Which CPU model did you pick?! I love these!

• Thermalright LGA1700-BCF Gray: amazing 0.5mm precision but limited colors.
• ID-COOLING LGA1700-BCF: fantastic 7075 aluminum, looks great. Theyre worth it!

TL;DR: Not mandatory for a first build, but it helps with high-end Intel chips. Just be careful not to over-tighten. If you're already feeling overwhelmed, you might want to consider sticking to the stock parts. The bending issue is real on Intel LGA1700 boards, but it mostly matters for top-tier chips that run hot. If you want peace of mind, the Thermal Grizzly Intel 13th/14th Gen CPU Contact Frame is a solid fix. Just be super careful tho... if you crank the screws down too hard, you can lose a memory channel or the PC wont boot. I would suggest only doing this if you're comfortable removing the factory bracket. If you go for it, grab some Arctic MX-6 Thermal Paste 4g for a fresh seal. Honestly, for a kids' build, you're probably fine without it. Just take your time with the assembly.

Honestly, the bending issue is a real thing with those LGA1700 sockets, tho it sounds like marketing hype. I have used the Thermalright LGA1700-BCF Black CPU Contact Frame on my last few builds and I have no complaints at all. It is a very methodical way to ensure your chip stays flat without spending a fortune. For about 10 dollars, it is a massive relief for your budget compared to the 40 dollar versions. Im really happy with the results every time because the temperatures stay consistent and it feels way more secure than the stock lever. Just be careful not to overtighten the screws... basically it is cheap insurance for your expensive parts. Totally worth the small extra step during your build to save your hardware in the long run.