Thermal Pad thickness, does it matter?

Temi_D · 27 Sep 2017 at 18:16

Hi all, recently bought a used EK block for my NANO, the stock pads for the block are 0.5mm but the ones I have on hand are 1mm. Can I use those or should I buy new 0.5mm ones?

VKleita · 27 Sep 2017 at 18:18

Same size in theory adding 1mm would bend the board/block and cause issues, then again after hearing the massive amount of people with warped blocks anyway.....

But no, only replace like for like for safety.

pastymuncher · 27 Sep 2017 at 18:58

Another thing that using pads too thick can cause is poor contact with the actual gpu die. Only 0.5mm doesn't sound like much but there are circumstances when it can make a big difference. Replacement pads are cheap so buy the correct size.

tyler_jrb · 4 Oct 2017 at 12:39

Always use what EK say in the manual.

Using 1mm will just bend the pcb up 0.5mm and cause the gpu die or other components to not make correct contact.

Safer to just get new ones. Even if it came with used pads.

LePhuronn · 4 Oct 2017 at 14:46

I have to concur with just getting correct-sized pads. I cobbled together a test fit on my Titan and ran out of pads for the backplate, so used some leftover bits that were a touch too thick. Board would've warped like a mother if I actually screwed it all together properly.

Temi_D · 6 Oct 2017 at 23:21

I tried to flatten the 1mm pads but just ended up buying the right size, slight inconvenience waiting but its done now