Something is on CPU's pins

[Tomas1020]

Hello, I am upgrading my PC and as I took my old i7-4790K out, there is something on two pins (see the attached picture). It looks like a thermal paste to me but how in the world would it get there? I used the classic pea method when applying it. I did not put too much I think.

The PC actually does not work because of a water damage that destroyed the PSU and possibly MOBO. Could fried CPU look like this? I am afraid to wipe it in case it is the paste. Is it safe to wipe the pins?



Sorry for this dumb thread...

 

[Snipergod87]

perfectly safe to wipe it off.

 

[Tomas1020]

perfectly safe to wipe it off.

Thanks It indeed was the paste. Would its presence cause the CPU not to work?

 

[Snipergod87]

Yes, if those pins are needed for anything, data. voltage, ground that could stop the whole system from starting. It might be good to look into the CPU socket and make sure no paste is in there.