How do I clean up a CPU (artic silver)?

[Chumster]

I have an existing CPU (Athlon XP 1700+) that I will be replacing with an Athlon XP 2000+. I imagine it would be a good idea to clean up the older CPU and heatsink before attempting to re-use them. Any suggestions on what I should clean them up with?

I'm using the original Artic Silver...

Thanks!

 

[CrazySaint]

Instructions Found Here. Just scroll down to the bottom.

 

[Chumster]

Many thanks!

 

[CrazySaint]

Originally posted by: Chumster
Many thanks!

No problem

 

[Jen]

liquid dish soap works for me

 

[THUGSROOK]

nail polish remover

 

[AnyMal]

rubbing alcohol or even cologne should do. i love when my proc smells like Polo!

 

[cookj]

Goo Gone from walmart works great for artic silver removal.

 

[ctk1981]

Acetone...errr, basically the key ingredient in some nail polish removers.

 

[MrThompson]

Read the instructions at Arctic Silver and you will note that Goo Gone is not recommended for the CPU die or the heatsink base. It leaves an oil based residue that will compromise the thermal interface.

 

[cookj]

Originally posted by: MrThompson
Read the instructions at Arctic Silver and you will note that Goo Gone is not recommended for the CPU die or the heatsink base. It leaves an oil based residue that will compromise the thermal interface.

Really? I`ve used it on several over the past couple years and still have 2 systems running the cpu`s I cleaned with it last year.Oh well.

 

[MrThompson]

Hey don't feel bad. A lot of folks have used and recommended Goo Gone. That's why I posted the information. Goo Gone uses citrus oils and is also often confused with Goof Off. Xylene based Goof off is outstanding for removing thermal pads.

 

[CaptnKirk]

There are a bunch of nasty cleaning solvents out there, and Xylene is one of them, not good for your health, so I wouldnt recommend it, even though I have had occasions in which I did have to. Since the EPA and OSHA stepped in and took Trichloroethylene and Technical Freon off the general market, there has been quite a push toward the citrus-oil based cleaning agents, but they are rather labor intensive to use - a lot of rubbing and wiping, since they are a rather weak solvent.

But - there are still several good commercial solvents out there that are readily available from Lowe's, Home Depot, Ace Hardware, etc. To name a few there are Acetone, Stoddard Solvent, Naptha (Lighter Fluid), Xylenes there too but minimize contact, Trichloroethane, Methyl Alcohol (Corrosive to metals), and Isopropyl Alcohol. No mater what is used, the final cleaning step is: Moisten a clean, lint-free cloth, and wipe with Isopropyl Alcohol to remove any trace of residual contaminants and oily substances - there should be no indication of color left on the cloth when the last wipe is made. (Industry standard when cleaning precision Electro-Mechanical components)