Removing pads from CPU for Maze II

[ZX-Tex]

I am making changes to my Maze II block install to improve the cooling. So far so good. However, even when the springs are fully compressed it is still possible to slightly rotate the Maze II block and even rock it a bit.

I am guessing this is due somewhat to the pads that are on the four corners of the CPU. Though I understand why they are there and the risk involved, I am thinking about removing them. The idea would be to get more pressure on the CPU core itself.

Anyone ever try this?

Thanks

[Bender]

If you remove the pads there is much more chance of chipping the core. If you use a shim with no pads you might get the best of both worlds. I would like to see how well just a shim works. Maybe I'll try it with my maze. Who makes the best shim?

[Colin]

Don't remove the pads. Probably not a good idea to twist your block while it's on the core either. Try squeezing one. You will find they compress to less than the CPU dies thickness.

As for shims, personally, I hate them. Joe did an article a while back that indicates they negatively impact cooling. If you must get a shim, get one of the phenolic resin ones with an adhesive back.