Order of operations

[SneakyStuff]

This may sound like a dumb question, but I was curious what everyone else did. I am expecting my parts from newegg tommorow and I am planning on using ceramique on the cpu in leu of the stock thermal pad. Do you...

- test the cpu first, with stock thermal pad to make sure it works, THEN clean it off and apply your aftermarket solution

-apply your own goop during initial installation.

The only reason I ask is because of that slight risk of a DOA cpu, and I am not very familiar with the RMA process should something be wrong.

 

[Zepper]

Concern for DOA CPU answers your question. So, yes, use OEM goop initially. Once you've run it long enough to feel safe, you can switch over to better goop if you feel the need. However, it is only on open die CPUs (like the original Athlon/Duron where there is any real need to worry about 3rd party goop. IAC, the goop that comes with CPUs these days usually isn't all that bad - you may never see the need to change.

.bh.

 

[DerwenArtos12]

I agree with zepper, as if thats anything new, if you're using stock cooling you may as well just use the stock thermal goop. I don't know of any processors coming with thermal pads anymore.