Do I need Shim and/or Thermal Paste?

[EpOxY]

I just bought all the parts for a new computer, but realized that I neglected to buy a shim or thermal paste.

I bought the Thermaltake 6 w/ Coolmod... and I'm going to put it on an XP2100+. Do I need it? or is it just better to have it? I want ot make sure before I put it together and turn it on. I don't want to fry it before I even start...

 

[chizow]

Shim = No.
Thermalpaste = Yes.

Your Thermaltake heat sink will come with thermal paste. There's some debate whether or not thermal paste makes that much of a difference, but if you plan on using Arctic Silver or some other premium paste, its a good idea to apply it before any other thermal paste fills in the microscopic pits on the base of your heatsink. Once it gets in there, it won't come out. I prefer AS simply for its ease of application and removal. It certainly doesn't hurt thermal transfer either.

Chiz

 

[pillage2001]

Get some As3 and you're all set. Forget the shim. Worthless most of the time.

 

[tranceport]

as3 is what you need

 

[Banana]

When mounting the heatsink, a shim may help to prevent the CPU core from being crushed. Useful especially if you're new to this endeavour.

As for the paste, most AT'ers prefer to use Arctic Silver instead of the goop that's included with your heat sink. I don't think you should use both AS and the paste . . .

 

[lenjack]

paste=yes
shim=no

 

[SickBeast]

Do I need Shim and/or Thermal Paste?

I dunno, ask shimmishim

 

[bgeh]

get as3 and don't get the shim