Stock P4 HSF?

[ian1386]

I'm just about to get a new 1.8A PC, and I was just wondering one thing. I want to take the 1.8 up to 2.4, which seems like what most people are doing. What I want to know is: is it really needed to replace the thermal tape that intel provides with the stock cooler with a good thermal paste? I've seem all the posts about getting arctic silver 3 or something, but is it really needed? What about just replacing the thermal tape with some generic thermal paste (or some of the paste intel included with their 423pin P4s)?

Depending on the answer to that question is another: What is the best way to apply the paste? How much do I need, how should I spread it, etc.

Thanks in advance.
- Ian

 

[Crashman]

I would use the TIM that comes with the cooler, unless you experience heat problems.

<font color=blue>At least half of all problems are caused by an insufficient power supply!</font color=blue>