Do I need Thermal Paste?

[fred64]

My first time installing a new CPU and my heat sink just arrived. It already has what looks to be a rubbery pad installed on it. Do I still need thermal paste? If so, do I just cover the rubbery pad?

 

[eklipz330]

uhh rubber pads=bad

thermal paste is the best solution, but since your new... i don't know if you should try and apply thermal paste at the risk of applying too much... i mean ive been doing it forever and i still suck at it

 

[AKM880]

I think it would be fine unless your planning on overclocking. I use OCZ FreeZe and its a good thermal paste for the price.

 

[505090]

unless you are overclocking the pads are just fine just don't touch them, the oil in your skin isn't good for heat transfer. If you get fingerprints on the cpu clean with alcohol.

If you decide to put paste on it you must first remove the preapplied paste and then clean with alcohol. Artic silver 5 works great and is easy to find direction are below.
http://www.arcticsilver.com/arctic_silver_instructions.htm

 

[fred64]

Thanks everyone. I'm not going to over clock and I've never been any good with anything gooey -- even jelly donuts are a challenge. So, I think I'll just go with the pad.