HP Pavilion 15-dk0003nq - Thermal Pads?

[AdyExTrEmE1]

Hello,

I currently have an HP Pavilion 15-dk0003nq and I'm looking to change the thermal paste as it begins to heat up beyond the normal values. The problem is that the thermal pads are probably not good anymore and I'm afraid that they will rip once I pick up the heatsink, I want to buy new thermal pads before doing it (so that I'm not left without my device until I find good pads) but I'm not sure which ones are good.

I'm pretty much interested in where I could find some, or what characteristics should they have (thickness in special)

[Raj_05 · Accepted solution]

Hi @AdyExTrEmE1,

Welcome to HP Support Community.

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.

When changing the thermal paste on your HP Pavilion 15-dk0003nq, it's a good idea to replace the thermal pads as well, especially if you suspect they may tear. Here are the key points you need to consider.

Thickness

The thickness of the thermal pads is crucial. For most laptops, including the HP Pavilion 15 series, thermal pads are typically 0.5mm, 1mm, or 1.5mm thick. However, it's best to check the specific thickness used in your laptop's cooling system. This information can often be found in the service manual for your specific model or by measuring the existing thermal pads if you can.

Thermal Conductivity

The thermal conductivity of thermal pads is measured in W/mK (watts per meter-kelvin). For laptops, a thermal pad with a conductivity rating of at least 6 W/mK is recommended for effective heat transfer, though higher ratings are available and can provide better performance.

Compression and Hardness

Thermal pads should be soft enough to compress and fill gaps effectively, but not so soft that they get squeezed out under pressure. Pads with a shore hardness rating between 30 and 60 (on the Shore 00 scale) are generally suitable.

Material and Quality

High-quality thermal pads are typically made from silicone or a similar material infused with conductive particles (e.g., graphite, ceramic, or metal oxides). Brands like Arctic, Thermal Grizzly, and Fujipoly are well-regarded for their thermal pad products.

Where to Buy

You can find thermal pads from various online retailers. Some recommended sources include.

• Amazon: They offer a wide range of thermal pads from various brands with user reviews to help gauge quality.

Steps to Replace Thermal Pads

1. Disassemble the Laptop: Carefully remove the heatsink according to the service manual instructions for your model.
2. Measure Existing Pads: If you haven't already determined the thickness, measure the old pads.
3. Clean Surfaces: Clean the old thermal paste and any residue from the surfaces.
4. Apply New Thermal Pads: Cut the new thermal pads to the required size and place them on the components that had the old pads.
5. Apply Thermal Paste: Apply new thermal paste to the CPU/GPU as needed.
6. Reassemble: Carefully reattach the heatsink and reassemble the laptop.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

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Alden4

HP Support