Thermal paste on a new i3 2100 and stock fan?

[ivyfield]

Hi guys, I'm in the process of installing the i3 2100 chip to the motherboard. It comes with the stock fan. Is there already thermal paste added to the bottom of the fan and do I need to add thermal paste on the cpu?

Thanks

 

[genghiskron]

its already there. make sure that the wire wrapped around the fan isnt interfering with the fans ability to spin. remember, you just have to push the pins in, there is no twisting involved, you only have to twist to reset the pins if you screw up. good luck.

 

[Supermuncher85]

^+1 genghiskron. First time I installed a stock fan I used a screw driver to "twist" it in place. What a mistake it was! No extra thermal paste needed.

 

[geofelt]

The three grey stripes on the bottom of the cooler is the thermal paste. Nothing else is needed.

Play with the push pins before installation, so you learn how they work.

You must install the cpu cooler with the motherboard out of the case.
This is so you can look at the back to verify that all 4 pins are completely through and locked.

Lay the motherboard flat, perhaps on the foam pad that may have come with the motherboard.
It may take a bit of pressure to push the pins in, and you don't want to bend the motherboard.

The key to getting it right is to push down on two diagonal pins at the same time.

 

[ivyfield]

thanks guys as each post was informative, installed it and pc is working alright.