Replacing Motherboard (Do I need to apply more thermal paste?)

[Busterofwar]

I'm replacing the Motherboard on a PC that I originally bought pre-made. Thermal paste was already applied. Do I need to add more thermal paste when I install the CPU on the new Motherboard? (Sorry, but I really have no idea how thermal paste works.)

 

[USAFRet]

The thermal paste is to make a good seal between the CPU and the CPU fan. Take all that apart, and yes, you need to clean and replace the thermal paste.

You also need to reinstall your OS, probably with a whole new storebought license.