Mixing thermal compounds bad or not?

[deckernator]

My processor (AMD Ryzen 5 1500X Processor with Wraith Spire Cooler) came with a fan that already had some green paste on it which I assume is a thermal compound. I bought Arctic Silver 5 AS5-3.5G Thermal Paste and applied it on top of that. This is my first time trying to build a computer and I don't know much. My co-workers says that mixing those could possibly catch my CPU on fire. Is this true and also I may have applied to much of the thermal compound will that affect any of my other parts like my motherboard (MSI ProSeries AMD Ryzen B350 DDR4 VR Ready HDMI USB 3 micro-ATX Motherboard)? Also my co-workers said that in order the clean it I need to use an alcohol wipe. is that okay? Oh and I have not put power to my build yet because of these concerns I have. If any of the stuff i mentioned is wrong is my build still salvageable? Other than the thermal compound I believe we put everything else together properly just haven't plugged in or installed an OS yet.

 

[CountMike]

Mixing pastes is a bad idea. Not that it will "catch on fire" but may reduce it's effectiveness. Best to clean both sides with some isoproplyl (rubbing) alcohol but normal methyl or ethyl would do too, just takes longer to evaporate.

 

[deckernator]

Mixing pastes is a bad idea. Not that it will "catch on fire" but may reduce it's effectiveness. Best to clean both sides with some isoproplyl (rubbing) alcohol but normal methyl or ethyl would do too, just takes longer to evaporate.

 

[deckernator]

Ok thanks so do I use like a paper towel or a washcloth with the rubbing alcohol or something also is there an easy way to take the processor back off the motherboard? do I need to even take it off to clean it

 

[CountMike]

Any soft paper or cloth would do as lomg as it doesn't leave any lint. You don't need to take it out just watch out so nothing spills under it.

 

[deckernator]

Any soft paper or cloth would do as lomg as it doesn't leave any lint. You don't need to take it out just watch out so nothing spills under it.