Can I remove CPU from socket without buggering it up and all

[SlackAssassin]

Alright so I wanna take apart and rebuild my PC for the fun of it. Can I remove the CPU cooler with pre-applied thermal paste from the CPU? Will I need to clean the paste off and re-apply new thermal paste? Or am I good to just take the cooler off and put it back on later without worrying about paste?

[kronickiller]

wont kill it but ur thermals will suck till u do

[SlackAssassin]

Till I clean off and reapply paste?

[Samfisher]

Also might introduce dust and sand particles which make the mounting imperfect, further affecting temps.

[exercutor5]

1 minute ago, SlackAssassin said:

Till I clean off and reapply paste?

What you do is, if you are removing the CPU cooler, best to reapply thermal paste. If you are not removing the CPU cooler, then just save the hassle and leave it.

[kronickiller]

ya depending how old and dry it is u will get alot of heat till u change it up

[SlackAssassin]

1 minute ago, exercutor5 said:

What you do is, if you are removing the CPU cooler, best to reapply thermal paste. If you are not removing the CPU cooler, then just save the hassle and leave it.

Ok cool, thanks. But do I need to clean the paste off with a cloth or something?

[kronickiller]

anything will do i used a sock last time cuz i was to lazy to get some paper towl lol

[kronickiller]

make sure theres no static if u do something like that lol

[kronickiller]

i'd also leave tha krappy paste on till u get more though lol