AS5 or stock thermal paste on Mobo

[SA66]

I just got my Abit A8N32 and wanted to know if before I install it if it would be beneficial to remove the thermal paste and replace it with AS5, it has heat pipes and was thinking about using the AS5, the paste on there now is more like a thermal pad, it's quite thick.

[One_Hertz]

AS5 is a lot better, use it instead

[OmegaMerc]

I replaced my bridge on my DFI SLI DR with AS5, I also used it on my Coolit Freezeone, lowered my temps by about 5c.

[IFMU]

Yup, that thermal pad crap is exactly that. crap!

I have heard people getting up to a good 15 degree drop just from switching from the thermal pad/goop to any of the arctic silver or nanotherm paste.
Without a doubt, swap it out. Just make sure you heavily clean the heatsink base. I personally use 100% pure acetone and it works great. If you can help it, do not use a razor when trying to remove that goop. It can scratch up the surface/base of the heatsink. Unless of course you plan on lapping the heatsink before using it. Which again, might not be to bad of an idea all on its own right.

[G3n3R@1]

i agree, put some AS5 on there and as IFMU said clean it very thoroughly. I use 100% Acetone as well. If u do use acetone to clean it....don't get it in a cut lol, u'll be crying.

[yuckfou]

avoid those pads.
get AS5.