Phenom ii x3 720 BE stock head sink

[knightdog]

This is my first time building a system and I just got a Phenom ii x3 720 BE from newegg. I plan to use the stock heat sink for a while at least and I am surprised to find out that there is no thermal compound come together with the CPU. Instead, there is something like a paste (with rough surface) attached to the bottom of the heatsink. And the instruction does not mention anything about applying the thermal compound neither. Should I just attach the 'paste' to the CPU or should I tear if off and apply some thermal compound like OCZ freezer? Thanks.

 

[XD_dued]

This "paste" is the thermal compound...is it like grayish in color? Just put it on you should be good to go . When you replace it later, i suggest coffee filters and isopropyl alcohol 90% (i got these from walmart)

Just get the filter damp and wipe away cpu/cooler...don't submerge XD. If you can find higher concentration it's better, but i've hadn't had problems with 90%

 

[knightdog]

Got it. Thank you very much!