installing core2 duo

[upquark]

Im installing a core 2 duo E6600 procesor. I have got the processor in the socket. I was installing the cooling and following the directions I cleaned the top of the processor. Then I whet to clean the bottom of the heatsink. I thought the three stripes were rubber but appearently it thermal grease because some rubbed off when I wiped it. On the Pc mechanic direction it says to smear the grease all over the top but it doesn't say anything about that on the directions that came with the motherboard or processor. not very much grease came off when I wiped it so is it still ok to use or do i need to buy more grease. should I smear the grease i have that is already on heat sink all over or should i just leave it like it is. Sorry for the long post thanks for your help.

[minsonngo]

You should be okay.

If your temps are high after you install the heatsink & fan and it is mounted correctly... then you may need to reapply a new batch of thermal compound. But I think you should be okay.

[upquark]

What about smearing the thermal compound all over the processor should I do that. or just leave it in the square that it is already.

[TwoRails]

If you are using to retail heatsink, you're not supposed to touch the thermal compound on the bottom of the heatsink. If it's not too disturbing and you haven't removed too much then I would just go ahead and give it a shot. If you run into a problem later then you can do as minsonngo mentions above and redo it. Note, however, that removing the factory thermal compound off the retail heatsink runs the risk of voiding the processor warranty.