Need help with CPU/heatsink installation real quick

[Thuban]

I'm installing an Intel E6400 stock heatsink and pushed 3 or two pin in but didn't managed to get the other 1/2 pin in. I ended up removing the heatsink totally and redo it. The thermal paste that came neatly with the heatsink has been smeared all over the cpu. I succesfully installed the heatsink now but I'm not sure I should turn it on. Should I be OK?

 

[RichUK]

It'll be fine.

 

[myocardia]

It definitely won't be as good as it would have been, if you hadn't removed the heatsink. But, yeah, it will be at least good enough for you to "boot" to the BIOS, and see how warm your processor gets after 10 minutes, or so. Worst case scenario, you'll just have to spend ~$5 on some more thermal paste. It probably won't have made alot of difference, though.