New Build ~ $1600

[PP Mguire]

Doesn't hurt to have either. Stock heatsinks do come with paste on them but it's closer to like thermal tape. I always wipe it off and replace it.

 

[Spit-wad]

Just wipe it off with a dry paper towel or what?

 

[PP Mguire]

Take the majority of it off with a dry paper towel, then use a q-tip and 90+% isopropyl alcohol to make a clean surface.

 

[jasonalwaysready]

or coffee filter