I have to tell you, heatsink compound should always be used no matter what type of processor/fan you have. Just because you haven't used it doesn't mean the other guy is wrong or that somehow Intel's stuff is better than AMD's. Go look at any article from a reputable source explaining how to put a PC together and they tell you to use it. Can you get away with not using it? Probably, you could probably get away with not changing the oil in your car too but it's not recommended for maximum life span.
I have used both Intels and AMDs for years now and built a fair number of both, including my current Athlon 1.2, P3 550, P3 450, my father's Athlon 900, my brother's P3 600 and never had any problems with either "burning out" or any other heat related wierdness, and that generation of Athlon is supposed to run hot.
For the cost savings of AMD vs. Intel(performance/price) I think it is very little to ask to go and buy a slightly better quality fan, say $15 vs. $6 and some compound which you should be using anyway. There are many reviews which tell you exactly which fans cool the best and are quietest. Of course if you want to pay double the amount for the CPU so you don't have to buy heatsink compound( $3.95 and can be used on probably 20 machines ) that is your right.
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I have to tell you, heatsink compound should always be used no matter what type of processor/fan you have. Just because you haven't used it doesn't mean the other guy is wrong or that somehow Intel's stuff is better than AMD's. Go look at any article from a reputable source explaining how to put a PC together and they tell you to use it. Can you get away with not using it? Probably, you could probably get away with not changing the oil in your car too but it's not recommended for maximum life span.
I have used both Intels and AMDs for years now and built a fair number of both, including my current Athlon 1.2, P3 550, P3 450, my father's Athlon 900, my brother's P3 600 and never had any problems with either "burning out" or any other heat related wierdness, and that generation of Athlon is supposed to run hot.
For the cost savings of AMD vs. Intel(performance/price) I think it is very little to ask to go and buy a slightly better quality fan, say $15 vs. $6 and some compound which you should be using anyway. There are many reviews which tell you exactly which fans cool the best and are quietest. Of course if you want to pay double the amount for the CPU so you don't have to buy heatsink compound( $3.95 and can be used on probably 20 machines ) that is your right.