Thermal compound

[delta013]

I just got the parts for a build and I noticed that the Athlon 3200+ Barton Retail package that I got from newegg.com doesn’t have any thermal compound.

I thought that since this was a retail pack, with heatsink and fan, it would include the thermal compound.

The Epox 8RDA3+ motherboard manual says that thermal compound is “a must to prevent CPU overheating and damage”.

So my question is: Do I really need the thermal compound, or is it just an option?

If I do need it, what should I get? I have heard that Artic Silver is good, but I have also heard that it voids the warranty.

Thanks for your help.

Delta013

[Mr N8]

The pad on the bottom of the heatsink is a thermal pad. You can use that, or remove that pad and apply thermal compound.

[Cricket]

Originally posted by delta013 I just got the parts for a build and I noticed that the Athlon 3200+ Barton Retail package that I got from newegg.com doesn’t have any thermal compound. I thought that since this was a retail pack, with heatsink and fan, it would include the thermal compound. So my question is: Do I really need the thermal compound, or is it just an option?

The stock heatsink should have come with a thermal pad like Mr N8 said. The pad works fine for a system running at stock speeds and is required if you don't want to void your warranty. You don't need thermal compound...besides, it's not a good idea to use thermal compound and a thermal pad at the same time.

Cricket

[delta013]

Ah ok. That’s good. Now I don’t have to go find any thermal paste. I can get down to the fun of building it instead.

Thanks guys!

Delta013