Specific Thermal Pads for GPU?

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Artie111

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Dec 1, 2012
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So today I just received my new heatsink fan to replace my overheating CPU's stock one (Loving it by the way <3), and I noticed that my GPU also deserves some fine tuning as well since it still tends to overheat when I play large games. I've researched videos and saw that not only do I need thermal paste, which I can use from my heatsink, but I might also need thermal pads if they become unusable after I open my GPU. I know I'll most likely need pads since I haven't opened my GPU to clean it for about a year and a half. My graphics card is a Radeon R7 260X, and I would like to know which thermal pads will be needed to get the job done. I see there are different sizes such as 0.1mm, 0.5mm, 1mm, and I don't know which will be needed. Thanks for the help!

tl;dr Version: What thermal pads can I use to replace on my Radeon R7 260X? I'm quite the noob.

 
Solution
techgeek
It's been a long time since I've bought any (back when I had a GTX 295), but I got Fujipoly from FrozenCPU. It's a premium quality pad. It's more of a rubber silicone rather than a thermal compound filled fiber pad. The latter tend to be the ones that dry out, crumble, or tear during heatsink removal.
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terry4536

terry4536

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Mar 28, 2010
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The problem is that doing so will almost certainly invalidate your graphics card warranty. So, I would look into warranty repair first. I would try blowing out any dust that has accumulated. You can also change the fan RPM / temperature ramp. And lastly you can improve general air circulation within the case.
 
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techgeek

techgeek

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Apr 11, 2004
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This is difficult to say. Obviously the thinnest you can get away with will be the ones you want to use. They aren't to important on the RAM (because RAM doesn't get too hot), but they are on the VRM's.

Have you taken it apart yet? If you have, have a look at how thick the pad is compressed. Then I'd get the first available size up from this. Getting them too thick could cause a couple issues. First off for VRM's, it could mean they end up hotter than before. It could also cause the PCB to bend slightly as thicker pads require more force to compress.

If you don't have it apart, see if you can get a peek at how much room is between the heatsink and the RAM and VRM's. Then make a guesstimate. Obviously thicker is better than too thin, but you don't want too thick for the reasons stated above. You might even need two sizes, as the VRM's may be closer to the heatsink that the RAM IC's, or visa versa.
 
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terry4536

terry4536

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techgeek

techgeek

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The OP mentioned that he's aware that he needs thermal paste, but for VRM's and RAM IC's, you often need thermal pads because the distance between them and the heatsink isn't usually as close as the GPU die is to the heatsink. You can't use thermal paste where the component doesn't make direct contact with the heatsink. This distance has to be made up with a semi pliable material, thus the thermal pad.
 
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Artie111

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Dec 1, 2012
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You do have a point there. I provided pretty good airflow after this heatsink installation, but I could blow some more dust out of it. However, I think it still would gain some pretty heated temperatures. I'll try to look into the warrant and see what I can get out of it, and if nothing comes out then I guess I'll open her up. Though, wouldn't I need pads for the VRM? Thanks for the help by the way I appreciate it!
 
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Artie111

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Dec 1, 2012
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I haven't opened it up yet so I'll try to guesstimate, or maybe even open it afterwards, but yeah buying two different sizes would be my best bet. Are there any that you would recommend I should buy? Not the sizes in particular, but at least a section of good pads. Thanks for the help!
 
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techgeek

techgeek

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Apr 11, 2004
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It's been a long time since I've bought any (back when I had a GTX 295), but I got Fujipoly from FrozenCPU. It's a premium quality pad. It's more of a rubber silicone rather than a thermal compound filled fiber pad. The latter tend to be the ones that dry out, crumble, or tear during heatsink removal.
 
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Solution
terry4536

terry4536

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Mar 28, 2010
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Apparently, FrozenCPU.com is not what it once was. The last time I recommended something from them (as I used to do & I was a customer too), I was told by many that the they were not getting the orders that they had paid for plus they hadn't refunded the orders either.I would suggest using another retailer.
 
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techgeek

techgeek

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Apr 11, 2004
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I only provided FrozenCPU as the place where I got mine. I'm quite certain that the same thermal pads can be found elsewhere. I guess I should have mentioned that. Thanks Terry.

I've heard the same thing about FrozenCPU. There were rumors circulating about them closing down. Then the owner came out and said that he wasn't closing, but all the staff had been let go. Then I heard that people were ordering and not getting their orders, though they weren't charged either. The not receiving orders but being charged anyway is a new one though. It really is a shame, they were a one of a kind, one stop shopping for all things cooling and modding.

So Artie, as Terry mentioned, you might want to find a comparable (if not the same product) elsewhere. Or at the very least try to get in touch with FrozenCPU before ordering to get some assurance that you'll receive your order.
 
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terry4536

terry4536

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Mar 28, 2010
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I was very impressed with them. Particularly for specific things like custom loop water cooling parts and accessories, they were a very good source. And I really haven't found another source that is as good as they used to be. I was disappointed, but apparently it was there own fault. Who knows maybe they will urn it around.
 
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