Heatsink/fan Installation; Thermal Interface Question

[EnigmaticRunner]

So I'm building my first computer and I've bought an AMD Phenom II X4 955 Socket AM3 processor (PIB); I'm planning on using the heatsink/fan that was provided with it and while reading the instructions I noticed that it says the HSF already has pre-applied thermal interface material. However, the wording was a bit strange because it also seemed to imply that the CPU itself also needs TIM, but if the HSF already has it, then I don't need anything extra, right? (TIM on both CPU and HSF seems excessive and unnecessary)

 

[saaiello]

The pre applied paste is ok you dont need to put any on the processor itself when its pre applied on heatsink.

 

[EnigmaticRunner]

The pre applied paste is ok you dont need to put any on the processor itself when its pre applied on heatsink.

Alright, thanks a lot. I was sort of worried that I'd have to go out and buy some TMI.

 

[EnigmaticRunner]

Best answer selected by EnigmaticRunner.

 

[saaiello]

Alright, thanks a lot. I was sort of worried that I'd have to go out and buy some TMI.

The pre applied is fine but i like to use better paste then what they put on there so see how your temps look after a week and if you think they too high you might want to remove the pre applied and put some better paste on.