I know this is an old, dead thread, but I'm sure people still find this page when searching for thermal pad info and I want to add my two cents worth. I still can not get over how many people do not know, or have doubts about the thermal conductivity of copper. For anyone who does not know, or who doubts the thermal conductivity of copper, let me say that NO thermal pad will match the thermal conductivity of copper. Silver is the only "common" material that I know of with superior thermal conductivity to copper. And for those that think aluminum is such a great thermal conductor, aluminum has only about 1/2 the thermal conductivity of copper. If you don't believe me, look it up yourself. Unless thermal pads are imbued with some sort of non-existent thermal magic, they can not even come close to the thermal conductivity of copper. The copper is not the problem, it's all about proper fit and thickness and how well the surfaces meet, as well as using a high quality thermal paste on both sides. And of course,...