Fingerprint on Thermal Compound

[Afromagnum]

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I touched the bottom of my i7-4790k heatsink. I didn't know that was thermal paste, and I was just wondering if that would affect the processor too much. I nudged the top side of it as you can see with my fingernail, and I was wondering if there was any need to reapply the thermal paste. I would prefer not to, but if its really recommended, I'll go get some new paste(recommend brands as well). Thanks

 

[Cons29]

if it was me, first i'd get a 3rd party cooler, i dont like stock cooling.
or, a cheaper option, remove that compound, buy a decent thermal paste and use that (don't use too much though)

 

[Pinhedd]

http://

I touched the bottom of my i7-4790k heatsink. I didn't know that was thermal paste, and I was just wondering if that would affect the processor too much. I nudged the top side of it as you can see with my fingernail, and I was wondering if there was any need to reapply the thermal paste. I would prefer not to, but if its really recommended, I'll go get some new paste(recommend brands as well). Thanks

You should probably replace the stock thermal paste with something else down the line, but for now it will be fine.

The mounting force and heat from the microprocessor will cause it to spread out and fill all of the gaps, so you don't need to worry about the finger print.