Gap between GPU RAM and Heatsink (8800GT)

[Nazca]

I cleaned all the dust from my graphics card yesterday. When I pulled the heatsink off, some of the thermal pads became damaged. I chucked them away, and applied tiny amounts of AS5 to each RAM.

However, when I look at the side of the card with the heatsink securely fastened, I can see daylight between the chip and the sink. Will that be a problem?

Should I buy some new thermal pads?

 

[Surveyor]

The thermal pads were there for a reason - to bridge the gap between the heatsink and VRAM chips.

As the heatsink isn't now making contact with the chips it's doing nothing.

Get some more thermal pads.

 

[OCPete]

I cleaned all the dust from my graphics card yesterday. When I pulled the heatsink off, some of the thermal pads became damaged. I chucked them away, and applied tiny amounts of AS5 to each RAM.

However, when I look at the side of the card with the heatsink securely fastened, I can see daylight between the chip and the sink. Will that be a problem?

Should I buy some new thermal pads?

Yes that WILL be a problem. The heat sinks need to be attached to the chips to conduct the heat away. Air gaps are no good! Replace the pads before you use the card or the those chips could overheat under load and fail.