Question 1

does it come with thermal compound?

Accepted Answer

Yes it does. It's not much but you don't need much.

Question 2

I bought this because it said it was 1151 compatible, but the instructions for mounting it includes using a special backplate  for the intel socket. the one it comes with doesn't reach to the board and rubs against the back of the socket. is it not actually compatible? do i have to buy the backplate just to use this cpu cooler?

Accepted Answer

Look at the instruction sheet again.  It's a little cryptic, but it clearly shows which socket(s) the mounting plate is needed for and which it isn't.  I'm pretty sure with 1151 you just have to use the correct length screws and align the holes correctly with the motherboard's CPU socket.

Questions & Answers