What Is a Thermal Pad on a Laptop Computers?
One big problem with computers, especially laptops, is that they are very prone to overheating. Thermal pads are a series of devices/compounds that can be used to cool down your computer and prolong the life of its components. There are two main types of thermal pad, internal and external, and both are great ways to keep your computer cool.
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Types
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There are two types of thermal pads: external and internal. External pads can be set under your laptop in and will draw the heat out using fans. The other is an internal pad coated with thermal material that changes form as the computer heats to cool it down. The picture above is of a computer chip with a thermal pad affixed to the top.
Cost
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External thermal pads are normally inexpensive and run from about $20-$40. Internal thermal pads are more expensive and should be installed by a trained electronics professional. Prices for these depend greatly on the model and cost of the part plus installation can be anywhere from $15 to $50 depending on the complexity of the installation.
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Internal Installation
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Thermal pad that are installed internally are normally placed in large spaces between the chip and heatsink to maximize cooling. They must be attached here very carefully; self-installation is not advised.
Advantages
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There are several advantages to having a thermal pad installed, including a longer battery life and less strain on your computer's standard cooling systems.
Alternatives
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If you do not want to use a thermal pad, you can also use thermal tape, gel or paste, which is easier to use and install for novice users.
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Resources
- Photo Credit Smiad, Wikimedia:CC
