how do you clean a processor?

[Kornfeld]

Ok, I know the title sounds weird, but here goes.

I pulled the standard heatsink/fan combo from my old Celeron and it turns out it wasn't using a thermal paste but was using a thermal pad. It didn't come off the processor packaging too cleanly and I want to get the surface in good shape before applying some good thermal compound and a better cooling device.

So what's a safe proven way to remove residue from a thermal pad or thermal paste.

Many thanks in advance.

 

[igowerf]

You could try scraping most of it off with a small blade and than use rubbing alcohol to get any sticky residue off.

 

[Bartman39]

I finaly found something that cleans a cpu really well and does not hurt it in any way... Its made by CRC and its their contact cleaner it evaporates very rapidly but will disolve most any glues or thermal compounds and not hurt the cpu... I used it to clean a Celeron 366 that was run @651mhz with a peltier on it but had condensation problems (very bad) the whole underside around the pins were corroded real bad but with the contact cleaner and an old tooth brush it looks like new and yes it still works perfect! The cleaner also worked wonders to the slocket also (MSI 6905), I have used it to clean both the top and bottom of the cpu`s it dries with no residue but watch out it gets cold....