Thermal Pads
Thermal Pads for Processors / CPUs
All semiconductor elements in a PC emit thermal energy (heat) that needs to be dissipated. Especially for processors (CPUs), thermal pads provide an effective alternative to conventional thermal paste for dissipating waste heat as a connecting element between the chip and the heatsink.
Things to Consider When Selecting and Applying Thermal Pads for Processors/CPUs
The pre-fabricated square or rectangular pads are used to bridge fine imperfections on the metal surfaces of the CPU heat spreader and heatsink, thus ensuring optimal thermal contact. Therefore, thermal pads are particularly sought after in the high-end sector. There are two basic types of thermal pads that users can choose from: solid or liquid.
- The self-adhesive, solid thermal pads have a soft to pasty consistency and are particularly easy to install. There are no uncertainties with application or smearing during smoothing, and the pads can be individually cut for different applications. The adaptable material is available in various thicknesses depending on the application. Professional thermal pads are on par with thermal pastes in terms of thermal conductivity, measured in W/mK.
- Liquid thermal pads (liquid metal pads) are also easy to apply and usually consist of a gallium-based alloy with a relatively low melting point. After thoroughly cleaning the CPU surface and cooler base plate, the thin metal sheet is placed on the CPU and the CPU cooler is mounted. The burn-in process follows, where the fans are throttled and the processor is heavily loaded, causing the thermal pad to liquefy at temperatures above 58°C.
- Through this brief melting process, the metal perfectly conforms to the surface contours and provides maximum cooling performance. This connection does not age and offers maximum thermal transfer, surpassing even the best thermal pastes. Using the supplied chemical cleaning wipes and a metal polishing pad, the liquid metal pads can even be removed without residue, making them ideal for users with high demands.
Note: Thermal pads made of metal conduct electricity, so they should be used with caution and must not come into contact with conductive hardware components.