Arctic Silver ArctiClean

OCNewbie

Diamond Member
Jul 18, 2000
7,596
24
81
Just wanna praise this really cool product. Dunno if anybody else has tried it, but it works amazingly well. Soooo much easier to use than alcohol and cotton swabs, etc. Just a paper towel or two and a coffee filter acting as my lint-free cloth makes heatsinks, cores, etc. shine like they were brand new. Very impressive stuff.

NewEgg reviews, 133 out of 135 reviews give it 5 out of 5 stars - Link, and 20 more 5 star reviews listed for the larger size if you need more =) Link
 

cmdrdredd

Lifer
Dec 12, 2001
27,052
357
126
Originally posted by: OCNewbie
I bet you guys haven't actually tested it out.

Why should I? Alcohol leaves no residue, doesn't harm the components, dries fast, is cheap, available locally, and easy to use. Why pay for a small bottle of something I'll use maybe once every 3 years?
 

OCNewbie

Diamond Member
Jul 18, 2000
7,596
24
81
Alcohol does leave residue, and doesn't clean as thoroughly as this stuff does. This is MUCH easier to use than alcohol. I just got some of this stuff in recently and had been using the alcohol method before, and this stuff makes it so much easier. I mess around with stuff more often than some I guess though. Changing cases and whatnot, so I wanted to try it out. And yes, if you really only mess with heatsinks or thermal paste literally once every 3 years, then perhaps this one time investment of $9-$14, that mind you would last you many many applications and give a better result than alcohol, might not be necessary.
 

OCNewbie

Diamond Member
Jul 18, 2000
7,596
24
81
$12.75 shipped for the big bottles (you get 4x as much as the smaller/cheaper bottles for about twice the price) using USPS shipping to Florida from www.case-mod.com Link

This stuff works fantastically well, check out the reviews on NewEgg. 133 out of 135 reviews gave it 5 stars. Link

Oh, and post #1337! LEEEEEEEEEEEEEET! =P
 

cmdrdredd

Lifer
Dec 12, 2001
27,052
357
126
Originally posted by: OCNewbie
Alcohol does leave residue, and doesn't clean as thoroughly as this stuff does. This is MUCH easier to use than alcohol. I just got some of this stuff in recently and had been using the alcohol method before, and this stuff makes it so much easier. I mess around with stuff more often than some I guess though. Changing cases and whatnot, so I wanted to try it out. And yes, if you really only mess with heatsinks or thermal paste literally once every 3 years, then perhaps this one time investment of $9-$14, that mind you would last you many many applications and give a better result than alcohol, might not be necessary.

easier? no way...you just put some on a cloth and scrub the old crap off and buff a bit and you're done/ 30sec max time. It's not that damn hard. Companies that use generic cleaners and rebadge them as something spectacular and new love people like you.
 

OCNewbie

Diamond Member
Jul 18, 2000
7,596
24
81
Originally posted by: cmdrdredd
Companies that use generic cleaners and rebadge them as something spectacular and new love people like you.

Here's an excerpt from a review by madshrimps -

"What's pertinent in so far as ArctiClean is concerned (and our money) is that Arctic Silver didn't simply re-package a cleaning solution, but in fact put significant research and development into this product." Third Paragraph

Try again.

Oh, another link for ya comparing 91% alcohol directly to ArctiClean Link

PS - you must actually clink on the links and read the information they provide to learn anything.
 

Capt Caveman

Lifer
Jan 30, 2005
34,543
651
126
The stuff works better than Alcohol, saying it doesn't is ignorance. However, does the difference make it worth the money is another issue. I got the small kit of ArticClean Thermal Material Remover and Thermal Surface Purifier for $5 which should last me a long long time. Based on the price of the rest of my computer components, it's a drop in the bucket.
 

Parasitic

Diamond Member
Aug 17, 2002
4,000
2
0
I have the smaller kit that I got from Fry's for $6. The stuff dissolves old thermal paste quickly and is decently impressive.
Although I don't miss not having it around. Alchohol performs similarly and if I have the time and patience (which I sometimes still do) I don't mind the doing extra work using alchohol as the solvent.
 

Baked

Lifer
Dec 28, 2004
36,052
17
81
Looks like people haven't the slightest idea on how to properly use rubbing alcohol to clean off the TIM. You do not pour half a bottle of the stuff onto the TIM and expect the TIM to dissolve into nothing. You clean off the TIM with a Q-Tip or tissue first, then use the rubbing alcohol to rub off the residual TIM. I've done this countless times and was quick and easy for me.

And that madshrimp review? Do you really expect them to make a comment like "you must be on crack if you're gonna pay $6 for something that works just like rubbing alcohol." Hell, no. Unless they don't want any free swags in the future. And all the shinny pics madshrimp took? I can do that w/ my rubbing alcohol too. And no, I don't get streaks on my HSF or HIS.
 

SergeC

Senior member
May 7, 2005
484
0
71
I got a free sample of the stuff a couple years ago - never used alcohol since.

Not sure I'd actually pay for it, though, as alcohol works just fine.
 

Vegitto

Diamond Member
May 3, 2005
5,234
1
0
Bought it, used it, liked it. Much more hassle than just plain 100% alcohol, though.
 

cmdrdredd

Lifer
Dec 12, 2001
27,052
357
126
Originally posted by: OCNewbie
Originally posted by: cmdrdredd
Companies that use generic cleaners and rebadge them as something spectacular and new love people like you.

Here's an excerpt from a review by madshrimps -

"What's pertinent in so far as ArctiClean is concerned (and our money) is that Arctic Silver didn't simply re-package a cleaning solution, but in fact put significant research and development into this product." Third Paragraph

Try again.

