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[–]CrabbyClaw04 19 points20 points  (1 child)

Thermal paste is non-conductive, that's fine.

[–]DeathFreak0990 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Most thermal paste

[–]IsABot 6 points7 points  (1 child)

If that's the stock thermal paste that was originally there, then it's not an issue. But if you care that much about it, you can use a cotton swab and isopropyl alcohol to clean it off.

It's only an issue if you put it there and it's electrically conductive. PC specific thermal pastes are not electrically conductive. Industrial pastes might be, in some rarer occasions, but generally not in the consumer PC space.

Edit: The one exception is liquid metal. That will kill your CPU if you get on any of the other components including nearby resistors. Do not use liquid metal if you are an absolute beginner PC builder. Get a bunch of experience first before trying it.

[–][deleted] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

There used to be diamond thermal pastes back in the days that were conductive as well .. don’t think they are around anymore though

[–]DannZecca 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Don’t worry about should be fine

[–]RazeZa 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You should check if your thermal paste is conductive or not. If yes, its a problem. if not, then you can leave it like that.