Cleaning (may be a stupid question but just want to check)

[Moonzi]

I have to RMA my mobo today...

So here's the silly question, I'm pretty sure I know the answer:

I should clean the thermal paste off the chip and heatsink with the disposable coffee filters immediately correct?

When the new mobo comes, clean then heatsink and mobo one more time before installing?

Sorry for the dumb question, I'm just really paranoid with my first build.

 

[zagood]

Really isn't much of a big deal if you decide not to clean the CPU/heatsink before you get the new mobo. There are two things you're trying to avoid:

1. Oxidation of the heatsink.
2. Getting thermal paste all over when storing.

You don't need a thorough cleaning when uninstalling, but you do when you install.

 

[Moonzi]

The 91% and coffee filters worked great...there's a little thermal paste on the side of the cpu back now, not near the pins....

Is that anything to worry about?

 

[tweakboy]

You want to clean that should only be on top of CHIP you dont want paste going into the pins or something. Also clean the HSF and mobo with a tissue paper and alchohol or icetone. let us know,, gl

 

[Moonzi]

thank you!