Is there tape on the m.2 cover thermal pads?

Framework Desktop
1

I recently got my motherboard (batch 11). There’s thermal pads under each m.2 cover. M.2 covers are new to me. I’ve heard you’re supposed to peal off the tape from thermal pads before use because they will act as insulators. I removed what I thought was tape but it took with it a thin layer of the pad. Is that normal?

2

I did not remove any tape on mine - guide also does not mention one:

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3

Dang. That’s what I was afraid of.

4

Didn’t find it on the website, but wondering if you could just buy replacement heat spreaders from FW since they’re removable anyway!

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5

If it was just a thin layer removed I wouldn’t worry, just give it a try and it probably will be fine.
Also both NVME slots have the same heatsink, so if you want to compare temperature results you could just switch the heatsinks around.

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6

Thanks. I found the thermal pad for the CPU/memory but nothing for the m.2 slots. I think I’ll just keep an eye on the temperature and if it becomes a problem buy third-party pads.

7

I uh removed it from both slots before I realized I may have messed up. I’m just going to keep an eye on the temps.