I was in the process of upgrading my CPU and managed to accidentally drop some thermal paste into the CPU socket. I know, not my finest moment! I tried using tissue to clean it up, but now the tissue is stuck in there and I can't seem to get it out. This is my first time doing this, so I could really use some guidance on how to fix the situation without damaging anything.
5 Answers
The best approach is to gently use a Q-tip with some rubbing alcohol to clean up the paste and remove the stuck tissue. That should do the trick!
I wouldn't stress too much! I saw a video from Linus Tech Tips where they smeared thermal paste all over a socket, and it still worked fine. So, it might not be as big of a deal as you think!
I’d suggest using a plastic toothpick to delicately remove both the tissue and any excess thermal paste. Just be cautious not to bend the pins on the socket!
When I got thermal paste in my socket during an upgrade, I used a clean toothbrush with rubbing alcohol. Just be gentle! And for paper, I'm not quite sure, sorry!
Just a heads up, if you’re using AM4, it should be fine, but for AM5 or Intel sockets, be extra careful.
If you're feeling brave, you might carefully try to pick the tissue out with a needle. Honestly, the thermal paste shouldn’t be the main concern as long as you get the tissue out.
Yeah, try to find some 99% alcohol; it's really effective.