NOOBALERT "Missplaced" CPU Cooler

[elert]

Hey Guys. 

 

So I'm building my own computer for the very first time. I started yesterday with installing the MOBO into the case, installing the CPU+ stock cooler with the pre-applied thermal paste (straight from the box). In all of my excitement I didn't really think about how i turned the CPU Cooler, so I just kind of put it there. This now triggers my "OCD" looking at the CPU Cooler, because it should really have been turned like 90 degrees. This means the wires from my CPU cooler doesnt look very good when plugged into the motherboard, the wires are kind of all over  

And I have a case with glass on the side... 

 

So my question is, can i take off the cpu cooler, turn it 90 degrees and put it back in? Or will i mess up the thermal paste layer? (Computer hasnt been turned on).

 

Thanks  , sry for noobness  

[domini123]

Hey Guys. 

 

So I'm building my own computer for the very first time. I started yesterday with installing the MOBO into the case, installing the CPU+ stock cooler with the pre-applied thermal paste (straight from the box). In all of my excitement I didn't really think about how i turned the CPU Cooler, so I just kind of put it there. This now triggers my "OCD" looking at the CPU Cooler, because it should really have been turned like 90 degrees. This means the wires from my CPU cooler doesnt look very good when plugged into the motherboard, the wires are kind of all over

And I have a case with glass on the side... 

 

So my question is, can i take off the cpu cooler, turn it 90 degrees and put it back in? Or will i mess up the thermal paste layer? (Computer hasnt been turned on).

 

Thanks  , sry for noobness

 

i did the same thing. took the cooler off, turned it, put it back on, twisted it so the paste spreads and then pressed the buttons so it stays in place

[Hackzzila]

Hey Guys. 

 

So I'm building my own computer for the very first time. I started yesterday with installing the MOBO into the case, installing the CPU+ stock cooler with the pre-applied thermal paste (straight from the box). In all of my excitement I didn't really think about how i turned the CPU Cooler, so I just kind of put it there. This now triggers my "OCD" looking at the CPU Cooler, because it should really have been turned like 90 degrees. This means the wires from my CPU cooler doesnt look very good when plugged into the motherboard, the wires are kind of all over

And I have a case with glass on the side... 

 

So my question is, can i take off the cpu cooler, turn it 90 degrees and put it back in? Or will i mess up the thermal paste layer? (Computer hasnt been turned on).

 

Thanks  , sry for noobness

You can take it off, clean off and reappply thermal paste and put it back on just fine.

[Kaita]

You should be fine.

[Arcanekitten]

if it hasn't been sitting there for a week your just fine ive done it myself like with 2 days inbetween

[elert]

Okay thanks alot guys. I was scared it was gonna ruin something. But isn't it just the CPU temperature that would be high, if were to be a problem? And in that case, I could just take it out again and replace the thermal paste? 

 

because right now i dont have any thermal paste to re-apply :b 

[alexhelvetica]

I have done horrible things.

(Things worse than that)

I have used CPU's without thermal compound.

I have removed coolers (From 8 year old Computers) and put back the cooler without replacing the thermal compound

I have replaced thermal compound with Nutella!

[CaptainPebbleDash]

CPU's on top aren't really a worry in terms of been gentle. Just be careful with the pins underneath.

 

With regards to the TIM (Thermal Insulating Material) just get some Isopropyl alcohol (higher % the better) and wipe off the existing TIM. Then just put a line or pea sized blob in the middle and install the CPU cooler as instructed.

 

You can take the CPU off 1000's of times if you really wanted to, no harm will ever be done unless you knack something up badly which is quite hard to do!

[elert]

thanks alot guys now i can relax again

[SkilledRebuilds]

FYI - Lighter Fluid also removes thermal paste QUICKLY like a boss.

 

Not-recommended

[LogicalDrm]

This stock cooler? If you aren't all into looks, you can just tug cable away from fan blades. As for aftermarket coolers, tower models you can just switch fan around. No need to take whole thing out.