Quick help need! Do I need to re-apply tim after I left fingerprint on heatsink

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xunlin

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Nov 2, 2016
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https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B9TibCsfzn7dckpRQnBfSlhWdmc
While install Corsair H60 AIO liquid coolor to Core i7 6700k cpu. I accidently touched the bottom of the water pump and left a fingerprint on the pre-applied thermal compound. I also noticed I chipped/scratched off several tiny blocks of the thermal compound on the heatsink. Please see picture here. The water pump hasn't touched the CPU's IHS yet so CPU there is no residue on the CPU. Do I need to wipe the heatsink clean completely and re-apply thermal compound on CPU ? or I can just contiune installation with current condition?
My goal is to run CPU cool and quiet for 5~7 years without ever needing to re-open the case after installation (which I do not enjoy to do). I haven't decided if I will overclock 6700k yet although I have asrock Z170 mITX board, ripjaw v 2x16GB 2400MHz DDR4, MSI GTX 1070 Gaming X 8G, Samsung 950 Pro 256GB M.2 PCIe x4 and 4x512GB 2.5" 850 Evo SSD @ raid 5 and corsair sfx 600w psu.
My main concern is there will be some air gaps in the affected spots between the CPU and pump/heatsink. But I also saw videos on youtube that the thermal compound will spreadout evenly after applying force during the mounting process. That's why I halfed my installation until I received some advices from experts. I don't have extra thermal compound on hand right now. Thanks!!!
 
Solution
Faktion
I personally never use the already applied thermal paste. Who knows how long it has been on the heatsink and how much air exposure it has had.

Just grab some MX paste for ~$5 and apply it yourself.
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chemmajorp53

chemmajorp53

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Apr 5, 2013
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You're fine, it might be a degree or 2 difference in temps but it won't be anything major. Just make sure to tighten it down well. It's always good to have some extra TIM on hand you should buy some. You should be replacing TIM every year anyways TBH, it goes bad with continued use.
 
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Larry_3

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Aug 29, 2015
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The TIM that came with it might be good quality, I'm not sure though, and since you rubbed some off (and left a print lol)... Why not clean the sink + cpu with 90+% alcohol and apply some Arctic Silver 5? It'll be good to have some on hand just in case so you can re-apply now and then. You'll be fine running it with your fingerprint and all, while less is better with TIM, you don't want gaps either.
 
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Faktion

Faktion

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Oct 24, 2015
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I personally never use the already applied thermal paste. Who knows how long it has been on the heatsink and how much air exposure it has had.

Just grab some MX paste for ~$5 and apply it yourself.
 
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Larry_3

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Aug 29, 2015
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I wish they'd stop pre-applying paste on new coolers. Only GPU's sinks or other pre-bonded heat sinks should have paste. At the very least, they should tell you what kind of TIM it is they applied, and the date they applied it.
 
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Faktion

Faktion

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Oct 24, 2015
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Totally agreed. They should just do what Cooler Master does and just give you a tiny tube so you can DIY.
 
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