H100i cooler - question about paste

[crazy about cars]

I had to remove the cooler from CPU and some of the paste has transferred onto the CPU. No other contact on the paste surfaces.

Can I get away re-using the paste or do I have to clean and re-apply?

[elliotff]

No i wouldn't reuse it.

[Porsche911R]

I would just move it about evenly and reuse it. it does not degrade.

[HRL]

I'd probably re-use it too. Just remember to spread it as thinly as possible.

[RedWhiteMonkey]

I'd clean it off and put new stuff on, thermal paste costs very little and certainly a massive amount less than a new CPU.