5.1 Heat Sink Attachments

There are six main methods for heat sink attachment. The following table lists their advantages and disadvantages.

  • Thermal tape
  • Thermally conductive adhesive
  • Wire form Z-clips
  • Plastic clip-ons
  • Threaded stand-offs (PEMs) and compression springs
  • Push-pins and compression springs
  • Thermal compound (also called as thermal gel, thermal grease, thermal paste, heat-sink paste, or heat-sink compound)