Thermal pads and paste

Mrnob · 22 Dec 2011 at 16:41

I was just wondering if its a bad idea to apply thermal pads over paste.

Praeceps · 22 Dec 2011 at 16:52

Yes it would be, its best to clean off the paste with a thermal paste cleaning solution then apply the pad.

SeraphX · 22 Dec 2011 at 16:56

if memory serves, they both serve the same function, but as with too much paste on something, i would imagine mixing both paste and pads would hinder heat transfer rather than assist it

Phenomenologica · 22 Dec 2011 at 17:02

Thermal pads/paste are pretty poor conductors of heat really, they're just a hell of a lot better than the air that would otherwise fill the gap. One or the other, not both.