Thermal Paste or No

[lilspanisheddie]

I just bought a Intel Dual-Core E2160 Allendale 1.8GHz LGA 775 retail with heat sink & fan. I do not know if I need to purchase and apply thermal paste or not. There are three little pads on the bottom of the heatsink and fan is that for thermal protection? Do I need to scrape those off and use paste or do I use those and paste? This is my first intel processor, AMD always comes with a pad to apply. I'm really not sure what to do with this.

[Rick]

That is the stock paste you see on the bottom of the heatsink
Yes you need it.
If you want to use another type or brand of paste
Then you need to clean off the stock stuff
NOT scrap it off


For testing and to check if a new install / cpu is good or doa
It is a good idea to use the stock heatsink and paste
Then if you have to return it
You are covered.. ( CYOA)

[lilspanisheddie]

So to be clear...

Since the stock thermal pads are there I do not need to get paste? If I want to use paste, then clean off the pads and use paste. Is that correct.

Thanks for responding.

[Whyzman]

Yes, that is correct. Also, as Rick is pointing out, removal of the included thermal pads more than likely voids the warranty...