[mxmad32]

Ive heard when installing a new cpu you must put somthing on it to help it cool down, otherwise it will overheat. I thought you just plugged the cpu in and away you go?

[Dave Hybrid]

You used to need to add heat compound to bond the metal heat-sink to the CPU.

These days it isn't required as the heat-sinks have it on already.

[mxmad32]

Would it be sensible to put some on anyway just incase? Another question, is a cpu cooler necessary?

[Axegrinder]

^Yes because your CPU will overheat if you dont have one. Passive cooling isnt enough for cooling down CPUs.

[mxmad32]

Good job i asked that question cos i wasnt going to put one on!! How much do they cost?

[mxmad32]

Just found this one as im buying a core 2 duo processor, does it look ok to you?
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ThermaltakeTMG...QQcmdZViewItem

[Dave Hybrid]

Oh, lol, i though you knew you required a heatsink and fan and was on about something totally different.

So to answer your actual question, yes, without a heatsink and fan you will melt your CPU and end up with a dead PC.

[Dave Hybrid]

Originally Posted by mxmad32 Just found this one as im buying a core 2 duo processor, does it look ok to you? http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ThermaltakeTMG...QQcmdZViewItem

Just buy a core2duo CPU in a retail box and you get the correct heat-sink and fan in the box.

Also not being funny but if you don't know that you need a heat-sink and fan which is fairly basic stuff how do you know a core 2 duo will work with your other current or new parts.

[mxmad32]

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, i didnt realize you got one with it. Silly me!

[alex]

When applying the T.I.M (Thermal Insulating Material) DONT use the whole tube as it will be forced out around the cpu and potentially onto the motherboard when fitting the hsf (heatsink and fan). This will then cause waste heat from the cpu to flow through all of the T.I.M which may heat up your motherboard and cpu more, rather than helping the cooling as this excess T.I.M won't have anywhere to 'send' the heat (as it won't have the hsf sitting on it.

Just put a small dollop onto the centre of the cpu and spread it out with a cotton bud until a thin layer covers ONLY the top of the cpu, wipe away any excess with another bud or a piece of kitchen towel.