https://community.intel.com/t5/Mobile-and-Desktop-Processors/New-i5-3570k-with-burn-mark/m-p/262102#M4082 <P>I just put together my new gaming pc, and when I was putting it together I noticed a blackish "smudge" on the top of the CPU. I did windows experience index and it got a 7.6 so I don't think it's affecting performance. Still, I don't think it's supposed to be there, so do you think I should send it back? Or is it normal?</P> Sat, 22 Sep 2012 01:11:23 GMT idata 2012-09-22T01:11:23Z https://community.intel.com/t5/Mobile-and-Desktop-Processors/New-i5-3570k-with-burn-mark/m-p/262102#M4082 <P>I just put together my new gaming pc, and when I was putting it together I noticed a blackish "smudge" on the top of the CPU. I did windows experience index and it got a 7.6 so I don't think it's affecting performance. Still, I don't think it's supposed to be there, so do you think I should send it back? Or is it normal?</P> Sat, 22 Sep 2012 01:11:23 GMT https://community.intel.com/t5/Mobile-and-Desktop-Processors/New-i5-3570k-with-burn-mark/m-p/262102#M4082 idata 2012-09-22T01:11:23Z https://community.intel.com/t5/Mobile-and-Desktop-Processors/New-i5-3570k-with-burn-mark/m-p/262103#M4083 <P>It is not normal to receive a processor out of the box in such condition. However, if the smudge is thermal compound, you may try cleaning it with alcohol and then apply new thermal compound to the heatsink. If you are concerned about the processor and if it is brand new; you may want to contact the place of purchase.</P> Sun, 23 Sep 2012 20:56:10 GMT https://community.intel.com/t5/Mobile-and-Desktop-Processors/New-i5-3570k-with-burn-mark/m-p/262103#M4083 Jose_H_Intel1 2012-09-23T20:56:10Z