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    Thermal pad or paste for a GPU replacement?

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by gpsclair, Apr 22, 2013.

  1. gpsclair

    gpsclair Notebook Enthusiast

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    Just got my new-to-me nVidia 485m to replace my 280m in my Clevo m980NU from som3people (thanks dude!). Before I do the swap, I need to pick up either thermal paste or thermal pad. Recommendations on how to do this nice and clean and effectively?
     
  2. SoundOf1HandClapping

    SoundOf1HandClapping Was once a Forge

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    Definitely thermal paste for the core, and thermal pads for the other parts like VRAM. Articlean or strong isopropyl alcohol for an extra cleaning before applying the paste.

    I've used Gelid GC Extreme before. It's very easy to spread.
     
  3. imglidinhere

    imglidinhere Notebook Deity

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    Gelid GC Extreme is definitely the best TIM to use in my honest opinion. Easily as good as Arctic Silver 5 and has no cure time. :D

    But yeah, like he said, thermal paste for the GPU core and thermal pads for the memory and VRMs. I suggest 1mm pads to be honest. the 0.5mm pads I bought just didn't seem to do the trick. :/
     
  4. januszzbych

    januszzbych Notebook Consultant

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    For mine works perfectly PK-1 + thermopads from phobya.
     
  5. Loney111111

    Loney111111 Notebook Deity

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    What's the estimated gap between the VRM/VRAM chips and the heatsink? If the gap is small enough, you can use high viscosity non-electrical conductive thermal pastes instead of a thermal pad.