JEDIYoda
Lifer
I would not use the thermal paste they give you. For $12 at most it's cheap insurance. $12 is a high number, it's what I paid for ICD7 ($7 + $5 shipping), which is mostly powdered synthetic diamond. If you don't overclock then the stock cooler is fine, but I also would upgrade that part to lower the temps in general.
There is nothing wrong with the thermal paste they will give him!! Now days most manufacturers ship a good thermal paste!! You know he is spending $12.00 for thermal paste for what??