M1 MacBook Air Thermal Pad Mod - Long Term Report?

[A4orce84]

Hello Everyone,

I picked up a M1 MBA a few weeks ago and have been reading up on the thermal pad mod. It looks like this was initially discussed around ~4 years ago. I am just curious if anyone who has an M1 has any long term feedback if they have been using thermal pads for a few years?

Any feedback / thoughts / etc. would be super appreciated. Thank you!

 

[AlexMaximus]

According to my own research on this topic, I would split those mods in different categories:

1. Thermal pad replacement of original paste
2. Thermal pad additions and add on’s to components to enhance cooling on top of standard cooling.

Here is my experience:

When it comes to (1.) Thermal pads as a full replacement of the paste have the benefit of less dry-out effect over time. Heat dissipation is equal or sometimes a bit better. Drawback can be more difficult to install and higher accuracy necessary when it comes to layer thickness.

(2.) For better cooling, I experienced best results with the standard cooling in place but using additional thermal pads between cpu heatpipes and the metal bottom cover. This way, your bottom cover will work as an additional heartsink. Bottom cover is getting hotter now, but overall cooling has now improved. This mod works very well on my MacBook Pro 17‘ from 2010.

 

[A4orce84]

Bump - Anyone else running thermal pads for a few years now?

Thanks!

 

[MBAir2010]

Bump - Anyone else running thermal pads for a few years now?

Thanks!

I have the same MacBook from 2021 and experience no heat issues,
perhaps a check under the hood on elf these days to check the paste,
therefore if that ain't broke.....
as I replaced the thermal on my MacBook with intel chips twice since 2012,
as they NEEDED the procedure.