quick n00b question - thermal grease

[johnnycakes]

I bought all the components for a new computer.
I get started putting things together.
I install the motherboard.
I put my Q6600 processor in place.
I smear some thermal grease on it.
I get ready to put the fan/heatsink on top when I realize I'm missing a bracket to make my fan/heatsink compatible with a socket 775 processor.

So, I order the $4 part and wait.

Now my question is...when I get the part in can I just install it on the processor, or should I clean off the thermal grease that's been sitting on the processor for 3 days and reapply a new fresh coat first?

Thanks!

 

[Zepper]

If you don't cover it with something to keep the dust out like saran wrap, I'd clean and put new when you get ready to actually install the HSF.

.bh.

 

[Tim]

Unless any dust gets in it, you should be fine. Of course you can always just clean it off (use a high purity isopropyl alcohol you can get at any drug store) and apply a fresh coat just to be sure. Think of it this way... when is the next time you're going to use that tube of thermal paste anyway?

 

[Tim]

And zep beats me to the punch!