Thanks everyone for the advice and encouragement. I took my time and the cpu survived. Fortunately the x2 4800+ socket 939 wasn't soldered! With only using general purpose cooler master compound temps have dropped 50°C! The old compound was hard like a rock!
I couldn't be happier to have my first gaming rig back from the dead 😁 Thanks everyone 😁 now to direct die cool this sucker with fancy compound and a massive pure copper custom water block 😁 would liquid metal be the best way to go?