One thing to note, the guy that guided me along insisted that it was pointless to add any TIM to the cpu heatsink since it comes pre applied. Isn't it best to remove the pre applied stuff and add your own? Too late now if that's the case.
It is not pointless. But for many, the best thing to do is use the pad - this is because a poorly applied layer of TIM is worse than a pad. It is important to note that a pad will work just fine in most applications if (1) the case provides adequate cooling, (2) no overclocking, and (3) the pad is "fresh" - that is, the heatsink has never been removed since the pad was first melted in place.
That said, a
properly applied layer of TIM will typically provide a few degree improvement in temperature or a standard OEM pad - never a bad thing.