A sad aspect of life is that it has to end one day. The same is the case here for Thermal Interface Materials. After a certain time, thermal paste, pads, gels, and other adhesives need replacement. Continuous usage for a long time causes mechanical stress and performance degradation. If not replaced, it may result in overheating and damage expensive components.
Today, we will discuss the 7 key signs indicating that your TIM needs replacement. Moreover, we will also discuss why TIMs get degraded. How to apply the thermal interface materials? And what are the compatible applications of these TIMs? Such a brief discussion will help users to understand the lifespan of TIMs. Let’s jump directly to the main topic to discuss further.
Understanding Thermal Interface Materials
Thermal Interface Materials (TIMs) are solid, semi-solid, and liquid substances used in components to overcome operating heat. Moreover, TIMs can also remove air gaps, ensure surface attachment, and provide resistance against shocks and vibrations.
Each TIM has unique features based on the compatibility and requirements of the components. TIMs keep the temperatures stable and avoid overheating and throttling. Similarly, various TIMs avoid short-circuits and show resistance against mechanical stress.
– Known Types of TIMs
– Key Features
- TIMs offer higher levels of Thermal Conductivity (0.1 to 100+ W/m·K)
- TIMs provide a wide operating temperature (- 40 to + 250 degrees Celsius)
- Most of the TIMs feature electrical insulation
- Most of the TIMs have low maintenance costs
- Most of the TIMs are easy to install/apply
- Most of the TIMs are environment-friendly without harmful impacts.
- TIMs are available in Solid, Semi-Solid, and Liquid form.
- TIMs are a Reliable, Durable, and Stable cooling solution.
Why Thermal Interface Materials Degrade?
- Thermal Cycles: Constant operation cycles cause material degradation. TIMs respond to hot/cold temperatures, resulting in expansion and contraction.
- Mechanical Stress: Mechanical stress is another reason causing TIMs to lose their physical strength. TIMs like thermal pads usually have to bear vibrations and shocks.
- Contamination: This refers to dust particles, moisture, oil, and other relevant materials. Contamination directly impacts the performance efficiency of TIMs.
- Drying Out: Some TIMs, like thermal paste and gel, dry over time. The core reason behind this dryness is dealing with heat for a long period (usually years).
Common Signs That Thermal Interface Materials Need Replacement
1: Rise in Operating Temperatures
- A notable jump in operating temperatures may be the key sign that thermal interface material needs replacement. Components usually operate under two temperature ranges: idle and the underload temperature range. When the temperature rises (7 to 10 degrees) above the recommended limit. Be ready to replace the old TIM with a newer one.
2: Thermal Throttling
- Thermal throttling only occurs when the temperature crosses its recommended range. In simple words, throttling means a component decreases its performance capability because of overheating to avoid permanent damage. If you feel such throttling more than usual, monitor the temperatures and replace the TIM with a newer one.
3: Physical Damage
- Physical damage and cracks usually appear more clearly when cleaning or maintenance operations are performed. The core reason behind such damage is continuous exposure to heat during operations. It causes decreased cooling performance and fluctuation in temperatures. If you find any visible damage, replace the TIM instantly.
4: Age of TIMs
Generally, a TIM can serve cooling duties for 3 to 5 years in smooth environmental conditions. After that, it starts showing performance drops and causes overheating. So, if you have TIMs installed for 3 or 5 years, replace them with newer ones. It will not only improve cooling performance but will also maintain the healthy lifespan of the components.
5: Unusual Noise of Fans
- When the temperature rises, the system cooling fans take the burden by increasing RPM. But if this happens continuously and fans are producing unusual noises. Replace the TIM with a newer one, as the old TIM is taking its last breaths. Otherwise, it can cause irreversible mechanical damage to the component or device.
6: System Crashes
Thermal disorder is among the reasons behind the system’s crash or shutdown. If your system continuously crashes while operating, it may be because of dying thermal interface material. Timely replace it with a newer one and avoid any possible damage. Although there may be other reasons behind crashes, freezes, and blue screens, the TIMs should not be overlooked.
7: TIM Leakage
Leakage relates to the liquid TIMs and indicates that the TIM must be replaced. When liquid leakage occurs, sensitive components are at high risk of damage. Moreover, it will also reduce cooling performance, and TIM will struggle to transfer the heat. So, if you are serious about overheating and the safety of components, replace the TIMs on time.
Basic Principles to Apply Thermal Interface Materials
- Shutdown the system and all its power connections.
- Clean the surface with a soft cloth and cleaning liquid.
- Choose the compatible TIM based on component requirements.
- Apply the right amount of TIM, which is separate for each TIM.
- Ensure a smooth attachment between the components.
- Reassemble the components and start the device.
- Monitor the temperatures using reliable software.
Applications of Thermal Interface Materials
- Consumer Electronics: Computers, Laptops, Smartphones, Tablets, and Consoles.
- Automotive Industry: EV Batteries, Dashboard Lights, Headlights, and ECU.
- Medical Industry: CT-Scan, MRI, X-Ray, and Ultrasound Machines.
- Data Centres: Servers, Workstations, and Network Switches.
- Air/Defence System: Radars, Satellites, Missile Systems, and Military Gadgets.
- Telecommunication: 5G Chips, Base Stations, and Routers.
- LED Lighting: All Kinds of Latest Lights.
JiuJu’s TIMs
We hope you have acknowledged the signs that your system needs TIMs replacement. Then what are you waiting for? Visit JiuJu’s website and check out the renowned thermal interface materials. We manufacture various cooling solutions, including Thermal Paste, Thermal Pads, Thermal Gels, Thermal Tapes, and Thermal Adhesives.
You know what? Our products are manufactured following deep research work performed by Material Scientists and the R&D team. Similarly, we utilise advanced manufacturing machinery for operational purposes. Products are stored in a recommended environment where controlled temperatures are adjusted accordingly.
Contact JiuJu officials using this link to get complete product counselling. We will benefit new customers at a discounted price while offering wholesale rates to bulk buyers. Be among our 500+ business clients and make your components super cool. JiuJu never compromises on the quality and reputation of its products.
Concluding Remarks
A small amount or some drops of thermal interface materials can save your expensive system. One should never delay replacing the TIMs to avoid overheating and performance drops. Once you experience any of the above symptoms, including raised temperatures, sudden shutdown, and thermal throttling. Monitor temperatures and replace the old TIM with a new one. The timely replacement of TIMs will keep your system stable, control the temperatures, and improve the hardware lifespan.
Is it time to replace your old thermal interface materials with new ones? Check out the quality TIMs at JiuJu…
FAQs
Q: What will happen if we don’t replace TIMS?
A: The system will overheat and cause permanent damage to components.
Q: Does a sudden shutdown only mean that TIM is dying?
A: Not every time, but absolutely yes, it is among the reasons.
Q: What do cool heat sink and hot component mean?
A: It also means that TIM is not transferring heat to the heat sink.
