Take CPU out of the socket for cleaning?

[Melodist]

Hello there,

I'm getting a bigger Noctua cooler, is it better to take the cpu out of the socket for cleaning or can i leave the cpu in the socket? Also regarding the cpu having moved due to installation? Or can I just leave it in and clean it in the socket? What do you do in such a case?

 

My CPU is Intel's 6900k X99.

[zMeul]

why not cleaning it mounted?!

[vanished]

It never would have occurred to me to remove it, just leave it in the socket to wipe off the thermal paste.  Less chance of damage.

[rn8686]

Just leave it in there, can wipe the IHS fine from there. 

[DrMikeNZ]

Removing the processor leaves the motherboard pins exposed, which is an unnecessary risk. Any paste that went over the edges won't affect cooling performance.

[Windows7ge]

Leave it mounted. Unless you have thermal compound oozing out the sides on its way to the PCB (that's way too much compound by the way) then leave it in the socket. Less chance of damage, less hassle, and even if you cleaned up the edges by removing it you would see no or extremely little change in temps. Nothing to gain unless it's some sort of OCD obsession that it has to be 100% clean.

[Melodist]

Thanks, I thought it might move but nevermind. Just cleaned it in the socket and all is well, thanks Yeah I took extra precautions in placing the CPU correctly before so I'm glad I didn't have to take it out again.