thermal paste on cpu pins

[ginge51]

i was checking out my computer today and found when i removed my cpu from the headsink/fan there was bits of thermal paste on the pins Sad
i ve had a lot of artifacting in games of late andrmaed my gfx card and they said that was fine.so im wondering if any1 knows if a cpu can cause artifacting in games?

thx Smile

 

[BillytheImpaler]

The therrmal paste can have a mild capacitance effect but it probably won't effect they system. Clean it off, reinstall, and see if it's still a problem is what I'd do.