Heatsink and fan question

[kesler]

I am installing my lga774 cpu.I bought a better heatsink and fan .On the bottom of the , I guess it is an adapter there is a plastic coating. I have to assume I should pull this off?

 

[samjohnson]

If your talking about the thermal paste on the bottom of the heatsink and on top of the CPU then ya it needs to get cleaned of the CPU before installing a new one. I know I read some where that it needs to be cleaned really well, but how to do I don't know. You will need to reapply the thermal paste. If you don't your heatsink will not be able to cool your CPU properly.
Try some of this for thermal paste.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835100007