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Either the CPU, the northbridge chipset and the graphic processor (GPU) are connected to the heatsink. Howerver only the CPU has direct connection with it. The chipset has a gummy pad that is put in place to correct another poor layout (the heatsink northbridge chipset pad is not in the exact place so that the chipset heat is dissipated only on half of the chipset itself...) and maybe to electrically isolate it. Of course this isolation has a cost in terms of heat transferred and on the overall performance of the heatsink and motherboard lifespan. The GPU is also not directly connected to the heatsink. There  is a plastic layer between them. This also may be put in place to electrically isolate them but of course would also reduce the thermal dissipation of the heatsink. No wonder why there have been so many faulty GPU chipsets inside Pavilion laptops!

Heatsink chipeset pad

Fan

Fan

One never really realizes how much dust may be inside a heatsink radiator before opening it...

Heatsink with fan removed but dust and dirty still in place

Heatsink CPU pad cleaned

Remember to always gently scrub the CPU thermal pad and remove all the old thermal paste. Pay attention not scratching it. The thermal paste should not be too much and laid as smoothly as possible.

nVidia chipset (notice it's the faulty G85 stock)

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