R31 heatsink and fan components

[r2d2]

In the R31 I am working on now, I noticed that there is half inch by half inch 'something with a metal strip in the middle' taped on the area where it should be in contact with the processor chip. I know I should not remove it as it looks like it is part of the whole contraption but the problem with that is, as i tried to clean it up, I accidentally sort of tore it and bent/folded the metal strip. Yes, it was not sticking well to the fan/heatsink... reason why as I try to remove the thermal paste, it came off.

My question is... is this thing replaceable (or do I need to replace the whole fan/heatsink)? If ever this is replaceable, what is this thing called and where do I get one?

MOD EDIT: Moved.

[phool@round]

It's called a "Thermal Pad" and it helps to wick heat away from the processor to the heat sink. Here's a good read to get you up to speed here.
Some people replace the pad with thermal "compound".

What you have to be careful of if you use "compound" is that there isn't a gap between the processor and the heatsink left by where the pad was. It is a good possiblity that the heatsink was designed not to touch the top of the processor. Compound is very thin. The "thermal pad" can act as a cushion, helping keep pressure on the heatsink without loading the processor and it's socket too much.

If you see just a shiney, silver tape then compound is what you need....