How do they compare to just using paste? I've seen those (or items similar) and was curious. Online stuff says they run about 5c hotter on average
They don’t suffer the pull out issue thermal pastes do. They can last much longer too.
Some laptop companies have been using these pads by default for quite some time.
Seen em used for redoing GPUs, too. I'd redo my 2070 but the thermal pads for the caps are a bitch to get right
You can find it precut on AliExpress. It's cheap enough to drive away the counterfeiters.
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256807918555500.html
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256807424869501.html
This ptm definitely acts like the real deal, i would buy again. The price has gone up a little bit, maybe due to some trade problems, but even then, it's a good deal. The 80x160mm will last me a long time. Pro tip: this pad will melt, and needs some burn-in, so if it tears, do not worry. You can still press it into place. Be careful to not touch the pad with your fingers, use gloves or be careful with the plastics.
When you place it on a cpu, gpu, or other ic, you should remove one side, press it onto the surface, then run your finger or a probe along the edges to tear and stick the pad onto it. It should stick, then continue as usual.
That's how you should install it. Make sure to press it well so it will stick on the CPU/GPU and then you can peel off the top plastic film.