Question About First System Build Regarding Thermal Compound

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FarNerdy

FarNerdy

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Dec 29, 2014
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Hey all,

So I'm working on purchasing the items I need for my first real gaming rig. It's been more than 15 years since my last build, so obviously, lots of things have changed. Please see the rig I am working on below:

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/xGJKMp
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/xGJKMp/by_merchant/

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z97X-UD3H-BK ATX LGA1150 Motherboard
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory
Storage: Samsung 850 EVO-Series 120GB 2.5" Solid State Drive
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive
Video Card: MSI Radeon R9 280 3GB TWIN FROZR Video Card
Case: Azza SIRIUS ATX Mid Tower Case
Power Supply: Corsair CX 600W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply
Optical Drive: LG UH12NS30 Blu-Ray Reader, DVD/CD Writer

I've got my tools, static wristband and mat, etc ready to go. However, I've been reading a few different guides on the step-by-step process for building and setting up rigs these days, and some state to use a thermal compound on the processor, whereas others completely lack any mention of such a thing.

My question for the forum is: should I purchase and use a thermal compound for my processor with this rig? Is it a necessary item? If it isn't necessary, what's the purpose of the compound and what benefits (if any) come from using it on a new rig?

Thanks for any and all feedback and information anyone provides.
 
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Karadjgne

Karadjgne

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Dec 26, 2012
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The reason thermal compound isn't mentioned in certain videos is because the cpu cooler used came with pre-applied paste. This is common with many coolers, and just about any stock cooler I've ever seen, that has never been previously attached to the motherboard. There are some cpu coolers, however, that do not have pre-applied paste, and if new in box, usually will include a small tube, good for 2-4 uses.

The surface of the cpu is not perfect, neither is the matching surface of any cooler, there are always minute imperfections, its the nature of the machining process. This is where thermal compound comes into play. It fills those minute imperfections, creating a path for heat to travel to the cooler.

So yes, thermal paste is extremely important, but take the vids as they are, information. If your new cooler has a thin grayish paste covered by a plastic strip, then you will not need more paste (unless you screw up in first installment, in which case you'll need to clean the cpu and cooler and repaste). If you see a shiny metal base on the cooler, look for a small, syringe looking tube, and apply the paste in a small, pea sized bead, and inset the cooler squarely, without jimmy in from side to side. This prevents air bubbles, which negate the reason for paste in the first place.

Hope that helps.

Edit; nice build btw.
 
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FarNerdy

FarNerdy

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Dec 29, 2014
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This is a HUGE help, thank you. Your response provided great feedback and explanation, really giving me the understanding I was looking to secure. I'm going to go ahead and purchase some extra Arctic Silver compound just to be safe, and if not needed, have it available for any local buddies who start on their own rigs.

Thanks again - your response was immensely helpful.
 
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