Uneven CPU thermals!

I did contact Framework Support and ran through all the troubleshooting and documentation they had asked for (pics of the mobo, under the plastic covers, a video of the issue, etc) and they sent me a new mainboard even though I was just outside of warranty. I was a Batch 1 though.

It looks to have taken care of my issue. I think probably the new heatsink rather than the mainboard itself took care of it. I’m supposing the shim on the original heatsink wasn’t soldered on well.

The thermals are much more even, and the fans ramp up much more gradually. I’ve seen the cpu package power at 49w and 60w for when it boosts. 3D Mark @ 15706


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What software do you use to produce this?

Using “amdgpu_top” for that.

i just replaced the liquid metal on mine with PTM7950. My Cinebench 23 Multi-Core score jumped from 12,552 to 15,185. And that was with a browser open.

I bought a large sheet from the LTT Store. I measured the CPU at about 12mm X 18mm, so I but mine piece close to that.

Welp, I opened it up to replace and it turns out it already had the PTM. So those results were valid with the new product.

I received my PTM and opened up my device to find it already had PTM (shipped Dec 2025).

I attempted to install the new PTM, but it would not stick in one corner and eventually tore.

Instead replaced with NT-H1. Seeing slightly elevated temps and comparable throttling between NT-H1 and PTM.

I’ll run some more tests while I wait for another replacement PTM.

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Fun fact Honeywell make a version that can be applied like paste, the PTM-7950SP.

Doesnt really matter if you tore the pad or not, the pad will melt on first heat, and hopefully covering and filling all the gaps like a traditional paste would.

Putting these in a freezer allegedly make them tear less.

I have yet to see if it has vastly increased viscosity or not. if it does, it might help with pump out. If not, eeh.

And just like others PTM have the problem where you have to heat it up to remove it.

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Does anyone have a photo of the packaging that the PTM came in, or the part number?

I am trying to source another, and Framework support seems to want to send me Liquid Metal part. Would like a part number to give them so there are no mistakes.

Found one in the corner of a work in progress.

PTM7958 Thermal Pad-Size D
FRAKJC0001
barcode: 810063739737

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Hi All,

Just wanted to post my experience with the “shim/ptm sandwich” (cpu->tpm->copper shim->tpm->cooler/vapor chamber) method.

Core 4 is my heater and I haven’t seen it go above 97C after 30 mins of torture. 55W steady.

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I love that many folliwed my lead. I just sacrificed 2 Heatsinks :winking_face_with_tongue: My tinkering made the way for steady performance as nearly anyone can do the sandwich in under/about an hour.

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Yes! And thank you :slight_smile:! Definitely made it into a new machine in my case :100:.