Q: So, gonna build a new pc today, and the only part im not so sure about is applying the thermal paste. I'm just gonna go with the cheap stuff that comes with the cpu and heatsink as im not overclocking or anything. Im using the e8400. So, what do i do to apply the paste that comes with the heatsink/processor? Do i need to spread it at all or do i leave it where it is and just clamp down the heatsink to spread it around?
A: If you are using the reference intel cooler (i.e. you bought the processor at retail and a cooler came in the box) then the paste will already be applied and you just remove the plastic cover and put it straight onto the cpu. If you have purchased a third party cooler which doesn't have thermal grease already applied then just apply some from the supplied tube and spread it around a bit with the end of a credit card, you don't need to spread it too much as the force from the heat sink will do most of the work. If you are applying the thermal grease then only use a small amount, with thermal grease "less is more".