copper shims: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07XW9FBDN/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
thermal paste: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0795DP124/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
thermal pad: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08CGVZ4YG/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I thought the same thing until after I did it. Watch the YouTube videos from Max Tech and Created Tech. They explain it all.
However, the MacBook Pro 14" has a better display, so if you need/want that it's worth it to get the 14" Pro. But I don't need that better display when using my Air remotely. It's good enough. I use it docked with a 5K2K LG display so that point is moot.
Here are the links to the exact thermal pads you'll need, from Amazon US:
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B08CGVZ4YG/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B08YNDWZL7/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s01?ie=UTF8&th=1
Can you tell me how much of the thermal pad you used for the back side? I've got one pack of that pad you listed sat here with me, will that be enough?
https://www.amazon.com/nkomax-Thermalright-Conductive-Resistance-Temperature/dp/B08CGVZ4YG/
I got this one: https://www.amazon.com/nkomax-Thermalright-85x45x1-5mm-Conductive-Temperature/dp/B08CGVZ4YG Are they good? I also saw some videos of people adding heatsink to the back plate of the card. What do you think about that? I’d rather not open the card
https://www.amazon.com/nkomax-Thermalright-Conductive-Resistance-Temperature/dp/B08CGVZ4YG/
That's what I used on my backplate. I've seen another use it for both sides and it worked well for him. I'd just use this on both if I ever did it again for convenience
https://www.amazon.com/Gelid-Solutions-GP-Extreme-TP-GP01-C-Thermal/dp/B06WWDT6RC/
This is the brand I used for front side. But it doesn't seem to have amazon prime shipping. It's the 1.5mm version (I used 3mm but it was too thick)
As for thermal paste on GPU, I used Thermalright TF8. I can't link it because the one I bought went out of stock. They still have it on amazon, but they have the smaller version and I've seen some reviews saying it arrived dry. That's why I shelled out extra for the bigger version because no one had QC issues with them
Hey op I am in a current situation. I have 3 cards I need to repad. How much compound do you like I would need ?
Looking at this
Thermalright Thermal Pad 12.8 W/mK, 85x45x1.5mm, Non Conductive Heat Resistance, Extreme Odyssey Silicone Thermal Pads for PC Laptop Heatsink/GPU/CPU/LED Cooler (1.5mm) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08CGVZ4YG/ref=cm_sw_r_awdo_4J8A7GC5VX1R9ACJ12NT