Installing aftermarket CPU fan

[Rhezuss]

Hiya!

I bought the Xigmatek Cobra D984 heatsink fan for my X3 435 sAM3 so I can really try unlocking it and overclocking it a some more.

http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product...82E16835233025

Question is, when I remove the stock fan, there will be the factory thermal paste all over the stock HSF and the CPU. How do you remove it before applying the new paste?

I never done that before and don't want to break the CPU.

Thanks!

 

[Anubis]

use 90% Isopropyl Alcohol

 

[M0oG0oGaiPan]

Yep.

 

[Rhezuss]

Would rubbing 70% isopropyl alcohol work too?

 

[zagood]

It'll work, but you'll leave some impurities on the surface which can affect how well the new TIM is going to cool and may shorten the length of time the TIM is effective. But not by that much.

I say it's worth it to use the right tool. A bottle of 90%+ rubbing alcohol is like $3 at CVS or the grocery store, just run down and grab one, it'll last for years.

 

[f4phantom2500]

Keep in mind that you'll want to use something that won't leave lint in applying the alcohol. I use coffee filters.

 

[Axon]

I third 90% isopropyl alcohol and second coffee filters.

 

[Rhezuss]

Ok, I won't take any chances and go fetch some.

What is the drying time for this? 5-10 minutes?

 

[Axon]

Yeah not even, it dries real quick. I usually leave it out for about 15 minutes after I'm done. I also used a soft bristle toothbrush to get into the hard to reach areas if I need to. It's not necessary in many cases, but I've seen people just put on so much thermal paste that it gets into the corners of the chip.

 

[Rhezuss]

Yeah not even, it dries real quick. I usually leave it out for about 15 minutes after I'm done. I also used a soft bristle toothbrush to get into the hard to reach areas if I need to. It's not necessary in many cases, but I've seen people just put on so much thermal paste that it gets into the corners of the chip.

Yeah well I don't think i'll have to use other thing except a Q-tip of coffee filter since I have the CPU installed for less than 3 months...

 

[Axon]

Yeah, you probably won't need it, I remember you saying it was the stock cooler...and it's not the length of time on there, it's how much paste. Some people just glob that stuff on. Crazy!