Replacing Motherboard

Stop worrying. The Dell tech applies new thermal pads (or paste) when he installs the new heatsink. He did so with my new motherboard.

 

Not for me... It depends on the firm that Dell contract.

Thermal paste activates it self with heat. That is why any bottle of thermal paste or thermals pads, says to store it in a cool place away from the sun. Dell uses thermals pads with their heatsinks the side where the processor(s) touches on these pads are protected from dust by leaving a plastic film.

 

Make sure that the technician enters the service tag into the BIOS. Also, update the BIOS if the tech doesn't.

I agree with HerrKaputt, test all of the ports and such out.