Quick AMD Processor Installation Question?

[RobDMB]

I have a retail AMD X2 processor that I am about to install. I am just going to use the standard included heatsink and fan to install the processor. I am wondering if I need to apply any 3rd party thermal material to the processor or if the retail kit contains everything I need. I just want to make sure I dont do anything wrong. Thanks, Rob

 

[Crism]

Arctic Silver always helps but those A64's are pretty cool these days compared to the XP's. I dropped the stock heatsink on my friend's 3700+ San Diego and it was doing 35C idle no problem right off the bat. You should be ok with the stock cooler

 

[RobDMB]

But is a thermal paste necessary or does can you just put the supplied retail heatsink on without anything - does it have some kind of thermal pad on the bottom or anything?

 

[PhatoseAlpha]

It should have a thermal pad on the bottom. probably has a stick-on you need to remove too.