Alphacool Apex Soft Thermal Pad - 11W/mK 120x20x1mm - 2 Pieces, Grey (13021)

The Alphacool Apex Soft Thermal Pad - 11W/mK 120x20x1mm - 2 Pieces is a pack of two gray thermal pad strips with 11.0 W/mK, each 120 x 20 mm and 1 mm thick. They go between a cooler and the components it cools. The same pad comes as one 100x100x1mm sheet.

Properties

• Thermal conductivity: 11.0 W/mK
• Size (L x W x H): 120 x 20 x 1 mm
• Pieces in the pack: 2
• Hardness: 72 Shore OO
• Useful temperature: -40 to +150 °C
• Flame rating: V-0 (UL 94)

Better than standard thermal pads?

Alphacool says the material acts similar to thermal paste. Its consistency prevents the highest components, such as voltage converters (VRMs) or VRAM, from being subjected to increased contact pressure from the cooler. In extreme cases, Alphacool warns, this pressure can cause PCBs to bend. By its account the Apex Soft Pads fill unevenness much better and nestle better against the components. They are thus meant to significantly increase the heat transfer between the cooler and the component.

But that is not the only advantage!

The special material also cannot dry out, according to Alphacool. Usually, it explains, the silicone of heat-conducting pads bleeds out over time. This makes them go hard, and after a certain point their performance drops rapidly. Alphacool says this is not the case here: the pads can be used for a much longer period of time without significantly losing performance.

Cutting to size? No problem!

When cutting to size, it is essential to leave the foil on the pads. With the foil on, scissors do the job, and Alphacool calls it just as easy as cutting paper. The cut edges remain perfectly clean and do not fray.

Who it is for

Alphacool's claim is that these pads offer better performance than standard thermal pads in many respects, and that they are a perfect replacement for old or underperforming pads. The next step up in the same size is the Apex Soft pad with 14W/mK.

Technical data

• L x W x H: 120 x 20 x 1 mm
• Color: Gray
• Specific gravity ASTM D792: 3.4 g/cc
• Thermal conductivity ASTM D5470: 11.0 W/mK
• Hardness ASTM 2240: 72 Shore OO
• Operating temperature: -40 to +150 °C
• Volume resistivity ASTM D257: 1.0x10^11 Ohm-m
• Dielectric constant ASTM D150: 7.2 MHz
• Dielectric breakdown voltage ASTM D149: 14 kV/mm
• Flame class UL 94: V-0
• Weight: 20 g

In the box

• 2x Alphacool Apex Soft Thermal Pad - 11W/mK 120x20x1mm