Cleaning CPU core

[tomstevens26]

OK, dumb question, but I'm going to ask it anyway because I've never removed a CPU and heatsink after it's initial placement. Here's the deal...one of my backup PC's died. I think it's the motherboard, so I want to pull a Duron out of another system and place it in the suspect motherboard and see what happens. I've read through here and found cleaning tips, but my question is: Is it OK to use a razor blade or small flathead screwdriver to gently scrape the hardened gunk off the core of the CPU? I've gotten as much as I can off with 90% isopropyl alcohol, but there are a few pieces on the core that just will not budge. Please help!

Tom

 

[SneakyStuff]

fingernail or credit card, that stuff shouldnt be that hard to get off.

 

[Avalon]

I'd say use something like a credit card. I wouldn't recommend touching the core, even if it is just with your fingernail. Might accidentally touch it with your finger and get oil or skin cells on it. Supposedly that interferes with heat transfer *shrug*