Heatsink/Fan Installation

[jerrmz]

Im installing a Heatsink/fan, and there was thermal tape on the heatsink. I noticed a little bit of lint on the tape, so I took a lint-free cloth and gently removed the lint.

Now there are slight marks on the tape, and I'm not sure if it is a residue of something, or if its just marks on the tape.

Would it be safe to still place this on the processor?

[jmichna]

Do you have ready access to a good thermal paste, like Arctic Silver II or III? If so, just remove the thermal tape and use the paste in its stead.

If you are stuck with the tape, take a close look at it with a good magnifying glass and strong light and see if it's just (scrape) marks from the cloth, or if you picked up more fibers from the "lint-free" cloth. If it's more fibers, then bite the bullet and get some thermal paste.
jmichna

[BipolarBill]

I wouldn't sweat it - the lint will melt if it's polyesther anyway.