Errol, thanks for replying. What kind of thermal pads did you use? I tried to replace them using ones recommended here: http://www.ifixit.com/Answers/View/44267/How+do+I+replace+heat+sink+with+both+thermal+paste+and+pads. But they were too skinny and very difficult to apply. I doubt it will do much good. In doing so, I removed the pads, partially ripping one (and the other has dust on one of the sides). Maybe I could clean the dust off as best as possible and re-stick both on? If anybody knows what kind of pads would offer nice, thick, sticky surfaces and would be easy to apply, please let me know.