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Noob help cpu cooler

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Hi guys. Im planning my first build. I'm getting an intel c2d 8400 retail from newegg. I believe it comes with a stock cooler. The question is, since I have never dealt with building a computer before, what is the process for adding the cpu? Is the heatsink and fan already attached, or do I do that myself? If I do attach it myself, what will I need to purchase to do it?

thanks!

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If you just use the stock cooler, it comes with everything that is needed. First, the CPU is inserted in the motherboard, and the heatsink is actually secured to the motherboard, through some mounting holes that are in the board itself. The stock heatsink is rather miserable though, so an aftermarket cooler is preferable. For that, you can get some thermal paste (like Arctic Silver 5) and something like an Arctic Cooling Freezer 7 Pro, or a Xigmatek HDT-S1283.

Reply to cjl

So with the stock cooler I wouldn't need to add any thermal paste, its already done for me?

I'm not sure I am up for upgrading the cooler at this moment, it would be adding another $40-50 to a build that is already pushing it. How difficult would it be to upgrade at a later point in time? Would I need some substance to remove any of the stock paste?

thanks for your help!!

Reply to bluzman32

The stock one comes with paste preapplied to the bottom of the cooler (careful - you don't want to wipe it off before attaching the cooler). As for upgrading the cooler later? It wouldn't be difficult. With some of them, it would require removing the motherboard, but with most, it's a simple matter of just pulling the stock one off, carefully wiping off the old goop (with anything soft that wouldn't leave residue), and then attaching the new one (after adding a dab of thermal goop).

Reply to cjl

Stock coolers come with thermal paste pre-applied

You could remove the stock paste with some rubbing alcohol and a lint free cloth

As far as the upgrading being hard, well that just depends on the cooler that you end up buying, some are more difficult than others

Reply to rockgirl26

thanks alot guys!!!

Reply to bluzman32

i use arcticlean to wipe off old TIM or whatever... much better

Reply to V3NOM

The stock cooler is fine - if you are not going to overclock.

Just follow the instructions on the leaflet that comes with the CPU - except install the CPU and HSF before you install the motherboard in the case. The pushpins on the intel HSF can be a little tricky to install correctly.

There are youtube videos showing how to install an Intel HSF.

Reply to jsc

+1 jsc - Stock coolers are fine if you don't want to OC. You can even get mild overclocks on the stock coolers, though they are usually louder than aftermarket coolers.

Reply to huron

yep stock cooler will be fine, if you get stuck when applying the cpu/heatink look on youtube for some good demos

Reply to psymanproductions

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