Q6600 Stock Cooler Thermal Grease?

[Bruin1]

Guys -

I'm just starting to build my first machine and I am having trouble already.

The Intel Q6600 comes, as you know, with a stock cooler. Are the three grey lines on the bottom of CPU cooler the actual thermal grease? If not, what is the general thermal grease recommendation?

Thanks.

Bruin1

 

[shortstuff_mt]

Those three grey lines are the thermal paste. The stock paste will work fine unless you're planning on overclocking. Here's a good review of a bunch of thermal compounds:

http://www.xbitlabs.com/articles/coolers/display/thermal-interface-roundup.html

 

[Bruin1]

shortstuff_mt -

Thanks for the help and the link. There was nothing stated in the instructions with the Q6600 and nothing noted with the Gigabyte MB instructions.

Thanks, again.

Bruin1

 

[Jim_L9]

Also make sure that there aren't plastic strips over the thermal compound.

 

[Bruin1]

whooo -- I didn't realize that one. Are you sure?

 

[shortstuff_mt]

You don't have to worry. The stock Intel coolers have a big plastic cover over the entire bottom of the cooler, but that's all. Just take the plastic cover off and install the cooler according to the directions. It's much easier if you do it before installing the motherboard in the case. That way you can ensure all four pins fully seat.

 

[Bruin1]

Shortstuff_MT -- Are you still around? You helped me with a build about two years ago, and I have another build in mind and could you use your help.

Thanks,

Bruin1