damaged motherboard pin for cpu installation

[Bill8]

Motherboards an MSI Z77AG-43 that was returned to me after a sale on ebay stating it didn't work. removed the cpu and thermal paste was on the pins. Just wiped it off, was really careful but just a momentary lapse and i bent one of the pins. Your notice it on the right side of the picture below.


image of motherboards pins


Is there anything i can do?

Was it a lost cause anyways and the thermal paste ruined both parts?

How do i put up direct links on this forum, it isn't letting me do it.

Would the thermal paste have ruined the cpu and motherboard anyways?

 

[CountMike]

You can try straightening that pin. Some paste on pins is unlikely to ruin anything specially if cleaned off.

 

[Bill8]

You can try straightening that pin. Some paste on pins is unlikely to ruin anything specially if cleaned off.

Thanks for the reply. Did a Google on my issue whilst i wait for a response to this post and it all validated your answer. Fortunately I wasn't using any of the new conductive thermal paste and the pin hasn't broken off so i should be golden

 

[CountMike]

Good luck.