Need new CPU paste (or whatever its called)

[marketpantry]

For the thermal interface material I recommend Arctic Silver 5 or Arctic Cooling MX2. They both offer a high performance to cost ratio. Are you serious that the builder used zip ties to fasten the hea tsink to the CPU socket? Man, I would certainly not repeat that. Makes me wonder if he used a heat sink that was not made for that socket.

Do not use "more liberal amounts" of TIM just because you are using a heavy heat sink. Too much TIM just insulates. Use a small blob in the middle of the CPU face and allow the clamping pressure to spread it. Refer to TIM manufacturer instructions.

i thought the cpu cooler was made for my socket type? no? he used it because it popped off a bit during shipment.