Cleaning A3 off a Xp2500

[Murphq]

I had to RMA my new motherboard. So I had to take the XP 2500 chip out. Do I need to remove the A3 from the chip.

If so how do I do it?

 

[beatle]

It's a good idea to clean off your heatsink and cpu whenever you separate and reinstall them. I use the highest concentration of isopropyl alcohol and a q-tip for the cpu, alcohol and a coffee filter for the heatsink.

 

[Murphq]

Can I use Acetone and a qtip to clean the processor, What if acetone gets on anything but the die?

 

[beatle]

Acetone is ok. It's not the end of the world if it gets on the rest of the cpu. Try to keep it away from the bridges, however. Just make sure it's dry before putting it back in your system.

 

[Jeff7181]

Acetone leaves a residue... that's why I use alcohol... alcohol completely evaporates.

 

[Corporate Thug]

isopropyl alcohol is best

 

[lenjack]

Dishwashing detergent (not automatic) with a soft toothbrush works beautifully.

 

[Jeff7181]

Originally posted by: lenjack
Dishwashing detergent (not automatic) with a soft toothbrush works beautifully.

Again... it leaves residue which will interfere with the new thermal compound you apply... how bout if everyone just stops being a cheapass and spend $2 on a bottle of rubbing alcohol that you'll be able to clean 7,000 processors with.

 

[Murphq]

HAHAH Ok Thanks Guys

 

[Murphq]

All I can find is 91% alcohol...is this fine?

 

[FPSguy]

The Arctic Silver instructions state "If another thermal compound has previously been applied to the heatsink, the mounting surface should be thoroughly scrubbed and cleaned with a xylene based cleaner, (Goof Off and some carburetor cleaners) acetone, mineral spirits, or 99% pure isopropyl alcohol." I am not sure where you can get 99% pure isopropyl alcohol, though.

 

[Murphq]

Yea I can only find 91%, I went to multiple drugstores and 1 hardware store

 

[FPSguy]

I have no idea whether this place is legitimate -- it's just something I found in a web search. That said, they sell it online here for $2.79. It's the second item down on the page.

 

[pspada]

But does it ^ make a good screwdriver?