Can u remove stock heatsink and replace?

[Hookster264]

I am finalizing my first build and am reaching my maximum budget. I should have a little extra in a month or so and was wanting to upgrade my psu and heatsink then. If I install the stock heatsink, can it be easily removed and replaced, or does it cause all kind of a mess tearing it off of the mobo?

 

[KingAustin]

I wouldn't necessarily consider it "easy" as that's a relative term. If you can follow instructions, then you'll be able to get it done. However if you're tearing it off the mobo, then you might have a few problems

 

[peterhuang913]

Taking off the HSF is fairly easy. You just have to make sure that you replace the thermal paste.

 

[Hookster264]

Does the thermal paste solidify, thus making it harder to remove? Also, does the cpu come with paste in the box or do I have to buy it seperately?

 

[KingAustin]

All retail aftermarket coolers come with some kind of thermal paste, but usually it's not all that great. Some arctic silver 5 is a good choice, however there may be some other better ones out there such as mx-1 paste. When removing your heatsink, once you have it unmounted and it's just sitting on the cpu, twist it while pulling up, that will help with the removal.