Installation of Athlon64 3200+ CPU

[Sentry11]

I just purchased AsRock 939DualSata2 and an Athlon64 3200+ CPU. I was about to install it. Found a very thin material at the bottom of the heat sink which comes with the CPU. That film material is square shape and nearly the same size that of the CPU die. Is that the thermal material? So I don't need to buy separately thermal material right?

[bigboi86]

I just purchased AsRock 939DualSata2 and an Athlon64 3200+ CPU. I was about to install it. Found a very thin material at the bottom of the heat sink which comes with the CPU. That film material is square shape and nearly the same size that of the CPU die. Is that the thermal material? So I don't need to buy separately thermal material right?

It is the crappy stock thermal material. Use alcohol to clean it off and use Arctic Silver thermal paste.

[Jimmy 2004]

I've got the stock stuff and it isn't too bad, but I would replace it if I had the money to spare, it might be one of the next things on my shopping list along with a Zalman.

[zekrahminator]

If it's plastic, take the plastic off BEFORE installing the CPU lol. If it's grayish goo, then it's the thermal paste, and you should leave it on unless you have something better. Personally, I reccomend MX1, but everyone else loves AS5. Just remember, AS5 is conductive, and REMEMBER THE SPACERS or else have fun with the RMA's :p.