Danger in running PC with Thermal Paste on CPU Socket

emb3237

Prominent
Jan 24, 2018
2
0
510
So I stupidly got some thermal paste in the CPU socket when I was cleaning the old paste off. I plan on applying new paste and then starting up the PC. I've cleaned off as much as I could with a toothpick, but there's definitely some still in there.

The CPU and build as a whole is old, mostly pre-built so I don't care too much if it all dies. I'm mostly worried about starting a fire or anything crazy like that. Can someone please advise?

Edit: here's two photos http://i64.tinypic.com/9ieakj.jpg http://i68.tinypic.com/2dbwbaq.jpg
It's the cpu and mobo from an old dell optiplex 380 with the OEM thermal paste. I'm not sure what type they used so I won't know if it's conductive or not.

Thanks
 
Solution
Articlean Thermal Paste Remover https://www.amazon.com/ArctiClean-60ml-Kit-30ml/dp/B0007TOR08/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1516833074&sr=8-2&keywords=thermal+paste+remover

Compressed Air in a Can (Computer Keyboard Duster) https://www.amazon.com/Office-Depot-Cleaning-Duster-OD101523/dp/B00DB8NSG6/ref=sr_1_4?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1516833118&sr=1-4&keywords=compressed+air+can+for+computers

And lots of carefully placed rags to contain the splatter. Or if you just want to pretend it already blew up, you can ship it to me and I'll pay the freight...

Lutfij

Titan
Moderator
If anything all that the thermal paste(if it's not electrically conductive) will not do anything apart from hampering power to the processor and subsequent data throughput. If it's electrically conductive, then you have fried(electrically) components or rather expensive paper weights.

A picture detailing the extent of the issue would help us figure another manner of cleaning the TIM.
 

mazboy

Commendable
Dec 28, 2017
823
0
1,660
Articlean Thermal Paste Remover https://www.amazon.com/ArctiClean-60ml-Kit-30ml/dp/B0007TOR08/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1516833074&sr=8-2&keywords=thermal+paste+remover

Compressed Air in a Can (Computer Keyboard Duster) https://www.amazon.com/Office-Depot-Cleaning-Duster-OD101523/dp/B00DB8NSG6/ref=sr_1_4?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1516833118&sr=1-4&keywords=compressed+air+can+for+computers

And lots of carefully placed rags to contain the splatter. Or if you just want to pretend it already blew up, you can ship it to me and I'll pay the freight...
 
Solution

emb3237

Prominent
Jan 24, 2018
2
0
510


Thanks - I updated with pictures.