILV5-THERMAL-PASTE
- 3.195 W/mK at 25C
Electrical Conductivity
- Alphacool Subzero
- Insulating
- StarTech.com StarTech SILV5-THERMAL-PASTE
- Insulating
Package Size
- Alphacool Subzero
- 1g / 3.5g / 20g tubes
- StarTech.com StarTech SILV5-THERMAL-PASTE
- 5 x 1.5g re-sealable syringes (7.5g total)
Recommended Use
- Alphacool Subzero
- High-end CPU/GPU (including overclocking)
- StarTech.com StarTech SILV5-THERMAL-PASTE
- Mainstream CPU/GPU (best suited for CPUs with TDP up to 65W)
Safety Notes
- Alphacool Subzero
- None
- StarTech.com StarTech SILV5-THERMAL-PASTE
- CE and RoHS certified
Conductivity Source
- Alphacool Subzero
- https://shop.alphacool.com/en/shop/thermal-conductant/thermal-compound/13009-alphacool-subzero-thermal-grease-20g
- StarTech.com StarTech SILV5-THERMAL-PASTE
- https://www.startech.com/en-us/computer-parts/silv5-thermal-paste
Paste Segment
- Alphacool Subzero
- Standard Paste
- StarTech.com StarTech SILV5-THERMAL-PASTE
- Standard Paste
Which one should you pick?
Choose Alphacool Subzero if you want the higher thermal conductivity (16 W/mK vs 3.195 W/mK at 25C).
Choose StarTech.com StarTech SILV5-THERMAL-PASTE if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Price comparison
| Retailer | Alphacool Subzero | StarTech.com StarTech SILV5-THERMAL-PASTE |
|---|---|---|
| Newegg | View on Newegg | |
| Amazon | View on Amazon | |
| StarTech.com | View on StarTech.com |
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 Subzero
6.6 / 10 Expert Rating
A high-performance silicone-based compound from Alphacool with a strong published conductivity figure.
StarTech.com StarTech SILV5-THERMAL-PASTE
5.6 / 10 Expert Rating
A five-pack of re-sealable syringes built for IT technicians managing several machines, not a performance-focused pick.