Replacing thermal pads thickness

[ben_xman]

My setup:
Asus 970 Pro Gaming/Aura
MSI RX 480 Armour 4GB
Corsair Dominator Platinum DDR3 1866MHz (4x4GB)

I'm looking to replace the thermal pads on all components with Fujipoly Ultra Extreme, as in NB, VRM's, SB, etc...
Problem is I don't know the best thickness for each of these components. I've seen 1.5, 1, and .5mm. Anyone know or know how to find out the best thickness for these components?

 

[CountMike]

I suggest you use paste everywhere it can be used. Much better heat transfer.

 

[ben_xman]

I suggest you use paste everywhere it can be used. Much better heat transfer.

There is a reason why pads are used. Paste does not retain it's shape and can spread too much leaving gaps between the chips and the heatsink. Not a good idea. So please leave this thread to relevant subjects.

 

[CountMike]

The reason is convenience to manufacturers, that MB doesn't have any gaps for pads to fill up.

 

[ben_xman]

The reason is convenience to manufacturers, that MB doesn't have any gaps for pads to fill up.

That's not why they do it.
I just asked a very large group of PC enthusiasts and almost all of them agree. There is a reason why pads are used instead of paste.

To quote some:
"Paste is great if your parts are designed to be able mount without the pads. Which most aren't." - Christopher Brumit
"Thermal pads are more suited to uneven surfaces, differing gaps and low tdp components" - Akbar Ramzan (site admin)
"It depends. Mobo VRM heatsinks will typically require thermal pads. If the heatsink in question is making contact with the part when installed then you can go for thermal paste. Sometimes you need thermal pads because of the spacing" - Stephen Carnavil

Now, can I PLEASE get an answer to my ORIGINAL question instead of debating whether pads are necessary or not??

 

[CountMike]

Very well, if you are all set to use thermal pads, use same thickness as original or measure spacing and get thinnest possible. Also be aware that there are many types with different conductivity coefficient. Most manufacturers list that.
In my experience (40+ years) in computer and electronic work and modifications there's always a bit of it that doesn't get squashed between parts and that will give you an idea about primary thickness.

 

[madmatt30]

The thinner the pad the better the heat transferral as long as you get a tight seal/fit.

Think you're wasting your time though in all honesty.

 

[ben_xman]

Thought I would update this (after almost forgetting about it) and let you guys know after replacing the pads on all parts with Fujipoly Extreme 17m/wK pads, even my GPU ram, I had significant overclocking ability and heat transfer. Also used Conductonaut for the dies.

Here's my most recent overclock on my setup: https://imgur.com/a/eZ6uwpY

 

[CountMike]

Nice OC !!!