70% Isopropyl when cleaning cpu?

[FFactory0x]

I had to take my computer apart and need to put it back together but want to clean off my 2100+ AND heatsink. Can i use 70% isopropyl and a teeshirt?

 

[the cobbler]

no, and absolutely no

use pure acetone and coffee filters

 

[ClydeFrog51]

i would use a higher concentrated like in the 90s and use a lint free cloth

 

[the cobbler]

Originally posted by: ClydeFrog51
i would use a higher concentrated like in the 90s and use a lint free cloth

or that

be warned that 99% isopropyl is almost impossible to find these days, I've never even seen it

lens paper or eyeglass cleaners work well too

 

[BigCoolJesus]

Ive gotten away with 70% for my last 2 builds

but yes, the higher the better


also, Goof Off WORKS REALLY WELL.
That stuff is amazing at cleaning off thermal pads and paste


i used que-tips, they worked really well

 

[exar333]

i use high-quality gin myself (Tanq #10) and a eyewear-quality cloth...sometimes u have a little gin left over as well...

 

[Kogan]

Eh, and how exactly does 70% isopropyl alcohol damage cpus or heatsinks?

I've used it to clean pc components for 10 years with no problems, and I overclock with the best of them.

 

[imported_Kensai]

Personally, I use 99% isoprophyl.

 

[Nocturnal]

I use 99% isopropyl alcohol. You cannot find this type of alcohol at your local grocery stores 9/10 times. You have to go to an electronics type store in order to get this type of alcohol.

 

[StrangerGuy]

Just make sure you take the CPU out when cleaning with 70% isopropyl, and make sure it's completely dry before putting back in.

 

[the cobbler]

Originally posted by: Kogan
Eh, and how exactly does 70% isopropyl alcohol damage cpus or heatsinks?

I've used it to clean pc components for 10 years with no problems, and I overclock with the best of them.

cuz the other 30% is water

 

[Kogan]

Yeah, and how does water damage your cpu or heatsink? It's not like people pour the stuff into their computers (or do they?)

 

[ponyo]

Nothing wrong with cleaning with water. Kitchen tap water and dish detergent was what I used to clean my AMD chips for a long time. Always available and easy to use. Five minutes with hair dryer will dry any remaining water and you're good to go. Of course isopropyl alcohol works better but not everyone has it and it's pain to drive to the store to pick it up when water is available.

 

[CCityInstaller]

Originally posted by: the cobbler

Originally posted by: Kogan
Eh, and how exactly does 70% isopropyl alcohol damage cpus or heatsinks?

I've used it to clean pc components for 10 years with no problems, and I overclock with the best of them.

cuz the other 30% is water

I've cleaned and overclocked almost every cpu I've owned with 70% as well with zero problems.

 

[doc2345]

I've use 70% for 15+ years and never had a problem.... Although I'd think I like the Gin option better!

 

[BlingBlingArsch]

Kleenex and good.

 

[ssvegeta1010]

70% is fine as long as you don't douse the CPU with it, and give it some time to dry afterwards.

 

[freethrowtommy]

How about some Everclear? haha... anyone try that?

 

[doc2345]

Originally posted by: freethrowtommy
How about some Everclear? haha... anyone try that?

I did once with some lime flavoring, put it in the freezer for two days, tested it and didn't a sh!t if I screwed up my processor......

 

[JEDIYoda]

I use 180 proof Everclear!!

 

[Powermoloch]

I used 70% isopropyl, works fine

 

[cw42]

Originally posted by: Powermoloch
I used 70% isopropyl, works fine

 

[akugami]

There is nothing wrong with 70% isopropyl, been using it for over 5 years cleaning CPU's and other electronics with it. As with all cleaning solutions, make sure it's completely dry. Water and alcohol will dry and leave no residues behind. Don't get the scented alcohol or it will leave residues due to whatever it is they mix in for the scent. I'd prefer a lint free cloth to Kleenex or some other paper tissue but so long as you make sure there are no fibers left behind (very hard with some tissues), it's fine.

That said, the purer alcohols work better and using a good cloth is always preferred.

 

[Gamingphreek]

Generally the higher the better. However i also use 70% Isopropyl on the CPU. Everything works like a charm.

-Kevin

 

[Icepick]

Originally posted by: cw42

Originally posted by: Powermoloch
I used 70% isopropyl, works fine