how to remove thermal paste?

[idea]

i bought a new HSF, and I'd like to start with a clean slate. I need to clean off the heatsink, and the cpu core of the old goo so i can use the new tube of as3. any household items that can do the trick? i don't want to drive all over to find stuff and spend $20 on it...

 

[BigJ]

Use cotton swaps or cotton balls with Goof Off on it to get off the initial crap. Then use Isoprobly alcohol thats at least 70% (preferable in the 90s) to get off the remaining goop.

 

[ChampionAtTufshop]

i just used a qtip to clean it off nicely, sometimes 2 are required ifyou aplied alotta goop (which is a bad thng)

isopropyl would be better, but i didnt have the time nor the patience.....i lacked the former most lol

 

[nemo160]

isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol is good
zippo ligther fluid (naptha) cuts through the goo quicker, then rinse off with isopropyl alcohol
it can be a pain to get rid of thermal pads with just the alcohol, so i reccomend using lighter fluid first then a quick wipe off with alcohol
$2 for the lighter fluid and $.99 for the alcohol

 

[Killrose]

I use a Q-tip with contact cleaner, then inspect it carefully for little fuzzies with a manifying glass before applying my ASIII.

 

[nebula]

My silicone paste came with a plastic card (credit card like) to spread the stuff around. It also works pretty good to get most of the thermal pad off in the first place, if that's what's on there. If you mean just old paste, then the other posts are good advice.

 

[amcdonald]

the residue from a well worn amd retail 'pad' is incredibly annoying to remove.

 

[nemo160]

that's why i use the lighter fluid, cuts right through the thermal pad
though i find the unused pads on new hsf's almost as annoying

 

[HaVoC]

I agree with everyone else. Use Goof Off which is a pretty powerful solvent. The pads are such a pain because they are thermal phase change wax. Alcohol will really not take it off very quickly. Use the Goof Off and then use alchohold to rinse off the Goof Off. I would recommend at least 2 clean swabbings with alcohol. The first alcohol swabbing use a generous amount forming a small pool on top of the core. This will help clean off the oily Goof residue. Then wipe with the dry end of a swab. Discard that one...use another swab but this time remove most of the alchohol with a paper towel from the swab head and use it to final rinse the core off. Then dry swab it. It should look fairly shiny and smooth with no trace of residue. Inspect with a magnifying glass to remove any cotton fibers.

BTW, Target has 97% Isopropyl Rubbing Alcohol which works much better than the 70% crap they have at most stores. Make sure you check the label before you buy it as they have both kinds. Target should also have Goof Off.