hi again,
Well the new computer is up and running, but the CPU(570j) is running hot. When I'm installing new programs it spikes to a little over 80c and then drops a few degrees and spikes again. It idles in the high 40s. I took the intel HS off and found that the thermal paste didn't seem to be spread evenly. When I installed it I just put the HS on per the instructions and did not pay any attention to the paste (my bad). If I put on new thermal paste, should I try to scrape off the old or just apply a coat on top. The process seems a lot like applying varnish or urethane to wood. (thin and even).

Clean off the old paste with high purity alcohol, and reapply. The idea is to have just enough to fill all the gaps when hot/cold cycles occur. You also need enough airflow to cool everything, so better quality HSFs are desirable, and extra case airflow also helps.

This link will take you to Artic Silvrs site. You will see another two links there (that is all) select the one that describes your CPU best and click on th elink. On the new page you will find instructions with screenshots to make it easier.

Even though it is ArticSilvers site it is relevant for all thermal pastes.

http://www.arcticsilver.com/arctic_silver_instructions.htm

Hi guys,
Given all the bad press on intel Heatsinks, and since if I spend too much more time on this computer my wife will divorce me I got a the big zalman and put it in this morning. Works like a champ, reduced CPU temp by about 15c. No more spikes, etc..
Again thanks for all the excellent advice given in this forum.

A big ole Zalman is a beautiful thing :D I have the 1 kilo, 120mm Cu7700.

Right, I got the same thing. Nothin' like "the big guns" when your a@# is on the line.
Rhetorically speaking, of course.