Alphacool launches Apex Thermal Putty X1 as a flexible alternative to GPU thermal pads

German cooling specialist Alphacool has unveiled Apex Thermal Putty X1, a non-curing thermal gel designed to replace traditional solid thermal pads on GPUs, memory chips, and VRMs. The product launched on February 5, 2026, aiming to simplify installation for PC builders, modders, and professionals working with complex cooling setups.

Launch Thermal Putty X1 details

Alphacool announced the release through its official X and Instagram channels, with retail availability starting immediately. The putty is offered in two sizes:

• 30 g jar priced at ~35$ (about ~1.2$ per gram)
• 50 g jar priced at ~55$ (about ~1$ per gram)

Apex Thermal Putty X1 is a non-curing, non-conductive silicone-based gel intended for use on GPU memory modules and voltage regulation components, where uneven contact surfaces often cause thermal issues.

How it works

Instead of cutting pads to exact thickness, users apply the gel directly to the target surface and lightly compress the cooler. The material spreads to fill gaps automatically, maintaining consistent contact without trimming or measuring. Alphacool positions this as a time-saving solution for both air- and liquid-cooled systems.

The product comes in a white jar with black labeling, clearly marketed as a professional-grade thermal interface material.

Early coverage and industry reactions

Tech outlets including TechPowerUp and Guru3D have already covered the launch. Igor’s Lab, known for in-depth thermal testing, has highlighted the putty’s performance-to-price ratio as competitive, with full benchmarks expected to follow as retail samples circulate.

Thermal pads require precise thickness to work correctly. Even minor mismatches can lead to hotspots, reduced performance, or long-term stress on VRMs and memory chips. A moldable gel avoids this issue by adapting to surface irregularities, making it especially appealing for modern GPUs with complex PCB layouts.

According to Alphacool, the putty can accommodate very thin gaps that are difficult to match with standard pads. With a claimed thermal conductivity of 10 W/mK, Apex Thermal Putty X1 sits among the higher-performing silicone-based thermal putties currently available.

Early testing referenced by reviewers suggests temperature reductions of around 2–5°C on overclocked GPUs compared to poorly matched pads. For water-cooling enthusiasts and system integrators, this can translate into faster builds and less risk during installation.

Apex X1 background

Thermal putties sit between classic thermal paste and solid pads, combining flexibility with long-term stability. Alphacool has worked with thermal interface materials since its early water block designs in the 2000s, refining solutions for increasingly dense and power-hungry hardware.

The rise of custom PC builds driven by gaming and AI workloads has renewed interest in alternatives to traditional pads. Previous GPU generations, including parts of NVIDIA’s RTX 30 series, exposed how fragile thick pads can be when compressed unevenly. A gel-based interface aims to reduce stress, sagging, and cracking in these scenarios.

Competitive landscape

Compared to alternatives:

• Arctic focuses primarily on solid thermal pads
• Noctua offers pads with limited adaptability to uneven surfaces
• Liquid metal compounds deliver high conductivity but carry electrical shorting risks

Apex Thermal Putty X1 targets users who want flexibility without the hazards associated with conductive materials.

Geek expert take

On paper, the specifications are solid: 10 W/mK thermal conductivity and an operating range from -20°C to 125°C. That makes the putty suitable not only for gaming GPUs, but also for workstations and servers running sustained loads.

Igor’s Lab describes the material as reliable and consistent, backed by Alphacool’s reputation in the cooling market. Community discussion on X suggests that many enthusiasts have been waiting for a mainstream, non-curing alternative to traditional pads.

Risks and practical considerations

Like most thermal compounds, the putty should be handled with care. Alphacool advises avoiding eye contact and preventing environmental release, as the material may be harmful to aquatic life. The non-curing formula is designed to remain stable over time and can be removed with basic cleaning wipes.

Users should still verify compatibility with surrounding plastics and components, especially in tightly packed or vertically mounted GPU configurations. Independent benchmarks will ultimately confirm long-term stability and performance claims.

Apex Thermal Putty X1 represents a practical evolution of thermal interface materials. By eliminating the need for precisely sized pads, it offers a flexible solution where traditional approaches often fail. Early impressions from reviewers are positive, making it a compelling option for enthusiasts looking to optimize thermals on modern RTX-class GPUs.

Source: TechPowerUp