just bought a brand new core2 quad9400. On the heatsink are 3 strips or pads......are these meant to replace thermal paste, or should i still apply paste or will that be bad for the unit? I know some heat sinks come with the paste pre-installed, but what is on there isnt really a paste more like a pad and it doesnt completely cover the surface so there are gaps between the pads......maybe i just answered my own question??
