I'm picking up this CPU for a build: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103727 I don't really plan to OC, but I was wondering if I should spend the extra $10 to get this thermal paste: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835100007? How hard it is to remove the pre-applied thermal paste from the HSF (and how?), and is it worth it if I'm not OC'ing? Thanks!
Well if your even thinking of OC'ing, immediatley get a different Heatsink. Use that $10 towards one, as all heatsinks tend to come with some anyways. Cooler Master 212 Evo is a nice cheap one.
The stock thermal paste is absolutley fine if your just going to be using the CPU at stock speeds for not very intense applications. And also the stock coolers (for both AMD and Intel) are very loud once the fan spins up.
I agree with zanginator. Also getting the CM 212 Evo is still a good idea when not OC'ing because your PC will make less noise and handles the heat better in any way. It's okay to use the thermal grease that comes with that Evo.
If you don't like that idea, don't spend 10 bucks on artic silver but save your money. The standard paste works fine when not OC'ing