Ok, I just got a new heatsink/fan with my CPU, but the motherboard I installed it on was bad so I had to remove it, would it still be ok if I used the old thermal paste that came with it? Or do you guys recommend replacing the compound, even though its almost brand new after it being smushed and stuff. The layer is pretty damn thin right now.

I would replave the compound with something new.

Though the compound may be new, it's not going to be as effective or create that nice little seal that it creates when you first apply the compound.

Which retail stores would sell it? would best buy/comp USA/Office depot or what retail store you think.

Also, would I have to remove the old thermal paste completely? and how would I go doing that if I had to, on the CPU itself, im not worried about the heatsink.

http://www.ocwarehouse.com/articles/tc/

here, see if this helps

as far as who sells them, i have no clue. All the ones i got were online.

I bought some slilcon based compound at radio shack for $2.50, some prefer silver for its better conductivity properties, but one drop in the wrong place and its all over.

We only buy hardware so we can run software on it.

Damn! Radio Shack raised their price?? Last time I bought some it was $1.99...lol!

http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&product%5Fid=276-1372

Asus A7N8X-X
1800+ @8x210mhz
512mb PC3200
Ti4200/8X 128mb
WDC 60GB

Remove the old thermal compound with mineral spirits or high quality rubbing alcohol (90% or higher). Arctic Silver makes good thermal compounds. I used Arctic Silver Ceramique with my P4 2.6, and it's staying pretty cool.