Is it safe to test my cpu without the heatsink attached?

[gizmo1990]

I need to test that my new cpu and motherboard work.
The motherboard has a screw on heatsink which I'm very wary of over tightening and crushing the core with.

So, since I've got the case completely open anyway (and therefore it shouldn't get too hot) I wondered if I could just not fit the heatsink yet and turn on the pc to just see if I could get it to post? 10-30 secs max.

Anyone know if this is gonna fry (as in destroy) my cpu..?

The cpu is a Intel Core 2 Duo T5500
The board is a Jetway mini-itx

 

[gizmo1990]

Thanks for the replies guys.

It's really annoying as I cant find any useful instructions for how to know how tight the heatsink is screwed down!?

How the heck are you supposed to know? I don't want to end up crushing the cpu core!

Anyone any advice or know of any tutorials out there?

 

[gizmo1990]

Ok I'll attach the heatsink again tonight then! Thanks chaps.