Quick question: Should I just slap on the HSF or use thermal paste beforehand?

[slugsbunny]

Just got a core2duo E4400 retail. The retail box came with the processor and the HSF. The part of the HSF that makes contact with the CPU looks like it has some preapplied paste in groove form(first time building a comp with an intel cpu). Should I still use the thermal paste I have on the cpu in addition to what's on the intel HSF or should I just put the hsf on the cpu in the motherboard and lock it without applying my own paste? Thanks in advance.

[Richenstony]

Heres me advice?

Do what you feel comfortable with ..... i personlly would use the thermal compound


gluck

[GX44]

i personlly would use the thermal compound

Ditto, I'd shove some of the paste on as well.

[slugsbunny]

ok I put the thermal paste I have on the face of the cpu and put the fan down soon after. I'm gonna continue building this system, thanks for the help guys.

[Richenstony]

Makes sure its done nice and flat...  http://www.overclockers.com/tips692/

[patio]

You should read the info that Intel shipped with the CPU...one or the other but both should NOT be used...

[deep]

You are to only use the paste if none was PRE APPLIED.  Malfunction and over heating will occur if you put the paste on after it was pre applied.  It will also void the warranty.