EXHIBIT 32.1

                CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C SECTION 1350,
                             AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
                  SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

      In connection with the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Aavid Thermal
Technologies, Inc. (the "Company") for the quarter ended March 31, 2005 as filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the "Report"),
the undersigned, Bharatan R. Patel, Chairman, President, and Chief Executive
Officer of the Company, hereby certifies, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350,
that:

      1.    the Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or
            15(d) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934; and

      2.    the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all
            material respects, the financial condition and results of operations
            of the Company.

Dated: May 13, 2005

                                                    /s/ Bharatan R. Patel
                                                    ---------------------------
                                                    Bharatan R. Patel
                                                    Chairman, President
                                                    and Chief Executive Officer