Thermal paste on thermal pad?

[Serge 125]

Hi all!!

Ok just want to know if I can use a little bit of thermal paste on a thermal pad? I don't have any thermal pad and since there is a thermal pad on the aluminum block that is kinda missing a very little piece that I was wondering if I can still put a smaller than a pee blob on it?

THANKS!!!

 

[ronsimpson]

There are different type of thermal pads. Can you attach a picture?

 

[sagor1]

Some thermal pads are not re-usable. Also, most provide insulation from the heatsink and thermal paste in a hole may actually conduct, creating some form of short for the device.
Do the right thing and get a new thermal pad. Other options are other forms of insulating layers, from ceramic to mica insulators...

 

[rjenkinsgb]

I'd say not. If it's trapped in a cavity in the pad, the grease cannot spread out and form an even, thin, layer. It may prevent even pressure on the pad.

If whatever heatsink attachment is suitable and insulation is not required, I'd remove the pad completely and only use the thermal paste.

It should work far better anyway, as thermal paste / heatsink compound is only supposed to fill the microscopic imperfections in the surfaces, to avoid insulating air pockets when the two items are clamped together.

Thermal pads are always less effective than that; but more convenient and mechanically less critical.