Advantages of Silicone Thermal Pads:
- Ease of Use: No mess, no curing time, and no risk of over- or under-application.
- Reusability: Can be reused and repositioned multiple times.
- Uniform Thickness: Provides a consistent thermal interface without air gaps.
- Electrical Insulation: Reduces short-circuit risks.
- Durability: Resists drying or pump-out effects over time, unlike some pastes.
Why Thermal Paste is Still Preferred
- Higher Thermal Conductivity: High-quality thermal pastes typically achieve 8-15 W/(m·K) or higher, outperforming most silicone thermal pads (1-8 W/(m·K)). This makes paste ideal for CPUs, GPUs, and other high-performance applications.
- Superior Surface Conformity: Paste fills microscopic gaps and surface irregularities more effectively, minimizing thermal resistance. Pads may leave gaps on uneven surfaces.
- Efficacy on Small Contact Areas: Paste spreads more efficiently on components with precise contact points (e.g., chips), while pads excel on larger surfaces like MOSFETs or automotive electronics requiring mechanical reliability.
- Cost Efficiency: High-performance thermal pads are often 3-5× more expensive than thermal paste. Though reusable, pads may not justify the cost in consumer applications.
- Compression Precision: Pads require optimal thickness and compression for efficiency. Improper installation can degrade performance, whereas paste naturally forms an ideal thin layer under pressure.
When to Use Silicone Thermal Pads?
- Automotive electronics (vibration resistance and reliability critical)
- Applications demanding mess-free installation
- Scenarios requiring electrical insulation
- Large components (e.g., VRMs, memory modules, power electronics)
Conclusion
While silicone thermal pads offer convenience and reliability, thermal paste dominates high-performance computing due to its superior thermal conductivity and adaptability. However, in industrial/automotive contexts (as in your case), thermal pads are often preferred for their long-term durability and ease of maintenance.
If you would like to learn more about AOK performance thermal materials, please visit our website at www.aok-technologies.com
Updated on：2025-03-07 14:02:09