Removing excess Thermal paste

[jjcz5]

Would I be able to remove the excess thermal paste without having to remove my Cooler. Would using a Q-tip be best?

[BlueChinchillaEatingDorito]

Just now, jjcz5 said:

Would I be able to remove the excess thermal paste without having to remove my Cooler. Would using a Q-tip be best?

You could, but I personally would just leave it. It's non conductive so it's not going to cause any issues. 

[GuiltySpark_]

Never once in 15 years have I bothered to do that. Just leave it.

[BlueChinchillaEatingDorito]

Just now, GuiltySpark_ said:

Never once in 15 years have I bothered to do that. Just leave it.

Will probably make an even bigger mess trying to dodge your way around the mounting hardware.

[Needfuldoer]

It's not going to hurt anything. Just leave it.