bit-tech News: How TIM Works & How To Apply It Correctly

[news 28]

Hi all,

 

We have just published a guide on *Thermal Interface Material*, which

explains how it works and details one method of applying it. If you

could post a link on your site that would be very much appreciated.

 

*Link:*

http://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/2009/02/16/all-about-tim/1

 

 

*Picture:*

http://images.bit-tech.net/content_images/2009/02/all-about-tim/fp_img.jpg

 

 

*Quote:

*/TIMs break down into two basic types. If you've bought a retail

processor in the past, you'll probably be familiar with the thermal pad,

which is a small square patch of phase-change material (one that changes

state from solid to liquid according to temperature). At room

temperature, it's solid or semi-solid, but once the CPU warms up, it

softens to provide a thin, thermally conductive interface.

 

The thermal pad is often derided, but it has advantages. It isn't messy,

it's pre-applied and it's evenly distributed across the surface, which

is why manufacturers like it for their retail heatsinks. It's also less

likely to creep in the long term than cheaper pastes.

 

However, a thermal pad's thermal conductivity usually isn't as good as

that of proper TIM, and the pads only work under constant pressure from

the heatsink retention clips. If these don't provide enough pressure,

the pad is useless. In addition, there can be long-term problems; as the

heatsink base and CPU grow or shrink due to heat, the pads don't always

keep up, and air pockets can be introduced./

*

 

*Cheers guys!

 

Tim Smalley

www.bit-tech.net