So uh.... explain that bit about thermal interface material where it shouldn't belong. Also props for cleaning it up without bending pins. I probably would have just shart myself. That's the one time my blood pressure always spikes. Ooh. And if you ever go to change the cooler, run a benchmark to warm up the thermal compound first. Also. Is there a way to change the LED on the stock heatsink? (Subsequently this is probably the 1st component I'd upgrade.)