Why Correct Thermal Pads are Crucial for Your MSI RX 6700 XT GAMING X
Thermal pads are vital for efficiently transferring heat from key components on your graphics card—such as the GDDR6 VRAM (Video Random Access Memory) modules and various VRM/power delivery components on the front of the PCB—to the card's large heatsink assembly. Effective heat dissipation is critical for preventing overheating.
Using old, deteriorated, or incorrectly sized/thicknessed thermal pads can lead to several problems:
- Increased Operating Temperatures: This can cause thermal throttling, where the GPU or VRAM reduces performance to prevent damage.
- System Instability: Overheating can lead to game crashes, visual artifacts, or system freezes, especially during demanding scenarios.
- Reduced GPU Lifespan: Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can degrade electronic components over time.
Replacing thermal pads with new, high-quality ones of the correct specifications is an important maintenance step to keep your MSI RX 6700 XT GAMING X running cool and performing optimally.
Accurate Thermal Pad Dimensions & Thicknesses for MSI Radeon RX 6700 XT GAMING X 12G (Front Side)
The MSI Radeon RX 6700 XT GAMING X 12G utilizes several different thermal pad thicknesses for its front-side components.
Specific Pad Dimensions:
- VRAMs:
- Requires: Two (2) pieces, each 48mm x 14mm x 1.5mm
- "Rest of the front #1" (e.g., larger VRM/MOSFET sections):
- Requires: Two (2) pieces, each 62mm x 8mm x 2mm
- "Rest of the front #2" (e.g., other smaller ICs, chokes, or power stages):
- Requires: Two (2) pieces, each 58mm x 7mm x 1.25mm
Addressing the Tricky 1.25mm Thickness for "Rest of the front #2":
The 1.25mm thickness is noted as a rare and potentially tricky type to source directly. Here are the suggested approaches:
- Source Exact 1.25mm Pads (Preferred if Possible): If you can find high-quality 1.25mm thick thermal pads, this is the most straightforward solution.
- Use Compressible 1.5mm Pads: You can try using high-quality, sufficiently soft and compressible 1.5mm thick pads for the areas requiring 1.25mm. Apply careful, even pressure during heatsink reinstallation. This relies on the pad compressing by 0.25mm without undue stress. This is often a viable solution if the 1.5mm pads have good compressibility.
- Use 1mm Pads with Non-Conductive Thermal Compound (Advanced Users Only): Another, more advanced solution is to use 1mm thick pads and apply a thin layer of strictly non-conductive thermal compound (thermal paste) on top of the 1mm pad (or on the component/heatsink side) to help fill the remaining 0.25mm gap more precisely. Extreme caution is advised with this method:
- Ensure the thermal compound is 100% non-electrically conductive to prevent short circuits.
- Apply a very thin, even layer; too much can be messy and counterproductive.
- This method requires more skill and carries higher risk if not done correctly.
Purchasing Recommendation for Front Side Pads:
- For 2mm and 1.5mm Pads: An 85mm x 45mm package of 2mm thickness and an 85mm x 45mm package of 1.5mm thickness are likely more than enough to cut the specified VRAM and "Rest of the front #1" pieces. The 1.5mm sheet can also be used for the 1.25mm areas if you choose Option 2 above.
- For 1.25mm Pads:
- Ideally, source 1.25mm thick thermal pads of sufficient area.
- If opting for the alternative, ensure your 1.5mm pads are soft/compressible, or purchase a 1mm thick sheet and high-quality, non-conductive thermal paste if attempting Option 3.
Important Note on Backplate/Other Unlisted Components: The provided information details specific pads for the VRAM and other listed "Rest of the front" components. It does not specify requirements for any thermal pads on the backplate or other unlisted areas. If your card has pads in other locations, you will need to carefully measure their thickness and dimensions during disassembly.
Why Choose Fehonda Thermal Pads?
When replacing thermal pads, especially with varying and specific thicknesses, the quality of the material is paramount. Fehonda thermal pads are a good choice:
- Premium Quality: Made from high-grade materials for excellent thermal conductivity and durability.
- Enhanced Cooling: Designed to optimize heat transfer from critical components.
- Expertise: Fehonda specializes in thermal interface solutions.
- Versatile Solutions: Offering various thicknesses and sheet sizes helps meet the diverse needs of cards like the RX 6700 XT GAMING X.
Tips for Replacing Your GPU Thermal Pads (MSI RX 6700 XT GAMING X)
This process requires precision. If inexperienced, seek professional help or follow detailed model-specific video guides.
- Preparation: Gather tools: Fehonda thermal pads (1.5mm, 2mm, and your chosen solution for 1.25mm areas), precision screwdrivers, sharp craft knife/scissors, ruler/calipers, non-metallic prying tools, isopropyl alcohol (90%+), lint-free cloths, and an anti-static wrist strap.
- Disassembly & Component Identification: Carefully disassemble your card. Identify the VRAM modules, and the component groups corresponding to "Rest of the front #1" (2mm) and "Rest of the front #2" (1.25mm).
- Remove Old Pads & Clean: Gently remove all old pads. Thoroughly clean component surfaces and heatsink contact points with isopropyl alcohol. Ensure complete dryness.
- Cut and Apply New Pads: Precisely cut new pads from the correct thickness sheets according to the dimensions listed (48x14x1.5mm for VRAM, 62x8x2mm for Front #1, 58x7x[Your 1.25mm solution] for Front #2). Apply carefully. If using the thermal paste method for 1.25mm gaps, apply the 1mm pad first, then a very thin layer of non-conductive paste.
- Reapply GPU Thermal Paste: Clean the GPU die and apply fresh, high-quality thermal paste.
- Reassembly: Carefully reassemble, ensuring the heatsink makes even contact. Do not overtighten screws.
- Testing: Install and monitor temperatures under load to verify success.
Where to Purchase Fehonda Thermal Pads
For high-quality Fehonda thermal pad sheets suitable for your MSI Radeon RX 6700 XT GAMING X 12G, check online marketplaces like AliExpress:
FEHONDA Thermal Pad ===>>Click Here to Go to AliExpress and Buy Directly Now
Ensure you purchase:
- One sheet of 85mm x 45mm x 1.5mm.
- One sheet of 85mm x 45mm x 2mm.
- Your chosen solution for the 1.25mm pads (either specific 1.25mm pads, or 1mm pads plus non-conductive thermal paste if using that advanced method). Purchase from a reputable seller.
Conclusion: Optimize Your MSI RX 6700 XT GAMING X's Cooling
Proper thermal pad replacement is key to maintaining the performance and health of your MSI Radeon RX 6700 XT GAMING X. By using high-quality Fehonda thermal pads of the correct thicknesses—1.5mm for VRAM, 2mm for certain front components, and carefully addressing the 1.25mm requirements for others—and by meticulously cutting and applying each piece, you can ensure optimal heat dissipation. This leads to a cooler, more stable, and longer-lasting graphics card for an enhanced gaming experience. Remember to assess any unlisted components or backplate pads independently if you choose to replace them.
