[SOLVED] Put cpu cooler on upside down, can I flip without reapplying paste?

[1sttimenerd]

This is my 1st computer build. I have a Ryzen 2700x and I am using the stock cooler. I accidentally put the cpu cooler upside down. I didn't look at the arrow on it until after I installed it... the instructions in box were vague. It came with preapplied paste and I was just going to use that. I flipped it quickly but it was kind of a pain getting situated properly both times. Will it be fine or should I remove paste, buy some new paste, and reapply? I haven't finished building it and there was a 5 minute interval tops between me flipping it. I already know I was dumb so please be kind, I'm new to PC building.

 

[clutchc]

While the purist would have you clean and re-apply the TIM, it is fine if you just re-install the cooler...
...But I would recommend that your first (using something like a plastic baggie over your finger tip) smear the paste on both surfaces around a bit to remove any microscopic air bubbles that may have formed. Then reinstall the cooler.

 

[1sttimenerd]

I had a plastic keef scraper that I spread the paste on both the cpu and cooler with and it works fine. Staying nice and cool. Computer booted on 1st try and working great

 

[clutchc]

I had a plastic keef scraper that I spread the paste on both the cpu and cooler with and it works fine. Staying nice and cool. Computer booted on 1st try and working great

It'll be fine. It's pretty hard to mess up thermal paste. All it needs to do is fill in the microscopic pores of the metal surfaces to prevent air pockets. I've even wiped it off both surfaces with the edge of a credit card leaving just a thin film behind. Temps were the same as when putting it on correctly.