Yes the 1.5mm will work. You want full contact between the sandwich of ssd-thermal pad-top cover. 1.5mm will make sure of that. The imprint of the pad adhesive on the top cover suggested its 100% contact. The pad can be easily removed, provided if you follow some simple rules.
The strength of a thermal pad adhesive depends not only on the quality of the pad, but also on its temperature. I will not explain too much over here. But in short it becomes soft and elastic at higher temperature. This allows it to better fill gaps. At lower temperature, it's rather hard and brittle. Hence you may find it easier to remove the thermal pad if you leave the ssd powered on for a short period of time (circa 15-30mins) before you do so, making sure the thermal pad is hot enough.
But do not remove and reuse the thermal pad too often and be very careful about peeling it off. It loses adhesion over time if you do so repeatedly. Most thermal pads regardless of their quality may break most often than not during the peeling off. The trick is to ensure the pad is soft and hot.
But even if the pad breaks into sections it's fine. Just stick them back on the ssd and reuse. Use a fresh piece if you have been removing it many times.
I find it more economical if I buy thermal pads in larger size. I bought mine in 120mm x 120mm for $18. A typical SSD will need about a 68mm x 17mm (sorry metric guy here. Convert to inch on your own) section of thermal pad, at least for the SN850X. So I can get about 10-12 sections. That roughly translates to $1.50-$1.80 per thermal pad. Not bad.
The one I use is from ThermalRight, a Taiwan manufacturer who provide PC cooling components like heatsinks, fans and thermal pads etc etc. They are highly regarded as the top brands but definitely not expensive despite their reputation.
One thing to note is quality thermal pads have some heft to them. If you get to buy them physically, this is something you should be aware of.
The strength of a thermal pad adhesive depends not only on the quality of the pad, but also on its temperature. I will not explain too much over here. But in short it becomes soft and elastic at higher temperature. This allows it to better fill gaps. At lower temperature, it's rather hard and brittle. Hence you may find it easier to remove the thermal pad if you leave the ssd powered on for a short period of time (circa 15-30mins) before you do so, making sure the thermal pad is hot enough.
But do not remove and reuse the thermal pad too often and be very careful about peeling it off. It loses adhesion over time if you do so repeatedly. Most thermal pads regardless of their quality may break most often than not during the peeling off. The trick is to ensure the pad is soft and hot.
But even if the pad breaks into sections it's fine. Just stick them back on the ssd and reuse. Use a fresh piece if you have been removing it many times.
I find it more economical if I buy thermal pads in larger size. I bought mine in 120mm x 120mm for $18. A typical SSD will need about a 68mm x 17mm (sorry metric guy here. Convert to inch on your own) section of thermal pad, at least for the SN850X. So I can get about 10-12 sections. That roughly translates to $1.50-$1.80 per thermal pad. Not bad.
The one I use is from ThermalRight, a Taiwan manufacturer who provide PC cooling components like heatsinks, fans and thermal pads etc etc. They are highly regarded as the top brands but definitely not expensive despite their reputation.
One thing to note is quality thermal pads have some heft to them. If you get to buy them physically, this is something you should be aware of.
Last edited:
