Thermal paste?

matthewhotdude · 12 Mar 2009 at 12:06

Is it needed all the time? I will be using the following processor in a home server build Intel Celeron E1400 2.0Ghz Dual-Core Processor (LGA775) - Retail

so do I need paste?

Opps sorry posted this in the wrong place

Raziel1 · 12 Mar 2009 at 12:14

yep you always need paste of some sort.

The stock cooler will come with some pre-applied most likely, which will do fine if you are planning on running at stock speeds

FaceplantSi · 12 Mar 2009 at 12:15

Yes always

steve258 · 12 Mar 2009 at 12:17

yep and if you need to take the cooler off remember to always cleanup and apply fresh paste.

Ducky Spud · 12 Mar 2009 at 13:16

hate cleaning up old thermal paste, gets everywhere... or that could just be me!

But yea, you do need it, its cheap enough anyway, not lot you have to spend to get some.

On another note though, Im currently running an E1400 at 3.2GHz, overclocks great! Still only temporary though, doesnt do games very well

Ben M · 12 Mar 2009 at 13:36

As I posted here: http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showpost.php?p=13659987&postcount=3

Always use thermal grease, it fills and smooths microscopic pits and bumps. Without it you have a vastly reduced contact area between your chip and your cooler, so heat won't dissipate as well.

As for which paste, I'd choose between MX-2 and OCZ freeze, probably the OCZ freeze, but read some reviews for yourself and make up your own mind.

Most heatsinks come with paste pre-applied, clean this off with either isopropyl alcohol (available from chemists) or some TIM cleaner.