What will I need to switch my CPU w/heatsync.

[Mrnix]

The part I'm confused about is whether or not I will actually need thermal paste or not. My CPU has heatsync attached to it now and I'm about to get a new motherboard and will be transferring my CPU to the new motherboard, which is the MSI Z77A-G45 S1155. Should I remove the thermal paste from the heatsink and re-apply fresh paste, since it may be getting thin as the CPU and the heatsync has been in use for almost 2 years. So if I do need to re-apply thermal paste to the CPU, how do I remove the old paste if it's attached already, do I rip it off?? I included a link of what something that can remove old paste, and apply new. Also, Is there a certain method to apply thermal paste to my i7?
Thanks a lot in advance here as I can get my motherboard until I know what to do here

http://compare.ebay.co.uk/like/170809274788?var=lv&ltyp=AllFixedPriceItemTypes&var=sbar&_lwgsi=y&cbt=y&adtype=pla&crdt=0&ff3=1&ff11=ICEP3.0.0&ff12=67&ff13=80&ff14=63

 

[lazyboy947]

well i dont think you'll need paste remover and purifier, but u should def replace the thermalpaste on the heatsink so u get the most heat transfer out of it, using the old paste will have worse temps than before it was removed and re applied. Are you replacing a aftermarket cooler or stock? because the cost to buy the good paste u might as well spend $15 more and get a overall new cooler that includes paste, but thats just me.

To remove the paste i just wipe the old off both the cpu and heatsink with a napkin, and then carefully clean the surface of both with rubbing alcohol and let it dry, and then apply paste, usually a pea size amount in the center on the cpus heatspreader is best

 

[popatim]

yes you need to reapply thermal paste. Artic recommends the line method for i7's. You can use articlean or common rubbing alcohol to clean off the old stuff.
http://www.arcticsilver.com/pdf/appmeth/int/vl/intel_app_method_vertical_line_v1.1.pdf

 

[Mrnix]

well i dont think you'll need paste remover and purifier, but u should def replace the thermalpaste on the heatsink so u get the most heat transfer out of it, using the old paste will have worse temps than before it was removed and re applied. Are you replacing a aftermarket cooler or stock? because the cost to buy the good paste u might as well spend $15 more and get a overall new cooler that includes paste, but thats just me.

To remove the paste i just wipe the old off both the cpu and heatsink with a napkin, and then carefully clean the surface of both with rubbing alcohol and let it dry, and then apply paste, usually a pea size amount in the center on the cpus heatspreader is best

I'm going to be keeing the cooler that came with the compuer, my computer was originally pre-build by Dell but everything has been upgraded except the ram and heatsync and cpu.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/370819815212?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649
This is what I'm going to use when I reapply the paste. Lastly, how do I remove the heatsync from the cpu if there is paste already, do I just slowly wiggle it off? Thanks for the replies And in regards to the paste, shall I do the line shape which arctic silver recommend or just a circle? or shall i observe the way the paste is applied right now and do the same?

 

[smeezekitty]

I find gently rocking or twisting it is an effective way to remove it.
And yes, you should replace the paste after removing it.