Thermal Pad or Paste?

[sso]

I just viewed a demonstration video on the AMD website regarding choice of accessories for their AMD 64 processor.

To my surprise they say that for permanent cooling thermal pads should be used, and not paste, as the latter can degrade with time.

Nevertheless it is mostly paste that is being discussed as the best option in this and other groups.
What is right and what is wrong???

I just bought a AMD 64 4000+ boxed version with heatsink and a thermal pad already installed. Will this solution not sufficient? I am living in an appartment with a normal temperature of 20-25 degrees Celcius.

Cheers

Stephen

 

[JEDIYoda]

The question I would ask myself is a simple one!!

Does the peeps at AMD know what they are talking about?

Think about it...the answer is a simple one!

 

[sso]

JEDIYoda - Thanks for your reply, but could you be more specific.
After all the "peeps at AMD" have actually managed to produce quite impressive processors, and thus should know a bit about processors. I dont think they can be considered jolly amateurs anymore...

Stephen

 

[imported_Kensai]

If you're only going to be using the stock heatsink, the thermal pad is adequate.

 

[GalvanizedYankee]

"Jolly amateurs!!" Indeed. You must be from across the Pond.

Welcome to the Cases & Cooling Forum sso

Some thermal pastes are known to dry-out and degrade over time. They can only go through
so many cycles of heat load. I believe AS5 is one that does. There are other thermal pastes that don't. I use AS5 and have had no problems with degration in the 2 years the Zalman has
been on the P4 2.8. I don't OC,*Yet*.
Properly installed the provided pad will last many years.

Being a DIY guy, i would do a proper job of lapping the HS and use the thermal compound you think best. There are many good products out now. Some don't degrade.


Galvanized(Past owner and lover of AH 3000s)