Methods for removing thermal pads

[redbomberman]

Can anyone clue me in on the appropriate methods for removing a thermal pad from a heatsink and the resulting goo on the processor from previous usage? I had to pretty much use 220 sandpaper to scrape it off, clean it with 91% alcohol, and then apply Arctic Silver 3. Right now I am running an XP 2000+ with the stock HSF, with intentions to move up to that new Thermaltake Sub-zero when it comes out.

Thanks!

 

[OulOat]

Originally posted by: redbomberman
Can anyone clue me in on the appropriate methods for removing a thermal pad from a heatsink and the resulting goo on the processor from previous usage? I had to pretty much use 220 sandpaper to scrape it off, clean it with 91% alcohol, and then apply Arctic Silver 3. Right now I am running an XP 2000+ with the stock HSF, with intentions to move up to that new Thermaltake Sub-zero when it comes out.

Thanks!

Credit cards.

 

[teqwiz]

Rubbing Alcohol and a handy wipes towel will do wonders!!!

 

[Spac3d]

Originally posted by: teqwiz
Rubbing Alcohol and a handy wipes towel will do wonders!!!

I tried that and it did not work so well. It took forever

I just scraped it off gently but it took forever. It was worth it to put the AS3

Spac3d

 

[redbomberman]

Yes I must admit all that work was worth it, a drop in 8-10 degrees celsius, can't beat that!

 

[teqwiz]

Just installed a Water cooler and dropped 32 degs myself!

 

[redbomberman]

Holy ****! That's awesome. I want to install that new TT SubZero 4G cooler when it comes out, that and a nice splotch of AS3, oh yeah. I can see it now, OC heaven.

 

[Drewpy]

Originally posted by: OulOat

Credit cards.

A credit card will not adequately clean a thermal pads residue off. The pad works by melting on its first use, and filling in the microscopic voids in the base of the heatsink to improve thermal transfer. By filling in air pockets, which act as insulation, the thermal pad increases the HSF ability to cool. By scraping with a credit card you are not removing the material below the surface. You must use a solvent to fully get all the residue off the heatsink. If the thermal pad has never been used, then a credit card will probably remove the pad.

If you apply Arctic Silver or another similar thermal grease, the resulting interface of CPU > Grease > Old Thermal Pad > HSF will not result in the drop in temperatures associated with Arctic Silver.

IIRC most thermal pads are based on some type of wax compund. If that is the case, then a sufficiently high concentration of Hydrogen Peroxide should aid very well in cleaning it off. You may need to clean with Isopropyl alcohol afterwards if there is any residue, but I do not think this is the case.

Bomberman. By lapping your heatsink you probably gave your AS3 the best interface to work with. The time and effort were probably worth it.

 

[beatle]

Mineral spirits works even better than alcohol. Tastes better too!

 

[redbomberman]

Hydrogen peroxide, I'll keep that in mind. I would imagine the lapping did improve the ability for the heatsink to contact with the CPU core, I wasn't expecting such a drop in temperature. Thanks for the tips.

-Matt