@srkirt gave a great pic of how to prep the copper shims. Also,
@vyruzreaper mentions sanding them smooth. Not sure if they are saying the same thing, but when I left my glossy smooth, it didn't seem to work as well. I used 800 grit to sand them (scratch them), which I assume increases the surface area contact by a tiny bit.
Anyway... I have not had my fans come on when using the laptop off of the dock. When I am on my dock and the MBA is driving an additional couple of 27" monitors, the temp won't get below 60 C. However, the fans are still sub 3,400 RPM, which for me is inaudible.
Could Apple have done better off the assembly line with fit, finish, paste? Probbaly. We can make them better with minimal time and cost. Some of us here are going for every tidbit of performance, and that's cool too.
This is a very capable machine that will drive three screens (built-in, +2 more) for 7-9 hours a day while I have every office app open, a dozen safari/edge tabs open, throwing in some video chatting, playing music, and the fans stay inaudible. I feel like I am pushing this past the point where one would go from an Air to a Pro (I sold my 16" MBP), but as I have said before, I can't go back to the touch bar.
Thanks to all those that have been modding their systems for the entertainment and/or betterment of us all.
This random internet stranger thanks you.
