Can I put a new heatsink on my CPU?

[Freya Shiva]

Let's say I used a stock heatsink for my cpu for a couple months and decide to buy an after market hs for it. Will I be able to use the new hs with my cpu even if there is still thermal compound on it? Or do i have to clean it off.

 

[AristoV300]

You can use it as is, but it is not recommended. Clean off the CPU core/heatspreader with 99% rubbing alcohol and a lint free cloth.

 

[charloscarlies]

Originally posted by: AristoV300
You can use it as is, but it is not recommended. Clean off the CPU core/heatspreader with 99% rubbing alcohol and a lint free cloth.

Yep I agree. 99% rubbing alcohol is preferred, but I've used 80% many times and it works just fine as well.