Pre-applied Thermal Paste?

[Pingjockey]

I recently acquired a Athlon A64 3200+ Venice with a heatsink and Fan. On the bottom of the heatsink was what looked like thermal paste already applied in a square shape.

Is this pre-applied thermal paste?

 

[Markbnj]

Yes, many vendors place "thermal pads" on the heatsinks now. You can either use it, or scrape it off, clean the surface with alchohol, and replace with another material like Arctic Silver.

 

[forumposter32]

or use arctic ceramique.

But you should take off the tape if there is any there if you just want to use the thermal pad already there. There's no big reason to get as5 or whatever if you're not overclocking.