clean my cpu

[EvanAdams]

I'm moving my 1.6A retail to a new computer. Do I need to clean the cpu when I put it in the new mobo? Do I need new thermal component? Right now it has that retail thermal tape from the retail box. If I use the new thermal component how do I clean off the old tape?

 

[kamper]

purest isopropyl alcohol you can find. I think 99% is reccomended.

 

[EvanAdams]

so yes I do need to clean it off? What do I use, a q-tip?

 

[jhurst]

Yes a q-tip is great. Dab the q-tip in the alcohol (50% takes off AS5 with ease, 70% cuts through it like butter, 99% a bit overkill and hard to find). You do not want the alcohol going everywhere.

 

[magratton]

Acetone - found pretty much at any hardware store: Home Depot, Walmart, TrueValue, etc
90%+ Alcohol - found at pretty much any drug store. You have to ask the pharmacist at the counter for it!

I find Acetone leaves a filmy finish though. I use it for the hard stuff and use the Alcohol for the finishing touch or light work like AS5 and the like.

 

[AWhackWhiteBoy]

a steel wool and some Joy soap

 

[WobbleWobble]

Use a plastic ruler or credit card to scrape off the old thermal pad and use a paper towel and isopropyl to rub off whatever is left over.

You need a high concentration of isopropyl. As mentioned, ask your pharmacist. Everytime I've looked for the high concentrations it's been behind the counter.

 

[Netopia]

Put it in the sink under very warm water and wash it off using Dawn or some other grease cutting detergent. Afterwards either let dry for several hours or (better) hit it with a blow drier on high for better results.

Some of you are going to think it's crazy, but MANY of us have been doing it this way for years without incident. It will be MUCH cleaner and MUCH easier this way.

Think of it this way.... that CPU and your Coffee Mug are both made from Ceramics.... get the idea? Also, if you use the search feature, you'll find plenty of past threads just like this one where the same solution (warm water/dawn) is given.

Joe

 

[WobbleWobble]

I used to do the dish detergent way myself. I didn't run it over water, but I soaked a paper towel with detergent and water and wiped away. It's messy though.

Isopropyl leaves no residue and evapourates right away. Detergent will keep it cleaner, but there's no drying time either 🙂