Fingerprint on CPU

[Maxarini]

This is my build: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/JTmh23

I installed the CPU into the MOBO and found that I left a fingerprint on it.

If I thermal paste on it will it be OK? If not how should I clean it?

If I wait to long before cleaning it will the fingerprint be impossible to remove? (Please answer this one).

By answering you are really helping me a lot!

 

[Videographer]

Fingerprints don't matter but I wipe mine off incsse the grease effects the paste but that's paranoia it won't do anything

 

[mrmez]

Gotta remove it. Forensics will be able to track you down eventually 😛

Not critical, TBO.
Isopropyl alcohol and a clean cloth would be the perfect way.

 

[someguynamedmatt]

You mean on the metal surface of the IHS? If it's really going to bother you, take some sort of clean cloth and wipe it off. I wouldn't be touching the underside of the CPU where the contacts are, but you can do just about whatever you want to the IHS ontop.

Your fingerprint isn't going to hurt anything. Like everyone's already said, I'd wipe it off just for the sake of having a clean surface, but it's going to take a lot more than a fingerprint to cause any sort of problem.

 

[Videographer]

And its metal so it will come off, even in a year -unless you had butter on your hands and the grease soaked through the metal lollol

I use lighter fluid to clean mine but alcohol like vodka works too. U can buy proper cleaner if u want but its normally rubbing alcohol or surgical spirit at a 300% markup

 

[iam2thecrowe]

Clean with a cloth and a bit of isopropyl alcohol (put the iso on the cloth not directly on the cpu), although i dont see it causing any major issue if you dont clean it. it might affect your cooling performance by 0.2 C...

 

[Maxarini]

Thanks for all the replys!

From what you guys are saying I don't need to clean it? This is my first build and (I think) there is less of a chance of me breaking something by leaving it than by cleaning it.

Am I correct?

 

[Videographer]

Yeah, although cleaning the CPU won't break it either, you have to clean it if you change the cooler or paste

 

[Maxarini]

How often do I need to change the paste?