I have a new baby; I got some money to put together a new desktop computer, but through some misfortune, I ended switching motherboards and consequently my Intel i7 950 had to be relocated. Unfortunately, moving the processor around involves moving it's heat sink as well. Once I had everything reinstalled, I turned on my computer only to realize my processor was running HOT, 84C, 16C degrees away from being able to boil egg on water! Upon further inspection, the heat sink was cold yet the processor was hot to the touch. [caption id="attachment_2382" align="aligncenter" width="460" caption="Image by *Alejandro on Flickr"][/caption]

What’s the moral of the story? Don’t forget the thermal paste! Thermal paste is used to help the heat sink transfer heat away from the processor as quick as possible; no paste, no heat transfer! If you followed my post on Speedfan, your fans and airflow might be optimal, but often a little paste can provide more optimal heat removal. Also, if you plan on using a different paste than the one that comes with the retail CPU box, make sure you get some paste removal too!