MSI 3080 TI gaming X Trio thermal pads

[kenenk152802cf]

Hello. I have quite a lot of questions, sorry in advance. Can you tell me what size thermal pads would be suitable? I saw one of the instructions posted here on the website, but I can't find 1.25, 2.75, or 3.5 thermal pads. Is it possible to combine several thermal pads by overlapping them? What is the minimum thermal conductivity acceptable for thermal pads and GPU thermal paste in W/m K? Also, what density should they have in g/cm³?

S/N1:602-V389-144SB2111

 

[Svet]

Is it possible to combine several thermal pads by overlapping them?

Yes, but avoid stacking the pads when possible.

I saw one of the instructions posted here on the website,

Those are just information of original pads sizes, not specified instructions.

but I can't find 1.25, 2.75, or 3.5 thermal pads.

1.25 -> ~1.5
2.75 -> ~3
for 3.5 -> either 3.5 or stack 3 + 0.5 (Or: Most probably use 3.0mm hard pads here)

But depends what kind of pads you are going to use,
their compression level and shore.

For example:
3.5 stock, they are probably soft, and 3.5 from most of high performance pads will be too hard to squeeze/compress,
to probably 3mm hard pads will fits in stock 3.5mm soft pads.

But you have o try test and measure each position.

What is the minimum thermal conductivity acceptable for thermal pads and GPU thermal paste in W/m K?

Don't rely just to W/m K, but seek for quality pads at 1st.
Gelid Extreme/Ultimate are one of the most popular reliable option.

You can consider also using thermal putty like UPSIREN UTP-8
or similar quality thermal putty.

1.25 -> ~1.5
2.75 -> ~3

Those also very depends of their position on the GPU
if they are close to the GPU core, then take extra attention and need to squashed a bit before placement,
or use 1mm hard instead of 1.25mm soft.
Checked the thermal pad's scheme for your model,
the 2.75 are away from core, 1.25 are also not on the same surface or closest surface to the GPU core,
so try as listed:

1.25 -> ~1.5
2.75 -> ~3

Note:
For this model it's important also to replace and re-paste,
between the metal bracket and heatsink:

(after removing those 4 screws, I would put Artic MX4 on whole metal surface in contact between the 2 metals,
on the bottom on the bracket's that's in contact with heatsink)


P.S:
For GPU core suggestion would be: Honeywell PTM7950

 

[kenenk152802cf]

Yes, but avoid stacking the pads when possible.

Thank you for your advice. Is GELID GN-Ultimate Thermal Putty [TN-GN10-02] suitable? It has almost half the thermal conductivity of UPSIREN UTP-8, but it's the only one available in the stores. Thermal Grizzly Putty Pro/Advance/Basic are also available, but they have no specifications at all and have very different prices. What is better: using only thermal pads or liquid thermal interface, or a combination of both?

 

[Svet]

Thank you for your advice. Is GELID GN-Ultimate Thermal Putty [TN-GN10-02] suitable?

Should be fine. You can check their refference FYI:

What is better: using only thermal pads or liquid thermal interface, or a combination of both?

Depends of pads depends of putty, depends of specific cases.

For the case you can mix them,
I would use putty for memory on the front side, (marked them with blue)
to prevent heatsink lifting and ensure perfect contact between GPU core and heatsinks:
(as those are nearest pads to the GPU die and they impact the most the connection between GPU core and heatsink)

And for the rest use GP Ultimate pads.
For backside, (3.5mm mem. pads)
if 3mm hard pads makes a gap,
you can add above(over) them a putty to fill the gap and ensure perfect contact.

_