do I need thermal paste since the sk41g

is not directly in contact???

I guess I can always try it without the paste at first.

Using the same heatpipe technology employed on certain Coolermaster coolers in particular, it does a reasonable job in cooling the CPU. Rather unconventionally, the actual cooling doesn't take place on the part of the heatsink that is in contact with the CPU. Rather, a 3750rpm Sunon fan is mounted on the radiator-style upper area (not pictured). If the BIOS' temperature reading are to be believed, the cooler does a fine job.

Yes you do need thermal paste.

It is no different to any other system.

Newbie_SFF, the heatsink does the job of cooling the top of the CPU, but to do this they much touch well and have a good thermal conductivity, the only way you can do this is to ensure you have a wafer thin layer of themal paste between the two.

TiG

paste baby...paste....you KNOW it needs it.

DOnt even THINK about it not having any. Something wants to make contact with your CPU...whtever it is, thin layer of paste :)

So I just need a small dab on top of the cpu core. I may be looking at only one computer. The smallest size I can find is this.

http://www.arcticsilver.com/ceramique.htm

for $3.99 at newegg.com. Is there any difference between the different brands? Where do I get the 90% alcohol? Do they sell a kit or something?

I'd use Artic silver 5,

http://www.arcticsilver.com/as5.htm

But to be honest I dont know the diference betwen the 2! :p

Edit: well other then there properties.... ;)

ok thanks. I mispelled the word arctic. No wonder I couldn't find it.

Anyway I guess I can go with this

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...100-007&depa=0

or

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...100-009&depa=0

or

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...100-201&depa=0

I will probably go with the 5 since I think almost everyone is recommending it.
Ok I found this ddr 2700 value ram. Will it work with the shuttle system? I tried their webpage but it does show value ram.

http://www.netaffilia.com/images/2004/08/13/4626953.gif