Did i mess up the processor or fan?

[gerbel248]

While i was building my first computer, something didn't work. i assumed it was the power supply so i sent it back for another one. after that i started taking everything back out. so when i took out my processor (Intel Core 2 Duo), i saw some weird stuff that was on the cooling fan that also got on top of the processor. i thought it was something bad that would harm my processor so i wiped it off. later i looked at the processor manual and it said something about not removing the thermal grease, which is what i guess i did remove. what effect would this have on my processor? do i just need to buy the grease and apply more myself?

[flanzig1]

Intel uses a thermal pad and can just replace it. Is easier to get a tube of thermal compound locally at you friendly CompUsa/RadioShack/etc. Look for Artic Silver 5. And, yes you need it to provide proper heat transfer from the CPU to the hetasink.

[glc]

Now that you have wiped off the compound, you need to thoroughly clean the top of the CPU and the bottom of the heatsink and reapply compound. Instructions are at the Arctic Silver website.

You installed a processor without reading the manual first? That's not a key to a successful build unless you are already experienced.

[mbiggs]

Alcohol wipes work great. Any residual grease I would remove as well.. not just the bulk... make em nice and shiny and blingy... Then reapply per manufacturer's instructions.