Lets settle this once and for all. Best way to apply AS5?

[Chris Beard]

Is paste so much better than pads?

I got pads from an industrial company recommended on the AMD website (free sample ), and I've always used that. Never really gone down the OCing route, but I will be in the next few days when I get my new gear in.

Should I ditch these pads and go paste instead?

Depends on how much you want to overclock and if you're held back by thermal woes. Ditch the pads if you go third party sink.