Abstract: A method and assembly for utilizing a gasket to protect an exposed die from damage, such as chipping and cracking, caused by external forces such as shock, vibrations, installation and/or handling, as well as to prevent electromagnetic interference (EMI) emissions from the exposed die.

Abstract: The invention includes a method for assembling an integrated circuit package. In the method, a substrate is presented. Next, an integrated circuit may be mounted to the substrate. A retaining structure is presented that is shaped as a mesh that is at least one of a hexagonal mesh, a triangular mesh, and an irregular shaped mesh. The retaining structure is then impregnated with a thermal grease to form a heat pipe. The heat pipe is trimmed to the perimeter of the top surface so that the heat pipe does not extend into the at least one corner of the top surface. The heat pipe is placed on the top surface of the integrated circuit. A thermal element is then placed on the impregnated retaining structure.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention includes an integrated circuit package having a substrate, an integrated circuit mounted to the substrate, a thermal element, and a heat pipe disposed between the integrated circuit and the thermal element. The heat pipe includes a retaining structure impregnated with a thermal grease. The heat pipe is a result of a process that includes the step of impregnating the retaining structure with a thermal grease prior to disposing the heat pipe between the integrated circuit and the thermal element.