Hp Pavilion Thermal Pad Thickness

[NyxLbo]

Hello, I have a Pavilion Gaming 15-dk2076nt notebook. I was planning to perform maintenance by replacing the thermal pads and thermal paste, but I came across a video that said you should never replace your thermal pads. That made me unsure. When I opened the laptop, I saw two different colors of thermal pads: pink and white. The pink ones are very soft and slide off the heatsink, while the white ones are quite dried out and can break apart. In fact, when I once sent it to a service center for maintenance, I think one of the white pads came back missing, but I didn’t experience any heating problems. So, my question is: should I really never replace the thermal pads like the person in the video said? Actually, I do want to replace them. If I go ahead with that, what thickness should I use for the pink and white pads? Also, is it important that they’re different? Or can I just use a single high-quality type of thermal pad to replace both?

[Hawks_Eye · Accepted solution]

Hi @NyxLbo 

Welcome to the HP Support Community!

Thanks for posting your query! We're here to help you get back up and running.

Replacing thermal pads can be a great way to maintain your Pavilion Gaming 15-dk2076nt, especially if they are worn out or missing. While some sources advise against replacing them, it’s important to consider their condition—dried-out or damaged pads won’t provide effective heat transfer.

For your laptop, consider the pink thermal pads are typically softer and thinner, while the white ones are thicker and firmer. 

If you decide to replace them, it’s best to match their original thickness to ensure proper contact between the heatsink and components. Using a single high-quality thermal pad for both areas might not be ideal, as different components may require different thicknesses for optimal heat dissipation.

To determine the exact thickness:

• Carefully measure the existing pads using a caliper.
• Check HP’s Maintenance and Service Guide for your model on their official support page.
• If unsure, 1mm to 1.5mm thermal pads are commonly used in gaming laptops, but verifying with specifications is recommended.

If you need further guidance, I’m happy to help! Your attention to detail in maintaining your laptop is commendable. 😊

If my response helped, please mark it as an Accepted Solution! ✅ It helps others and spreads support. 💙 Also, tapping "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" makes a big difference! Thanks! 😊

Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye

[NyxLbo]

First of all, thanks for your response. What I meant by saying one type of high quality pad was actually for the pads I mentioned, which are two different colors. So there will be one type of pad, but with the right thickness (to match the thickness of the old, different pads). Is it correct like this?

[Hawks_Eye]

Got it, @NyxLbo!!

So you're using one type of thermal pad but ensuring the thickness matches the original pads, even though they were different colors. That approach makes sense—thermal pads vary in material and conductivity, but as long as the thickness aligns with the original ones, it should maintain proper heat dissipation and contact with the heatsink.

If you're trying to match the old pads' thermal properties as well, checking the thermal conductivity rating (W/mK) would help. 

But if your priority is consistency in thickness and high quality, you should be good to go! Let me know if you need a second opinion on specific pad specs. 

Sounds like you're optimizing the cooling setup well!

Take care, and stay fantastic! 

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye