Using a thermal paste has a series of advantages and disadvantages, just like using a thermal pad. If you are thinking of assembling your computer or plan to do the corresponding annual maintenance, replacing the thermal paste and cleaning the components, perhaps you should 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, we can lower the temperature to a greater or lesser extent.
If we leave it for a long time without replacing it, it will parched in it IHS forcing us to arm ourselves with patience to be able to clean the thermal paste correctly and in the most effective way possible without damaging the processor.
The problem that many users face when using thermal paste is how apply it correctly: a large central point, five distributed points, lines, distribute it over the heatsink… All of these methods are equally valid, however, if we are not careful and put too much, it can end up around the processor and cause a short circuit and it is conductive of electricity. With a little practice, applying thermal paste is a very quick and simple process that will not take more than a minute.
Advantages and disadvantages of a thermal pad
A thermal pad is precisely the latter. It is a pad that is responsible for collecting the processor heat and transfer it to the heatsink just like any thermal paste does. In the market we can find different types of thermal pads based on their composition. Those that offer the best performance and, therefore, are the most expensive, are those that use graphite since it has high conductivity.
As for the pricethese types of pads usually cost twice as much as normal thermal paste. If we take into account that a good thermal paste costs between 8 and 10 euros, using a thermal pad instead is not associated with making a considerable financial outlay that does not help to implement it.
The thermal pad is located between the IHS and the heatsink of our PC. It is not necessary to apply any other added product. This type of thermal solution is usually sold in 10 x 10 cm formats, which allows us to cut out 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 life than traditional thermal paste, since it does not dry out over time. However, if we change the heatsink or if we remove it to clean the PC, it is advisable to replace it with a new one.
Which is better?
If what you are looking for is convenience when performing periodic maintenance tasks on your PC, a thermal pad is the solution you are looking for. But if you look down to the penny, using thermal paste is the most economical solution, costing half as much as a pad.
The power of transmit heat It is practically the same, so this section is not a point for or against either of the two solutions. What is important to make clear is that we should not combine thermal paste and a thermal pad, since we are not going to obtain a higher level of heat transmission to the heatsink.
