Is it bad if I smudged the pre applied thermal paste to my CPU cooler

[Daniel_566]

I was taking out the fan and smudged the pre applied thermal paste on the CPU cooler. You can see my fingerprint. I am using an intel stock cooler.

 

[Nerdy Nerd]

So what I would do is wipe it off and reapply thermal paste. There are oils on your skin that might interfere with the heat transfer. So just wipe it off and reapply.

 

[MrN1ce9uy]

Well.. it could cause air bubbles and cause temps to be higher. You can take and old credit card and spread it out yourself. It may be a little difficult to keep it only where the CPU will be, but it's possible. What CPU is it?

 

[feelinfroggy777]

I would not panic and install the CPU. After I installed the system I would closely monitor the temps for a few days. Thermal paste application is not really a scientific endeavor. There are many ways to apply it. You just want to get a good contact from the heat sink to the IHS.

 

[MrN1ce9uy]

Yeah I don't think it's that big of a deal unless you've got an aftermarket cooler on an overclockable chip and you're wanting the best possible cooling.

*Also, (if it's smudged enough and you are worried about it) instead of a credit card, you could take a plastic bag or cellophane and put it over your finger and spread it out with your finger in a circular motion.