• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

Bergquist Sil-Pad Anyone?

R

redcbx78

Active Member
I got some samples from Bergquist. 1200, 900s and 980.
Here are the ratings as provided with the Data Sheets. Testing was with a T0-220 mounted at 50 psi

Sil-Pad 1200 (ºC/W) 2.41
Sil-Pad 980 (ºC/W) 4.52
Sil-Pad 900s (ºC/W) 2.90
K-10 has been mentioned in a few posts
Poly-Pad K-10 (ºC/W) 2.75

The 1200 is supposed to be a better thermal performer than the others.
Some posts on AudioKarma are suggesting to use Bergquist K-10

I have used some of the Sil-Pad 1200 and it seems to perform fine - but I really don't know.

I have been thinking about adding some thermal paste - for peace of mind.

Lots of the old mica is very brittle so I just cut a piece of Sil-Pad punch the holes and done.

Any comments on any of the Berqguist products - recommendations?
 
Register to hide this ad
I do not know the specifics of any of the types you mention, except that the K-10 pads are very good.

Go ahead and add some heatsink compound and take some new measurements. Of course, that means wasting a few new pads, but it's all in the name of science. ;)
 
Some of the better materials are quite good. Its always bugged me that you can't find thermal information in the same units, under the same conditions, for all the various insulators- Sil-Pads, mica & grease, alumina, anodized aluminum and Kapton. I think the better Sil-Pads approach or exceed mica & grease but I'm not absolutely sure. Very little beats anodized aluminum pads but I don't fully trust 'em. OTOH, Crown power amps use 'em.

The Sil-Pads shouldn't need grease and it may actually degrade the performance. It would be an interesting test.
 
So I just found out the the lower the ºC/W number is the better. All things being equal - same mounting pressure, etc

Sil-Pad 2000 has a (ºC/W) rating of 2.2 or better - depending upon the thickness. This looks like the best Sil-Pad for thermal conductivity, although the Dielectric Breakdown Voltage is not quite as good as the Sil-Pad 1200 - now to find if there are any ratings for mica and thermal grease!
 
I order samples from them and it is enough to do a few amps. I have tried a few different samples, but I think I'm going to finalize on the Sil-Pad 1200 which you can purchase in sheet form. Then cut to size, punch your holes necessary. Not for sure of the price though.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom