> do i need to buy special cleaner too if i mess up the first try? @Reply #1 - good point! I have been very happy using Arctic MX-4 Thermal Compound 4g since it is cheap and reliable. You dont need to buy a special cleaner; high-percentage isopropyl alcohol from any pharmacy works perfectly for cleaning the CPU. One tube is enough for several applications, so it is definitely a good value for your budget.

Building is fantastic! I love it! Warning, dont use your finger because oils ruin the contact. Too much paste is amazing at making a mess, so use exactly one pea-sized drop.

Ive been building PCs for over fifteen years and honestly, while MX-4 is a classic, I would actually suggest spending the extra few bucks on Arctic MX-6 Thermal Paste 4g instead. It is basically the improved version and handles higher temps way better, which you will definitely appreciate in that Arizona heat since it doesnt degrade as fast under stress. Another solid choice for a first-timer is Noctua NT-H1 3.5g Thermal Paste. I have tried many pastes over the years and this stuff is probably the easiest to apply because it isnt super runny or overly thick. Plus it is non-conductive, so if you accidentally get some on the motherboard (it happens!), you wont fry anything. Dont stress the perfect application too much either. People overthink the pea-sized drop for hours... just put a decent blob in the center and let the pressure from the cooler do the work. One tube will easily last you 5 or 6 builds, so you have plenty for mistakes. Skip the spreader tool too, just adds more air bubbles imo.