P4 1.8 Retail Package Heatsink

[Cheaper N U]

Just bought a P4, 1.8gHz CPU/HS combo (retail pack) - first P4 I have ever purchased. Anyhow, wondering if the patch on the bottom of the HS is thermal compound and/or if I should add a thin layer of compound. I fired the unit up for a few seconds and then got worried and pulled the HS to look again. Some of the 'patch' had transferred to the top of the CPU but just in a few spots. Whatever it is, it is really really thin. Or, now that I have disturbed the HS, do I need to add compound simply because I should have left it alone? Thanks.

 

[LTC8K6]

That is Intel's TIM pad. Thermal Interface Material. It's fine if you aren't overclocking. If you intend to overclock, clean the pad off and use arctic silver. Now that you have disturbed it, you probably should use AS instead.

I think removing the TIM voids the warranty as well.

 

[Cheaper N U]

Thanks for the info...