If you get thermal paste on a motherboard socket should you remove it, if so what is the best way?

Question

I accidently got thermal paste on my motherboard socket, but all of the pins are connected and the computer dosen't seem to have a problem.

Answer 1

The generic thermal pastes are typically silicone based and are not electrically conductive. The problem it could cause later is when you reseat the cpu. It may act as an insulator and prevent pin contact. It is not a serious problem though since cleaning will do the trick. Rubbing alcohol is the popular cleaner.

The conductive thermal paste such as Arctic Silver 5 could cause a serious problem later if it causes shorting of some of the pins.

Answer 2

If your computer works fine, then you need not worry about it. But you might face problem when you dismantle it and re-insert again.