Completly Denatured Alcohol

[pirred908]

I went to the pharmacy to get some rubbing alcohol to clean my processor before I install the heatsink. They only had 70%, so I asked the pharmacist where I could get a higher percentage. She said she would have to order it because they only sell 70% on the shelves. I picked up the alcohol she ordered me today and used it to try to clean off the old artic silver 5 off my CPU. It seems that it left a wierd fim on top or my processor. Its a very faint film, but noticable. Do you think it's just the artic silver 5 that could have rubbed around? And if so, do I need to worry about the artic silver 5 be everywhere on top of the processor? Should I try some asetone? The alcohol she gave me is "completly denatured", if that makes a difference. Thank you.

 

[GimpyOne]

It probably is left from the artic silver...however...realize that completely denatured alcohol is NOT pure ethyl alcohol. By definition denatured alcohol has had benzene added to it to make it poisonous so that people don't try to drink it. I'd say try another wipe with the alcohol and then with acetone to see if it removes the film.

 

[McMadman]

I've used 91% isopropyl (rubbing) as well as 70% and have never had issues with any film being left behind.

 

[DyslexicHobo]

Hmm... Is it really important to clean off the surface with alcohol/acetone before applying new thermal paste? I've always just wiped off the old paste with a tissue.