Does a processor come with the thermal compound stuff?

[Nikolay]

I've recently ordered a new CPU and want to know if it comes with the thermal grease stuff.

Newegg.com - AMD Athlon 64 X2 5200 Brisbane 2.7GHz 2 x 512KB L2 Cache Socket AM2 65W Dual-Core Processor - Processors - Desktops

 

[sup3rsprt]

yeah they do unless you buy it OEM.

 

[Nikolay]

Quick answer, thank you.

 

[sup3rsprt]

You're welcome.

I should mention that if you plan to use a non-stock heatsink (one that didn't come with the CPU) you will probably need to buy some compound for it.

 

[Dwarf]

Boxed processors come complete with a heatsink/fan (HSF) assembly, together with a pre-applied thermal interface material (TIM). This is usually satisfactory for everyday use, and also for minor overclocking. Serious overclocking will require a better heatsink, in which case you will need to apply TIM, but do not use too much as that can be just as bad as not using any at all. Should you change your processor but decide to keep your old HSF, you will need to remove the old TIM and replace it with fresh. This applies equally to a HSF with a pre-applied pad as it does to one where you have previously applied TIM. In actual fact, it is generally recommended not to apply TIM to the heatsink, but to apply a very thin layer to the top of the processor itself.

 

[ddeen]

It may or may not come with thermal grease. It usually does come with the pink pad and all you need to do is install, but I just bought a brand new sealed boxed Intel Celeron 430 from Frys that did not come with any pink pad or tube of thermal grease. It is no big deal though since I always clean it off anyway and use Artic Silver.