I just installed a new CPU and put thermal paste on it, but when I tried to secure the cooler, the backplate fell off and I wasn't able to screw it down. I ended up getting thermal paste on both the CPU and cooler, and now I realize I don't have any isopropyl alcohol to clean it up. I have an online training session for a new job soon, so I need a quick fix. I saw a video suggesting using a damp paper towel with water. Is that safe to do?
5 Answers
Honestly, your thermal performance will be totally fine, even if you run it like this for a few weeks. I’ve done similar situations before, and it always ends up being okay!
No need for alcohol or cleaning supplies! When I swap coolers, I often just reuse the old thermal paste. It’s not the big deal some people think it is!
If you've just put on fresh thermal paste and the cooler didn't actually attach, you really don't need to worry about cleaning it off. Just add a little more paste, smooth it out, and mount the cooler without a second thought! The paste is still good to use.
I’ve been in this situation about 15 times, and I always just go ahead and mount the cooler again without worrying about the paste. It spreads out properly once you apply pressure, so there’s really no need to overthink it!
You seriously don’t need to clean off fresh thermal paste. That’s just a myth! Just go ahead and mount the cooler as is, it’ll work perfectly fine without any cleaning.
Right? People make thermal paste sound like some kind of sacred element.