Oh, another link for ya comparing 91% alcohol directly to ArctiClean Link

PS - you must actually clink on the links and read the information they provide to learn anything.


No, why would the arctic website recommend Goof off, and other cleaners instead of just blatantly self promoting their product?

The cleaning properties of the cleaner are strikingly similar to Goof Off and Isopropyl.
 

cmdrdredd

Lifer
Dec 12, 2001
27,052
357
126
Originally posted by: Baked
Looks like people haven't the slightest idea on how to properly use rubbing alcohol to clean off the TIM. You do not pour half a bottle of the stuff onto the TIM and expect the TIM to dissolve into nothing. You clean off the TIM with a Q-Tip or tissue first, then use the rubbing alcohol to rub off the residual TIM. I've done this countless times and was quick and easy for me.

And that madshrimp review? Do you really expect them to make a comment like "you must be on crack if you're gonna pay $6 for something that works just like rubbing alcohol." Hell, no. Unless they don't want any free swags in the future. And all the shinny pics madshrimp took? I can do that w/ my rubbing alcohol too. And no, I don't get streaks on my HSF or HIS.


QFT...This is just a case of paranoia. It's like the old guy who only gets his oil changed at the dealership he bought his car at because other places don't use the right type of oil and it's not certified by the manufacturer.
 

GundamSonicZeroX

Platinum Member
Oct 6, 2005
2,100
0
0
Originally posted by: cmdrdredd
Originally posted by: Baked
Looks like people haven't the slightest idea on how to properly use rubbing alcohol to clean off the TIM. You do not pour half a bottle of the stuff onto the TIM and expect the TIM to dissolve into nothing. You clean off the TIM with a Q-Tip or tissue first, then use the rubbing alcohol to rub off the residual TIM. I've done this countless times and was quick and easy for me.

And that madshrimp review? Do you really expect them to make a comment like "you must be on crack if you're gonna pay $6 for something that works just like rubbing alcohol." Hell, no. Unless they don't want any free swags in the future. And all the shinny pics madshrimp took? I can do that w/ my rubbing alcohol too. And no, I don't get streaks on my HSF or HIS.


QFT...This is just a case of paranoia. It's like the old guy who only gets his oil changed at the dealership he bought his car at because other places don't use the right type of oil and it's not certified by the manufacturer.

:laugh:
 

lopri

Elite Member
Jul 27, 2002
13,314
690
126
If it's $6, then what's the big deal? I just use whatever is nearby. Absolut Level and Bombay Sapphire are my favorites and sometimes I use CK One, Kenzo, etc. They smell good and work like a charm. I started overclocking only a year ago (w/ Socket 939 Opterons) and my OC'ing has been fantastic. :D
 

Mogadon

Senior member
Aug 30, 2004
739
0
0
I've used this stuff, it is better than alcohol and there's no way you can deny that if you've used it. The guys here saying it's not better can't have actually used it.

Is it worth it? Not in my opinion, rubbing alcohol is cheaper, easier to get hold of and does the job almost as well ... on the other hand it is only $6, what's that when you've just spent $1500 on a system.

 

cmdrdredd

Lifer
Dec 12, 2001
27,052
357
126
Originally posted by: Mogadon
I've used this stuff, it is better than alcohol and there's no way you can deny that if you've used it. The guys here saying it's not better can't have actually used it.

Is it worth it? Not in my opinion, rubbing alcohol is cheaper, easier to get hold of and does the job almost as well ... on the other hand it is only $6, what's that when you've just spent $1500 on a system.


How the hell can it be better? The basic chemicals inside it ARE Goof Off and Isopropyl Alcohol!
 

Baked

Lifer
Dec 28, 2004
36,052
17
81
Originally posted by: Mogadon
I've used this stuff, it is better than alcohol and there's no way you can deny that if you've used it. The guys here saying it's not better can't have actually used it.

Is it worth it? Not in my opinion, rubbing alcohol is cheaper, easier to get hold of and does the job almost as well ... on the other hand it is only $6, what's that when you've just spent $1500 on a system.

Why would I need to go out and waste money on some new gimmick when I'm fully satisfied w/ what I have already?

By your logic, anybody with a car should buy Shell Premium gas, Amsoil oil and filter 'cause these goods are chump change compared to the tens of thousands they spent on the car.
 

CupCak3

Golden Member
Nov 11, 2005
1,318
1
81
Originally posted by: Baked
Originally posted by: Mogadon
I've used this stuff, it is better than alcohol and there's no way you can deny that if you've used it. The guys here saying it's not better can't have actually used it.

Is it worth it? Not in my opinion, rubbing alcohol is cheaper, easier to get hold of and does the job almost as well ... on the other hand it is only $6, what's that when you've just spent $1500 on a system.

Why would I need to go out and waste money on some new gimmick when I'm fully satisfied w/ what I have already?

By your logic, anybody with a car should buy Shell Premium gas, Amsoil oil and filter 'cause these goods are chump change compared to the tens of thousands they spent on the car.



to correct your statement...

amsoil is pretty much the best thing you could put in an unleaded automobile. with the difference in oil change intervales you actually save money as compared to traditional oil while getting better engine protection.

<-- amsoil user for over 5 years
 

markymoo

Senior member
Aug 24, 2006
369
0
0
isopropyl alcohol just works fine

i find best result with isopropyl is if you leave it for 20 secs before you start rubbing then the thermal paste comes away alot easier.

OCNewbie
how can alcohol leave a residue if it evaporates leaving no trace? explain that one

your a salesman dream