P4a (confused about installation)

[Space Taxi]

Good day.
I need some info from you techies.
I just got a p4 1.6a pentium chip. I've been reading that if it has a thermal pad on it that I don't use thermal grease.
hmm, I have no idea. does that chip have that pad on?? Its black on the bottom, it seems to be a removable material.
(And obviously this is important to know before applying anything).

Also I have the p4s533 Board (Asus) with 645dx chipset, I've read that the onboard sound is good, but I was wondering how good is good, I have a soundblaster live value. Would that beat the onboard one??

Thanks in advance, and hope I can get some answers..


P.S : If someone would have a pic as to what the thermal pad looks like then I'd be all set.

[joe]

Edit:
Reread your post, the thermal pad is on the heatsink not the CPU, I hope that's what you meant

Yes, that black thing likely is the thermal pad, you can use it, or remove it and use thermal grease instead.

ftp://download.intel.com/support/processors/manuals/p4p478_1.pdf
copy and paste required.

As for the sound it will be pretty similar, best way to tell your preference is try both ways with your setup.

[Space Taxi]

AH wow, PERFECT.
THanks man.
So now I'm 99% sure its already on there, (no syringe came with it)
I'll use it till I order artic silver 3 or somehting and compare the temps.
Thanks again!!!!!