Find out how to install your new CPU on the pin side.
Find out how to install your new CPU on the pin side.
Handling the pads is acceptable unless you're using materials such as thermal paste on your fingers. Simply touching them won't harm them. It's safe.
I thoroughly sanitized it using 99% isopropyl alcohol and a cotton swab (Q-Tip) to make sure no finger grease remains that might affect contact resistance. Even if something sticks to the socket pins, they should be clean enough for proper function. Washing hands just beforehand usually works fine.