Using a thermal paste has a series of advantages and disadvantages, just like using a thermal pad. If you plan to assemble your computer or plan to perform annual maintenance, replace thermal paste, and clean components, you may want to consider using a thermal pad instead of thermal paste.
Advantages and disadvantages of thermal paste
On the market we can find a large number of types of thermal paste, from ceramic to liquid metal and even a combination of both. Depending on the composition of the thermal paste, the temperature can be lowered more or less.
If you leave it for a long time without replacing it, it dried inside IHS forcing us to be patient to be able to clean the thermal paste correctly and in the most efficient way possible without damaging the processor.
The problem many users face when using thermal paste is how apply it correctly: a large central point, five distributed points, lines, distribute it on the heat sink… All these methods are equally valid, however, if you are not careful and put too much, it can end up around of the processor and cause a short circuit and it is a conductor of electricity. With a little practice, applying thermal paste is a very simple and quick process that will take no more than a minute.
Advantages and disadvantages of a thermal pad
A thermal pad is precisely the latter. It is a buffer which is responsible for collecting the CPU heat and transfer it to the heatsink like any thermal paste does. On the market we can find different types of thermal cushions depending on their composition. Those that offer the best performance and therefore the most expensive are those that use graphite because it has high conductivity.
As for the pricethese types of pads typically cost twice as much as normal thermal paste. If we take into account that a good thermal paste costs between 8 and 10 dollars, using a thermal pad instead is not associated with a considerable financial expense that does not contribute to its implementation.
The thermal pad is located between the IHS and the heat sink of our PC. There is no need to apply another added product. This type of thermal solution is usually sold in 10 x 10 cm format, which allows us to cut the shape we need and use it, in addition to the processor, for other elements of the equipment.
A thermal pad has a much longer lifespan than traditional thermal paste, since it does not dry out over time. However, if we change the heat sink or remove it to clean the PC, it is advisable to replace it with a new one.
Which is the best?
If you're looking for convenience when performing periodic maintenance tasks on your PC, a thermal pad is the solution you're looking for. But if you look at the penny, using thermal paste is the most economical solution, costing half as much as a pad.
The power of transmit heat It's practically the same thing, so this section is not a point for or against either solution. What is important to clarify is that we should not combine thermal paste and thermal pad, as we will not obtain a higher level of heat transmission to the heat sink.
