Pad or Paste?

[KBTibbs]

I am unhappy with my current CPU temps (aren't we all ). I was thinking about getting a new HSF and one thing I am seeing that isn't talked about in any review I've seen is a thermal pad VS. thermal paste. Which works better? If I get a HSF with a pad and remove it in favor of paste, will the clasp be "off" due to it expecting a pad between the CPU and the heatsink?

Thanks for any info...

KBTibbs

 

[cookieman]

Hi!

PAD is only good for one instalation and it is cooling properly after it's phase-change stage. I thing is good enough as one generic PASTE.
A lot off ppl are going with ASII, but I do not have this to comment on.

So: ASII / Generic PASTE / PAD. I think this should be the "works better" chain (in reverse order ).

Cheers,

 

[ukDave]

you want Arctic Silver 2. Its as simple as that. It aids thermal transfer better than anything else. (pretty much anyway).

 

[Mitzi]

I'd second the ASII, after applying it I got a reduction of 6 degrees. Was previously using the thermal pad which comes with the FOP38 HSF.

 

[cookieman]

AS2 is best.

Mitzi:
Your pad was working so badly bacuse the powerfull fan never alowed the pad to "phase-change".
Phase-change only occur at around 65C. FOP38 never goes that high. So you had run your HSF improperly -> high temps...

Cheers,

 

[Wind]

yeah...scrap those pad on the HSF w/ nail polish remover. Remove the pad on the core as well. Then apply termal paste (ASII reccommended). Paste works better than the pad.

 

[KBTibbs]

Great! Thanks

 

[DoubleL]

most all your high end heatsinks come without a pad, That should say it all