Got sloppy with thermal compund - cooler installation

[Guest]

I'm a first-time builder and got sloppy installing a CPU cooling fan. I applied a little too much thermal compound on top of the CPU and when I seated the heat sync on top of the CPU, some (not a lot) of the compound leaked over the side of the CPU and settled down the side of the CPU where the CPU meets the CPU socket. I wiped it with a clean cloth immediately but some residue remains. Should I be concerned??

Thanks in advance...

[debs3759]

As long as it hasn't got under the CPU, potentially causing a short circuit between CPU/socket pins then you should be alright. If you are concerned, then remove the heatsink and clean off all the thermal compound from above and around the heatsink, CPU and socket. Use an amount of compound about the size of a grain of rice at the centre of the CPU. The heatsink will spread it evenly when it is fully attached.