Thermal Grizzly Carbonaut 25x25mm Thermal Pad vs Thermal Grizzly AM5 High Performace Heatspreader (2026): Key Differences
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Links on this page are affiliate links.
When you search for thermal grizzly carbonaut 25x25mm thermal pad vs am5 high performace, you are looking at two very different components. Both come from Thermal Grizzly, but they serve distinct roles in your system. One is a small thermal pad for specific GPU memory chips. The other is a large heatspreader for AM5 CPUs. Understanding their specs helps you pick the right part for your build needs.
Key differences
| Aspect | Thermal Grizzly Carbonaut 25x25mm Thermal Pad | Thermal Grizzly AM5 Diamond-Mill Heatspreader |
|---|---|---|
| Product Type | Thermal Pad | Heatspreader |
| Compatible Device | Nvidia RTX 2080 | AMD Ryzen-7000 (AM5) |
| Dimensions | 25 x 25 x 0.2 mm | 3.94 x 1.97 x 0.5 inches |
| Thermal Conductivity | 62.5 W/m, K | not listed |
| Material | not listed | Nickel-plated copper |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Thermal Grizzly Carbonaut 25x25mm Thermal Pad if
- You need to bridge gaps on Nvidia RTX 2080 memory chips.
- You require a thin pad with high thermal conductivity for specific GPU components.
Choose Thermal Grizzly AM5 Diamond-Mill Heatspreader if
- You are building or upgrading an AM5 system with Ryzen-7000 CPUs.
- You want to increase the surface area of your CPU for better heat dissipation with air or liquid coolers.
Verdict: The Carbonaut pad is strictly for filling gaps on compatible Nvidia GPUs. The AM5 heatspreader is designed to improve cooling performance on AMD processors. Choose the pad for GPU memory gaps and the heatspreader for CPU thermal upgrades.
Thermal Pad vs Heatspreader Specs
primary function
These two items serve completely different roles in your computer build. The Thermal Grizzly Carbonaut is a thin thermal pad designed to bridge gaps between components. Its primary job is to transfer heat from surfaces that do not make direct contact. The Thermal Grizzly AM5 Heatspreader is a large metal plate. It replaces the standard cover on your CPU to increase surface area for cooling. One item fills a tiny gap, while the other modifies the main heat source. You need to know which component you are actually trying to upgrade before choosing between them.
compatible device
Compatibility is the first major difference between these products. The Carbonaut thermal pad is explicitly listed as compatible with the Nvidia RTX 2080 GPU. This suggests it is intended for memory or power delivery areas on graphics cards. The AM5 Heatspreader is designed specifically for AMD AM5 socket processors. It fits Ryzen 7000 series CPUs. You cannot use the heatspreader on a GPU, and the pad is not a CPU cooler. Match the product to the specific hardware you own to ensure it fits your system requirements correctly.
thermal performance
Thermal Grizzly provides specific performance metrics for the Carbonaut pad. It offers a thermal conductivity of 62.5 W/m·K. This is a very high value for a thermal pad, allowing efficient heat transfer across its 0.2 mm thickness. The AM5 heatspreader does not list a conductivity number. Instead, it claims to reduce CPU temperatures by up to 10 degrees Celsius compared to the stock cover. The pad excels at moving heat through a thin layer, while the heatspreader excels at dissipating heat into the air via a larger metal surface.
physical dimensions
The size difference is stark and defines their use cases. The Carbonaut pad measures 25 x 25 x 0.2 mm. It is roughly one inch square and extremely thin. The AM5 heatspreader is much larger, measuring 3.94 x 1.97 x 0.5 inches. It is made of nickel-plated copper and features a diamond-milled surface. The pad fits in small spaces between chips. The heatspreader covers the entire top of the processor. You must ensure your cooler base can fit over the thicker heatspreader if you choose that option.
temperature range
Operating limits vary between the two components. The Carbonaut pad has a stated usable temperature range from -40°F to 330°F. This covers -250°C to 150°C, indicating it can handle high heat without degrading. The AM5 heatspreader does not list a maximum temperature rating. It is designed to spread heat away from the CPU, which typically operates well below 100°C. The pad offers explicit thermal limits for your reference, while the heatspreader relies on the CPU's own thermal management and your cooler's ability to remove the heat.
Choose based on your cooling needs
GPU memory cooling needs
You need a thermal pad for high-density memory modules. The Carbonaut offers 62.5 W/mK conductivity. It fits 25x25mm spaces with 0.2mm thickness. This ensures efficient heat transfer from VRAM to your heatsink. It handles temperatures up to 150°C. Use it to keep your graphics card running cool under load.
AM5 CPU temperature reduction
You want cooler AMD Ryzen 7000 processors. This nickel-plated copper heatspreader increases surface area significantly. It reduces temperatures by up to 10°C compared to standard spreaders. The diamond-milled surface improves contact with your cooler. It works with both air and liquid cooling setups on AM5 motherboards.
Broad cooler compatibility
You need a heatspreader that fits many coolers. This AM5 spreader is designed for broad compatibility with popular motherboards. It works well with various air and liquid coolers. The larger surface area helps dissipate heat more effectively. It is made from durable nickel-plated copper for long-term reliability and performance.
