Help removing VRM heatsink

[lehtv]

I want to remove the VRM heatsink on my board (Z170M Plus) to get a look at the actual components and judge the quality of the VRM. However I've never done this before - anyone here who could give me a bit of advice?

In particular - after I unscrew and take off the heat sink, I assume there are going to be thermal pads (four of them, one per phase) covering the MOSFETs. What's a safe way to remove the thermal pads, do they come off easily? Do I need IPA to clean off any remaining bits?

I presume I need to buy replacement thermal pads, but I'm not sure where to buy and what to look for. My gut tells me not all thermal pads are created equal, so if I'm going to replace them, might as well get some that are an improvement over the stock ones, right?

 

[Kenmitch]

I've never done that either. I've seen images before and looks like they pretty much come off intact. I'd imagine heat would be the enemy. If I was to attempt it I think I'd get a plastic baggy with ice in it and get the heatsink nice and frosty cold 1st. No way to know if they'll come off intact or how thick they are without removing it unless you can find a review that has removed it. Probably 1 long pad?

 

[PhIlLy ChEeSe]

If it's a brand new board, you won't need to replace the thermal tape.