Sony 65" HDTV - Liquid Metal Thermal Compound Migration (October 2025)
APU with liquid metal thermal compound
Migrated thermal compound
Fresh thermal paste applied
Sony HDTV came in with overheating issues. The APU (Application Processor Unit) was running too hot.
Some manufacturers use liquid metal thermal compound for better heat transfer. But it can migrate over time.
Understanding the Symptoms
TV would overheat and shut down. The APU was running at 95°C+, way too hot.
Diagnosis Process
Opened it up. The thermal compound on the APU had migrated. It was no longer making good contact with the heatsink.
This is a known issue with some Sony HDTV models that use liquid metal thermal compound.
The Repair
Removed the heatsink from the APU. Cleaned off all the old thermal compound with isopropyl alcohol.
Applied fresh thermal paste (Arctic MX-6) to the APU.
Reinstalled the heatsink, making sure it was making good contact.
Testing and Verification
Powered it up. APU temperature dropped to 65°C. Much better.
Let it run for 24 hours. No thermal shutdown.
Why This Happens
Liquid metal thermal compound is more effective than traditional paste, but it can migrate over time. This is especially true if the heatsink isn't making perfect contact.
The solution is to replace it with traditional thermal paste, which is more stable.
Cost Analysis
Thermal paste replacement: $30 Labor: 1 hour Total: $50
New Sony HDTV: $800+
The customer saved $750+ by replacing the thermal compound instead of buying a new TV.