I5 3570k box didn't come with thermal paste - do I need?

[knightofround]

My question is pretty self explanatory. I got a new i5 3570k processor, and although it came with a stock heatsink, it didn't come with a tube of thermal paste. And there's no mention of thermal paste at all in the processor's manual. Is the thermal paste pre-applied to the processor? Or does this processor not need any paste at all?

I plan on using the stock cooler and stock clock settings for now. Eventually I will buy a better heatsink in order to overclock, but for now I just want to see if this processor will work with my motherboard.

Thanks in advance for your replies!

 

[chayes]

Check under the stock cooler, there should be some silver looking gunk on it.

A. Do not touch it.

B. thermal paste is absolutely necessary. I recommend Arctic Silver 5.

 

[InvalidError]

What chayes said: Intel HSF usually come with some paste pre-applied so you don't need any for the initial installation.

 

[WR2]

Showing thermal compound pre-applied.

From a i5-3570K unboxing video here
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5hIJcBU7ns