Does Retail CPU Version needs Thermal Compound?

[Buzz22]

Hi,

Looking to buy the Intel Core i5-2500K 3.30GHz (Sandybridge) Socket LGA1155 Processor - Retail Version, do I need anything like Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound for this or is it included in a Retail Version? I cant find this information anywhere.

 

[Jokester]

You'll get a decent high performance TIM on the stock cooler so you don't need to buy extra.

 

[CAT-THE-FIFTH]

The cooler comes with thermal compound pre-applied.

 

[Vanquished007]

The cooler comes with thermal compound pre-applied.

+1

 

[Emphacy]

As said, you'll get some pre-applied to the cooler. It will spread out once you put the cooler on. I'm guessing you're not planning on overclocking that i5?

 

[Buzz22]

Well, maybe not in the beginning, but might do at a later time. I suppose this could be an issue than? is it because of the cooler itself not being big enough or why are you asking?

 

[Emphacy]

Well, maybe not in the beginning, but might do at a later time. I suppose this could be an issue than? is it because of the cooler itself not being big enough or why are you asking?

Although the stock intel cooler isn't half bad, when you come to overclocking a quad to 4GHz or over, despite them being cooler running chips, they will start whacking out a lot of heat under load.
I recommend investing in an aftermarket cooler before you start overclocking.

 

[Trofeo]

I've got my 2500k at 4.2 GHz with stock cooler and paste, stable, been like this since a week after I got it on release. temps seem ok to me, idle about 40 load into the 50's. Had no stability issues what so ever.