Thermal paste for short-term and pad for long-term?

[FluxCap]

I have done a lot of researching about heatsink/fan installs to get more knowledgeable. One thing I saw mentioned (on AMD's install guide) is that grease like AS3 is best for shorter time periods and thermal "stick-on" pads are for the long periods of use. Is this somewhat true or no? If it is, do you guys recommend reapplying new grease every 6 months or so?

 

[Lord Evermore]

There are several threads mentioning this.

Use AS3 for a machine you will use and know how to work on and can monitor temperatures on. Use a thermal pad on a system that's going to someone who's sticking it in a dusty corner and calls it their "modem" or "hard drive".

 

[CubicZirconia]

do you guys recommend reapplying new grease every 6 months or so?

No, this is unnecessary. Assuming you apply the AS3 properly and in correct amounts, there shouldn't be any problems after 6 months (or for a long time after that).

 

[deerslayer]

Originally posted by: CubicZirconia

do you guys recommend reapplying new grease every 6 months or so?

No, this is unnecessary. Assuming you apply the AS3 properly and in correct amounts, there shouldn't be any problems after 6 months (or for a long time after that).