Cleaning Thermal paste from CPU

mewso

Quick question for any fellow builders. I got a new heatsink/fan today and it requires a "clean" CPU which I assume means I need to clean off the existing paste so the stuff on this new one can work it's magic. So whats the best way to get this sticky stuff off? Can't be easy.

conzy

Use some hard plastic like a guitar pick to scrape it off.

Then use some acetone (nail polish remover) or white spirits to remove the rest with a tissue

ntlbell

musician wrote:

Quick question for any fellow builders. I got a new heatsink/fan today and it requires a "clean" CPU which I assume means I need to clean off the existing paste so the stuff on this new one can work it's magic. So whats the best way to get this sticky stuff off? Can't be easy.

drop of whiskey and a cotton bud for me

Mr. Presentable

Credit card and dry toothbrush for awkward areas

mewso

How did you know I'd have a guitar pick handy No whiskey unfortunately but thanks guys between all the suggestions I should be able to manage it.

ntlbell

musician wrote:

How did you know I'd have a guitar pick handy No whiskey unfortunately but thanks guys between all the suggestions I should be able to manage it.

No whiskey muso? I'm disapointed.

what sort of an Irish man are you?

Creamy Goodness

i'm more surprised someone would waste whiskey.

the combo of actone and a credit card does it for me.

ntlbell

Cremo wrote:

i'm more surprised someone would waste whiskey.

the combo of actone and a credit card does it for me.

I lick it off after..

Khannie

conzymaher wrote:

Then use some acetone (nail polish remover) or white spirits to remove the rest with a tissue

I use the same method except I use kitchen roll for the final gunk removal (after nail polish remover). It leaves no fluff behind (which toilet roll or tissue might).

hopeful

I use pre-injection swabs. Do a great job and leave no residue or fluff.

Only useful thing about being a nurse is a ready supply of these

hairdryer, vodka & swabs does the trick for me

ShiverinEskimo

wo Hellboy99 - careful with that hairdryer - creates a **** load of static.

aaf

Isoproprynol (Isopropryl Alcohol) is yer only man for the job. You can get this stuff in Boots or any good pharmacy for less than a tenner for 500ml.

SouperComputer

aaf wrote:

Isoproprynol (Isopropryl Alcohol) is yer only man for the job. You can get this stuff in Boots or any good pharmacy for less than a tenner for 500ml.

IPA FTW, I bought 500mls 8 months ago and still have half of it left. Great solvent and leaves no residue.

conzy

Hairdryers are good for removing HSF that are stuck to the CPU.

Heat the HSF until its warm and then it come off easily.

I had to use a hair Dryer to get the stock HSF off my 7800gt

ShiverinEskimo

I tend to avoid hair dryers due to the amount of static they create. Can be dodgy. Although I admit, getting the stock HSF off a 7800GT is a bitch. Card nearly went through a window when the paste finally gave...