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Arctic TP-1 (APT2012) thermal pad 4-pack
Arctic

Arctic TP-1

Expert rating6 / 10

View on Arctic StoreView on arctic.de
Form:
Pad
Electrical Conductivity:
Non-Conductive
Recommended Use:
Mainstream CPU/GPU
Package Size:
120x20mm / 100x100mm, 0.5/1/1.5mm

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Disclaimer: The price and specification of the given product may differ from the actual product. Please confirm on the retailer's website before buying.

Manufacturer: Arctic Last updated: 2026-09-15

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Arctic TP-1 Review

Arctic TP-1 (APT2012) thermal pad specs and review - Arctic's cheapest thermal pad, sold under the model code APT2012.

This is Arctic's entry-level pad, not a paste. It's a soft, non-conductive silicone-family sheet you cut to size for RAM heatsinks, chipsets and single-board computers rather than a CPU/GPU die. At 20 Shore OO it's the softest pad in Arctic's lineup, so it compresses easily to fill gaps, but that same softness means it's not built for high-wattage dies - step up to the TP-4 for that. Arctic doesn't publish a W/mK number for any of its pads, by design (their own FAQ explains why), so don't expect a headline thermal conductivity spec here.

Thermal Performance

Arctic doesn't publish thermal conductivity figures for its pad lineup - a stated company policy, not a missing data point. What we do know: the TP-1 is the softest and thinnest-duty pad in the family at 20 Shore OO hardness, so it's built to gap-fill low-power components, not to compete with high-conductivity CPU/GPU pastes.

Application

Sold as pre-cut 120x20mm or 100x100mm sheets in 0.5mm, 1mm and 1.5mm thicknesses, four to a pack. Cut to size with scissors for RAM sticks, VRMs, chipsets and single-board computer heatsinks.

Safety

No metal particles means no electrical conductivity or capacitance risk - you can lay this across exposed traces without worrying about shorts, which is exactly why it's popular for Raspberry Pi and SBC builds.

Our verdict

Reviewed by Burooj Alam. Rated by us, not by users.

Expert rating6 / 10

Arctic's entry-level pad, ultra-soft and easy to fit, aimed at low-cost gap-filling rather than peak conductivity.

Best for

  • RAM heatsinks and VRM gap-filling
  • Raspberry Pi and single-board computer builds
  • Budget chipset cooling

Not for

  • High-wattage CPU or GPU direct cooling - too soft/thin for that duty
  • Buyers who want a published W/mK thermal conductivity number

Specifications

What these specs mean

Electrical and board risk

Paste SegmentPad

Application

Viscosity20 Pa-s
Applicator IncludedNone

Operating envelope

Min Operating Temperature-40 C
Max Operating Temperature150 C

Quantity, volume versus weight

Density2.3 g/cm3
Electrical ConductivityInsulating
Package Size120x20mm or 100x100mm sheets, 0.5mm/1mm/1.5mm thickness, sold in 4-pad packs
Recommended UseMainstream CPU/GPU (RAM heatsinks, chipsets, single-board computers)
Safety NotesNon-adhesive, electrically insulating, no metal particles, not capacitive - safe even in contact with electrical components

FAQs

What are the key specifications of the Arctic TP-1 (APT2012) (Thermal Pad/Non-Conductive/Ultra-Soft Entry-Level Gap Filler)?

Key specs for the Arctic TP-1: Electrical Conductivity Insulating, Consistency 20 Shore OO hardness - very soft, conforms easily to uneven surfaces, Density 2.3 g/cm3, Operating Temperature -40C to 150C continuous use, Safety Notes Non-adhesive, electrically insulating, no metal particles, not capacitive - safe even in contact with electrical components, Min Operating Temp -40 C.

Who is the Arctic TP-1 (APT2012) (Thermal Pad/Non-Conductive/Ultra-Soft Entry-Level Gap Filler) best suited to?

Best suited to: RAM heatsinks and VRM gap-filling; Raspberry Pi and single-board computer builds; Budget chipset cooling.

What are the drawbacks of the Arctic TP-1 (APT2012) (Thermal Pad/Non-Conductive/Ultra-Soft Entry-Level Gap Filler)?

Not the best fit for: High-wattage CPU or GPU direct cooling - too soft/thin for that duty; Buyers who want a published W/mK thermal conductivity number.

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