The products compared
Thermal Grizzly Carbonaut 25x25mm Thermal Pad
Best for: High conductivity in tight GPU spaces
- Compatible Device
- Nvidia RTX 2080
- Dimensions
- 25 x 25 x 0.2 mm
- Length
- 0.98 inches
- Width
- 0.98 inches
View on Amazon: Thermal Grizzly Carbonaut 25x25mm Thermal Pad Affiliate link
This is a 25x25x0.2 mm thermal pad from Thermal Grizzly. It offers a thermal conductivity of 62.5 W/m·K. The pad handles temperatures from -40°F to 330°F. It fits Nvidia RTX 2080 GPUs. You need it to bridge gaps between components. This pad transfers heat effectively. It suits users who need high conductivity. The thin profile fits tight spaces. It is a reliable component for cooling.
Pros
- High thermal conductivity of 62.5 W/m·K
- Wide usable temperature range from -40°F to 330°F
- Compact 25x25x0.2 mm dimensions
- Compatible with Nvidia RTX 2080 GPUs
Cons
- Risk of short-circuiting if attached to terminals
- Specific compatibility limited to certain GPUs like RTX 2080
- Thin 0.2 mm profile may not fill large gaps
Good fit if
- You need high thermal conductivity for GPU cooling
- You have tight spaces requiring a thin pad
- You are upgrading an Nvidia RTX 2080
Skip if
- You need a pad for large gaps over 0.2 mm
- You are using a GPU not listed as compatible
- You cannot ensure safe installation away from terminals
Verdict: Thermal Grizzly Carbonaut 25x25mm Thermal Pad fits users who need high conductivity in tight spaces. It is ideal for Nvidia RTX 2080 upgrades where gap size is small.
Thermal Grizzly AM5 Diamond-Mill Heatspreader
Best for: AM5 Ryzen-7000 cooling upgrades
- Material
- Nickel-plated copper
- Compatible Device
- Intel CPUs
- Dimensions
- 3.94 x 1.97 x 0.5 inches
- Socket Compatibility
- AM5
View on Amazon: Thermal Grizzly AM5 Diamond-Mill Heatspreader Affiliate link
This nickel-plated copper heatspreader replaces the standard AMD AM5 IHS. It features a diamond-milled surface that increases contact area by 240%. The design aims to lower CPU temperatures by up to 10 degrees Celsius. It works with both air and liquid coolers on AM5 motherboards. You get a silver unit measuring 3.94 by 1.97 inches. This upgrade helps your Ryzen-7000 processor run cooler and more stable.
Pros
- 240% larger surface area for heat dissipation
- Diamond-milled precision nickel-plated copper surface
- Up to 10 degrees Celsius temperature reduction
- Compatible with air and liquid coolers
Cons
- Limited to AM5 socket compatibility
- Requires installation of a separate heatspreader
- Standard 0.5-inch height may limit cooler clearance
Good fit if
- You use an AMD Ryzen-7000 series processor
- You want to reduce CPU operating temperatures
- You are building a new AM5 system
Skip if
- You use an Intel or AM4 processor
- You prefer to keep the stock cooler setup
- You have very low clearance for cooler height
Verdict: Thermal Grizzly AM5 Heatspreader offers a significant surface area increase for AM5 Ryzen-7000 users seeking lower temperatures. It is a practical upgrade for builders prioritizing thermal headroom over stock aesthetics.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Thermal Grizzly Carbonaut 25x25mm Thermal Pad | Thermal Grizzly AM5 Diamond-Mill Heatspreader |
|---|---|---|
| Material | not stated | Nickel-plated copper |
| Compatible Device | Nvidia RTX 2080 | Intel CPUs |
| Dimensions | 25 x 25 x 0.2 mm | 3.94 x 1.97 x 0.5 inches |
| Socket Compatibility | not stated | AM5 |
| Length | 0.98 inches | not stated |
| Width | 0.98 inches | not stated |
| Size | 25×25×0.2(H)mm | not stated |
| Model | TG-CA-25-25-02-R | TG-HPHS-AM5 |
| Color | not stated | Silver |
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the Carbonaut thermal pad on my AM5 CPU?
No. The Carbonaut is designed for small gaps, such as those on GPU memory. Its 25x25mm size and 0.2mm thickness make it unsuitable for a CPU die. You need a heatspreader to cover the larger AM5 socket area effectively.
What is the main difference between these two Thermal Grizzly products?
One is a thin thermal pad, and the other is a metal heatspreader. The Carbonaut bridges small gaps between components. The AM5 Heatspreader replaces the stock cover to increase surface area for better heat dissipation from the processor itself.
Does the AM5 heatspreader fit all AMD motherboards?
It is compatible with AM5 sockets. This includes Ryzen 7000 series processors. You should verify your specific motherboard manual to ensure the physical dimensions allow for the 3.94-inch length and 1.97-inch width of the silver unit.
Is the Carbonaut pad conductive or electrically insulating?
The data does not specify electrical properties. It is a thermal pad with 62.5 W/mK conductivity. Its 0.2mm thickness allows it to fill tight spaces, like those found in Nvidia RTX 2080 upgrades, to transfer heat efficiently.
Which product lowers CPU temperatures more effectively?
The AM5 Heatspreader is the correct choice for CPU cooling. It provides significant surface area increase for Ryzen-7000 users. The Carbonaut pad is too small and thin to impact processor temperatures directly, as it is meant for memory modules.
What are the exact dimensions of the AM5 heatspreader?
The unit measures 3.94 inches in length, 1.97 inches in width, and 0.5 inches in height. It is finished in silver. These dimensions are designed to cover the entire AM5 socket area for optimal thermal contact with your cooler.
Can I use the AM5 heatspreader for GPU memory?
No. The AM5 Heatspreader is too large for GPU memory gaps. It is built for the AM5 CPU socket. For GPU memory, you need the smaller Carbonaut pad, which fits 25x25mm spaces with its 0.2mm thickness.