thermal paste on pins..

[f1sh3r]

I just received a S775 motherboard, and it looks like maybe some oozed paste that was on the locking mechanism dripped onto the pins... is it safe to drop a proc on here? is thermal paste conducive? how could i possibly clean it?

thanks

 

[corkyg]

Do you mean paste dripped down into the sockets where the pins go? The pins are on the processor.

If you have paste in the sockets, you may have a tedious cleaning job ahead of you. It will be a trial and error operation. Step one is to put the processor in the socket, provided the CP{U's pins are clean, and see if it works or doesn't work.

I don't know of any socket cleaning tools except a straight pin and a vacuum pipe.

Thermal paste is normally non-conductive electrically, and that is what could cause a problem by neutralizing the contact with certain CPU pins.

 

[f1sh3r]

its socket 775. the pins are on the motherboard.

i was gonna try some canned air to see if it might clean it off, maybe itll blow off.

edit: added some images
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[Rubycon]

You are likely to do more (permanent) damage trying to remove the paste. The white stuff isn't particularly conductive however it may present capacitance to the surrounding pins which may not be good.

Put the CPU in there and go for it. NEVER put anything around those pins - one slip up and the tension gets changed and it will never be right.

 

[corkyg]

Originally posted by: f1sh3r
its socket 775. the pins are on the motherboard.

i was gonna try some canned air to see if it might clean it off, maybe itll blow off.

edit: added some images
One
Two

OK - I understand - you have a "Land Grid Array" connector. (Not really a socket.) So, the task is easier. Use a needle or a pin to gently loosen the dried paste, then blow it out as you indicated.

But, as Dawn suggests, first try it as it is. From your pictures, it doesn't look like a problem.

 

[f1sh3r]

yeah, my bad on the use of the term socket i tried to use a pin but its still liquidy and just seemed to be spreading it around the pin. i didnt want to apply too much force. im not going to blow up a $180 processor, am i? i guess i could possibly rma it. thanks for the advice. ive gotta go to the store and get some air, and get a strut spring compressed. ill let you know the outcome.

 

[bruceb]

Some denatured alcohol and a lint free swab will clean it off easily.

 

[corkyg]

Just let it dry overnight and it will flake off.