No, the premade thermal paste isn't applied to your new CPU heatsink fan.
No, the premade thermal paste isn't applied to your new CPU heatsink fan.
You're looking at the space between your new CPU and its heatsink fan. It's likely a gap where you might need to add more thermal paste for better heat transfer. Reapplying it is usually recommended unless specified otherwise.
It seems you've already applied thermal paste. Just gently wipe a small amount from one corner. As long as it's still soft and hasn't set, you can place the heatsink directly on the processor. If you prefer a different paste, clean it off first. When I removed old factory paste from server heatsinks, I used a plastic scraper or a dry paper towel over a trash can for easier cleanup. This method is much cleaner than trying to dissolve it with alcohol.
It's just thermal paste. You can keep it as is and don't need to apply anything extra. Just use what's there. If you disassemble it later, you might need fresh paste.
Others mentioned it was pre-applied thermal paste from the heatsink maker. You're welcome to use it as received, or wash away the existing paste with Isopropyl Alcohol (or similar) before applying a new layer.