Do liquid coolers still make use of thermal paste?

[Iver Hicarte]

Yeah I know, a dumb question to be even asked but I'm just making sure. Do liquid coolers still utilize the use of thermal paste? I know thermal paste is really needed for the safety of the processor or somewhat like that.

THANKS IN ADVANCE!!!

 

[grimfox]

between the cold plate and the CPUs heat spreader you still need some sort of thermal compound.

 

[feelinfroggy777]

Yes. Thermal paste is used to transfer heat from the CPU IHS to the cooler. Weather it is air cooling or liquid, the head still has to be transferred.

 

[zoltan.boese]

Well since no liquid touches the processor´s lid you need thermal paste for better heat transfer. Some AIOs come with pre applied paste, otherwise just spread a pea sized drop of paste before mounting the heatsink!