Need help with CPU cooling problem

[FaytlND]

So I will recount my situation. I decided to buy a 60mm to 80mm fan adapter for my heatsink, because it seemed like a cheap way to increase cooling. My previous Delta 60mm fan was rated at 18 cfm, and the new 80mm is rated at 32 cfm. Well when I installed it, it required me to remove the heatsink. Before doing this heatsink, the CPU was running at a stable 48 C. However after removing the heatsink and installing the new adapter and fan (in the correct direction, I know thats not the problem) the computer booted, but shut down in the middle of starting windows. I rebooted and got in to windows, where my CPU temp was running at 61C. I immediately shut down.

Here are my 2 questions:
1)Is the adapter a good idea? It seemed like it couldn't hurt, even if it didn't help.
2)Could the high temps and shutdown due to probable overheating have been caused by me not replacing the thermal compund? When I took off the heatsink, I noticed the OEM thermal pad, and just left it when I replaced the heatsink and assumed it would be ok. Could this be the problem? That I need to take the heatsink back off, clean the die and heatsink, then apply fresh Artic Silver?

Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[tylerhskate]

yes apply fresh arctic silver, that should decrease the temps back to normal

 

[Davegod]

and remove the thermal pad completely before applying the AS. Bit of nail polish remover can help, though if you use it give it a good 10mins to completely evaporate before applying the AS etc.

 

[FaytlND]

Thanks for the help. I got some AS5 and used that, temps are back to acceptable. Also, I saw a 6 degree C temp drop by using the 60 to 80 mm adapter. So for anyone looking for a cheap way to increase CPU cooling, you might want to check into it.