Acetone to remove thermal paste...

[Paper Tiger]

Not that I'm going to try it, but is it safe to use pure acetone to remove thermal paste from a processor? I know it does have some stuff painted or stamped on it like the logo and stuff. I think acetone may remove it which would be... well bad. What about on the heatsink? Will it harm the metal?

Edit: Spelling error in title /bonk

 

[classy]

I wouldn't use it. Just use plain ole rubbing alcohol. Works just fine.

 

[wicktron]

Nail polish remover (which contains acetone) works well.

 

[GuinnessExtraStout]

You can pretty much dunk your cpu right into Isopropyl and it won't effect it at all. Acetone reacts chemically with many materials so it is a gamble.

 

[Paper Tiger]

Yes I wasn't planning on using it. I was just curious if anyone had tried using nail polish remover or acetone. Acetone is just the stuff that strips the nail polish off the rest is filler from what I know. I just noticed a bottle of " Pure Acetone" in my bathroom. So I thought hmmm, I wonder if this will work for taking thermal paste off very well? Perhaps I will try it on an old junk processor when I find one laying around.

 

[zakee00]

http://www.arcticsilver.com/ar...ilver_instructions.htm

"The recommended cleaners are:

CPU Core:
Use high-purity isopropyl alcohol or acetone and a bit of careful rubbing.
Do not use nail polish remover as it contains fragrance oils and other contaminants.
(If you use acetone, do a final cleaning with isopropyl alcohol.)

Heatsink:
Use xylene based products (Goof Off, some carburetor cleaners and many brake cleaners.), mineral spiritsm or high-purity isopropyl alcohol. "

 

[AnandThenMan]

Soap and water works the best. Yes I have washed many Processors without ever having a problem.

Same with HS's but don't wash the fan!

 

[BonzaiDuck]

Whatever you do with acetone, don't get it on your circuit boards.

That stuff literally dissolves plastic of several kinds. I'm not familiar with the ins and outs of circuit-board manufacture, but I would be rather careful using that stuff in their presence.

 

[LostInSpace927]

Originally posted by: classy
I wouldn't use it. Just use plain ole rubbing alcohol. Works just fine.

LOL, plain ole rubbing alcohol is 50% isopropyl alcohol!! Mind telling me what the other 50% is?

 

[Killmenow]

Originally posted by: LostInSpace927

LOL, plain ole rubbing alcohol is 50% isopropyl alcohol!! Mind telling me what the other 50% is?

Actually, plain ole rubbing alcohol is usually 70% isopropyl alcohol mixed with 30% water, but you can find 99% rubbing alcohol at the local pharmacy (which works wonders) Dont bother with acetone, 99% rubbing alcohol works great and its rather safe, it shouldnt remove any of the markings on your processor.

 

[rise]

i've used acetone, just need to be careful, as mentioned, to keep it away from PCB, no problem.
i'd definitely prefer isopropyl tho.