Do i need compound to install cpu with copper shim, Heatsink and fan??

[akcorr]

I'm putting my computer together and wondered if I needed compound if I am installing the heatsink and fan with a copper shim? Haven't done this in 4 years all this stuff is kinda new to me.

 

[MichaelD]

When you say "compound" I assume you mean thermal paste or TIM (Thermal Interface Material) such as Arctic Silver II. Yes, you do. All the shim does is provide a layer of cushioning b/t the bottom of the HS and the CPU slug. It does nothing at all for cooling. Put the shim on first, then a thin layer of ASII (layer should be almost, but not quite see thru....about the thickness of 1 or 2 sheets of paper) on the slug only. That' the part w/the writing on it. Install your HSF and be quite pleased w/yourself. Good luck!~

 

[Wind]

Well, shims are optional. U can still installed the CPU + HSF. Slapped w/ ASII w/o the shims. It doesn't help in cooling & in certain circumstances, might actually affect cooling.

W/o the shims, u just have to be careful when installing the HSF onto the CPU. Read the installation instruction carefully & u r ready to go. The application of ASII is as per MichaelD.