thermal paste

[crazysoccer00]

Hi,
I'm new to building PCs.
I have a question about applying thermal paste.
Let's say hypothetically I get a Intel Pentium 4 2.8A Prescott 533MHz FSB Socket 478. It comes with a heat-sink and a fan.
Is it necessary to apply the thermal paste? I know it is very helpful to use it.
Also, could someone please list the specific steps such as, where the paste should be applied, in applying the paste?
Also, what's the usual (brand) paste that everyone gets?
Thanks alot guys

[PrntRhd]

Artic Silver is the best thermal compound around but may void your CPU warranty.
http://www.arcticsilver.com/arctic_silver_instructions.htm

Thermal pads are the solution recommended by CPU manufacturers.

[jlreich]

As long as you are not going to be over clocking and you have adequate cooling in your case, try the thermal pad that comes already installed on the heatsink first. If after awhile it seems to run hotter than it should, then go ahead and use the Arctic Silver. If you decide to use the Arctic silver read and follow the directions that PrntRhd linked to carefully.

The thermal pads they are using these days seem to be pretty good for stock speeds and even some moderate over clocking. Make sure to remove any plastic protective strip if it has one before installing the heatsink/fan. I have personally never seen one that has the plastic on it, but they say they sometimes do.

[jcnoernberg]

Your original question seems to be asking if you have to have anything between the heatsink and cpu at all? and the asnwer is yes, or you will fry the thing. i just got the p4 630 and i did buy artic silver, but I just stuck with the thermal pad. it cools just fine.