Do I need thermal grease?

[dividedsky319]

Putting together my first system, and I need some advice.... don't wanna ruin anything.

I have an AMD XP 2000+ on an Ultra2 motherboard... I don't plan on overclocking...

I bought this heatsink here: Thermosonic Thermoengine

Do I need thermal grease with this? I read that it has a TIM that will melt onto the processor, so I don't need it...

I don't wanna ruin anythin here... thanks.

 

[MattCo]

If you don't plan on overclocking then the TIM will be fine for you. You wont ruin anything. Good thermal grease will usually give you lower temps than the TIM if used properly though.

If you do decide to go the termal grease route, make sure to completely remove the TIM and dont over apply the grease.

-MC

 

[OulOat]

Yeah, don't bother with thermal grease if you're not ocing or care about the extra couple of degrees cooler, the stuff that comes with the HSF will work.

 

[SuperPickle]

I disagree. Yes, the pad will do fine but it's a one-use deal. once you pull the HS, you'll need to put something on anyway so if it were me, get yourself some thermal goop anyway. Arctic Silver3 is one of the tops, but even the slightly lower-rated, but cheaper Arctic Alumina will give you good performance....and a tube will last you forever