Cleaning thermal interface

[pendulum79]

My current motherboard has a fault and needs replacing so I need to put the components away for a couple of days.

My question is about replacing the thermal interface on the CPU. Guides say to use some isopropyl alcohol (ie propanol) to clean the 2 surfaces. I have a bottle of methylated spirits in the house (ethanol and methanol), this should do the job just fine shouldn't it?

Would I use an old rag or would some paper towel be better and I'm guessing only a small amount is needed right?

Many thanks

 

[John]

Sometimes 70 - 90% alcohol doesn't cut the grease or pad all that well. Go to Wal-Mart and look in the paint section for Goof-Off. It's Xylene based so if you sniff it long enough you'll get a little goofy. Prestone brake parts also works really well. Neither of them leave a residue, but don't get them on plastics because they could melt it a bit..

 

[stu1811]

I use 91% isopropyl from CVS and QTips. Never had a problem

Edit: Happy 1 Year Birthday to me!