Thermal paste question

[crb806]

I'm building a X79 rig and was going to use a H80 cooler but last night after attaching the heatsink to the Processor found that the radiator and fans wont fit in my case so I ordered a fan and heatsink that should be here tomorrow. When I removed the H80, which has thermal paste applied already, I see that my processor has some of the paste still on it. Is it okay to leave this on there when I install the new heatsink? or should I clean it off? If so How do I clean it off?

 

[N1GHTRA1N]

Clean it off. You can buy cleaners but I typically use isopropyl rubbing alcohol on a cloth or strong paper towel. You'll likely want to use several towels.

 

[Tsuyoi]

Just be very careful going about it, might be easier if you unseated the CPU and then cleaned it on a very clean surface.

 

[Polarhound]

When it is just residue I will sometimes use a qtip dipped in isopropyl alcohol and wipe it while rolling the tip backwards to keep what I picked up from smearing any more.

 

[djgizmo]

Like others have said. Clean it off. 97% or higher isopropyl alcohol with a qtip or lent free cloth works fine. Same with your h80. Then reapply new TIM.

 

[Forceman]

When it is just residue I will sometimes use a qtip dipped in isopropyl alcohol and wipe it while rolling the tip backwards to keep what I picked up from smearing any more.

Yeah, the Q-tip works well and it's easy to keep from accidentally smearing anything anywhere else.