If you are a beginner, this 12W/mK vs 15W/mK thermal pad comparison might excite you. When it comes to using different valued thermal pads, it creates a lot of difference. So which one should you buy? And why?
To answer all your queries, we have compiled a comprehensive guide explaining the difference between 12W/mK and 15W/mK thermal pads and explaining which one you should buy.
So stick around to the end!
Importance Of Thermal Pads
Thermal pads are similar to other thermal interface materials such as thermal paste, grease, and liquid metals.
These pads come into action while aiding heat transfer within the system by melting and filling small air gaps on the system’s surface that might otherwise act as heat insulators.
You put a thermal pad between two heat-generating surfaces. The heat conductive thermal pad fills the insulative air gaps, helping dissipate heat out of the system.
Does Thermal Conductivity Value Make A Difference?
Yes, thermal conductivity values do make a difference. Thermal conductivity is the ability of a material to conduct heat; this is why experts recommend buying a thermal interface material with a large W/mK or thermal conductivity value.
When compared, metal-based thermal pads or liquid metals have a higher thermal conductivity value than silicon or other thermal pads.
Also read: 7 reasons why silicone thermal pastes are the best
However, you should never go for them because these interface materials have metal traces in them, which, although aid heat transfer but are also good conductors of electricity. And as a result, they may cause short circuits within the system.
12W/mK vs 15W/mK Thermal Pad — Which One To Choose?
Before looking forward to this 12W/mK vs. 15W/mK thermal pad comparison blog, ask yourself, do you need to put them in systems for general use or in systems to load heavy applications or gaming.
If you need to load heavy apps or games, we recommend you buy a 15W/mK thermal pad because heavy apps produce a lot of heat, and a pad with a higher conductivity value will help dissipate a lot of it.
On the other hand, if you want a thermal pad for general uses, you can get your hands on a 12W/mK thermal pad.
You can use thermal pads on the following:
- RAM
- LED
- Laptops
- SMD components
- MOSFETs
- Game consoles
- Communication devices
- Motherboards
- VGA cards
- DVDs and VCDs
- Heatink
- GPU
- Memory ICs
- Microcontrollers
Buy The Best Thermal Pads From Nab Cooling
Nab Cooling has been manufacturing high-quality thermal interface materials for years now. The unique features that make Nabob’s products stand ahead of all other competitors are its safe nature and high thermal conductivity value.
Unlike typical thermal pad values that are somewhere between 7W/mK to 10W/mK, Nab cooling has been manufacturing silicone thermal pads with 12W/mK and 15W/mK thermal pads.
These thermal pads perform under high pressures and are also compatible due to their wide operating temperature range.
You can choose from the six thicknesses (0.5mm, 1.0mm, 1.5mm, 2.0mm, 2.5mm, and 3.0mm) Nab Cooling offers in its 12W/K and 15W/mK thermal interface pads to completely fill the gaps you want to.
Besides, you don’t have to worry about these thermal pads causing short circuits within the system. This is because they are non-electrically conductive.
Other prominent features include easy cutting and installation and being non-corrosive, non-toxic, non-curing, odorless, anti-static, and fire retardant.
FAQs — Difference Between 12W/mK and 15W/mK Thermal Pad
Still confused? Below are some routinely asked questions regarding thermal pads to help you out.
Can I use a thermal paste instead of a thermal pad?
Both thermal pads and thermal pastes have their unique uses. While thermal pastes are ideal to use in CPUs, thermal pads are a perfect fit for RAM, laptops, LED, SMD components, and game consoles.
You might hear that thermal pastes are an excellent alternative to thermal pads or vice versa. However, this is not the right thing to say. Both thermal pastes and thermal pads have different applications; hence, you must use them on recommended surfaces.
How often should I change the thermal pad in my system?
If you are using a good quality thermal pad, we recommend changing it after 5-6 years. If manufactured with good quality materials, thermal pads have a shelf life of around 8 years and can perform 5-6 years when in use.
Must read: Everything you need to know about thermal pads.
Are thinner thermal pads better?
The thickness of thermal pads does not matter. Thickness is primarily so you can accurately fill the gap between the surfaces. The only thing that matters is thermal conductivity value when it comes to performance.
Tip: When choosing a thermal pad, select one with a high thermal conductivity value and thickness such that it is slightly thicker than the gap you want to fill. This is because thermal pads compress slightly under high temperatures.
That’s It!
Now when you know the difference between 12W/mK vs. 15W/mK thermal pads and their uses, we would recommend you buy one from a reliable source because it affects your system’s health at the end of the day.
In this case, Nab Cooling is a name you can trust. With a skilled team, Nab Cooling ensures to manufacturer the best performing thermal interface materials in the market. So what are you waiting for? Boost up your system’s performance today!