Thermal pad for electronics that bridges gaps and improves heat transfer across uneven surfaces. Peace of mind for system builders and repair technicians who need a soft, mouldable solution that conforms to chips and heatsinks. Are ARCTIC TP-3 Thermal Pad pads the right choice for delicate components and tight clearances?
⚡ At a Glance
- • Thermal Conductivity: Low thermal resistance when compressed, aided by thin profile and high compressibility
- • Best for: System builders, console and laptop repairs, and bridging uneven heatsink gaps
- • Not ideal for: Applications needing rigid support or high-hardness thermal interfaces
Very soft, silicone-based pads that conform to uneven surfaces for reliable thermal contact. Electrically insulating and cut-to-fit for versatile use across PC, laptop and console components.
Lower operating temperatures – thanks to thin, compressible silicone composition
Thin pads reduce thermal resistance because heat must cross less non-metallic material; high compressibility increases contact area between chip and heatsink. The silicone matrix combined with a special filler maintains conductive pathways while remaining soft.
Improved heat transfer across uneven surfaces keeps chip temperatures lower under load, reducing thermal throttling risk and stabilising performance.
Reliable gap bridging for tight layouts – thanks to very soft, mouldable material
Extremely low hardness allows pads to deform and fill height differences between closely spaced chips and heatsinks. The material can be trimmed to shape, enabling precise placement across irregular components.
Better contact across multi-chip modules and densely packed PCBs, avoiding hot spots where rigid pads would leave voids.
Safe contact with electronics – thanks to non-metallic, electrically insulating composition
Formulated without metal particles and described as non-capacitive, the pad avoids conductive paths and reduces risk of short circuits. That electrical insulation makes handling near pins and exposed traces safer.
Suitable for use around RAM, ICs and chipsets where electrical isolation is required, offering peace of mind during repairs and upgrades.
✨ The 4 Key Reasons for ARCTIC TP-3 Thermal Pad
- Stackable up to 2.0 mm – Maintains thermal performance when two pads are stacked together reliably
- Extremely soft silicone composite – Conforms to uneven surfaces and reduces hotspot formation under load
- Electrically insulating, non-capacitive – Safe for direct contact with sensitive circuits and prevents shorts
- Easy to cut and reusable – Enables custom fits and repeated installations without waste
📋 Technical Details at a Glance
- Category: Thermal pad
- Brand: ARCTIC
- Model: TP-3
- Material: Silicone-based compound with special filler
- Thickness: 1.5 mm
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can these pads touch exposed electrical contacts?
A: Yes. The pads contain no metal particles and are electrically insulating and non-capacitive, so contact with electrical parts will not cause damage.
Q: Can I stack pads to increase thickness?
A: Yes. Pads are stackable to 2.0 mm without loss of thermal performance, allowing customised thickness when needed.
Q: Are the pads difficult to install because they are very soft?
A: Installation can be more demanding due to the extremely low hardness, so follow the User Manual; many users report they are nevertheless easy to cut, fit and reuse.
🏆 Our Verdict
These pads suit system builders, repair technicians and modders who need a soft, mouldable thermal interface for tight clearances. The combination of thin, highly compressible silicone and an electrically insulating filler makes them especially good at bridging uneven surfaces while staying safe near circuitry. As a small outlay with reusable pieces, long-term value comes from versatile use and repeat installations.
