The problem is actually that the silicone adhesive they use to attach the IHS is too thick. The act of shaving the adhesive down is what really produces therma

The problem is actually that the silicone adhesive they use to attach the IHS is too thick. The act of shaving the adhesive down is what really produces thermal improvements. Delidding, shaving the adhesive, and replacing with fresh TIM produces nearly as good a result as using LM (without the risks of LM). And using LM without shaving the adhesive only produces a few degrees of improvement.