Need help removing TIM

[Gautama2]

Im installing a HR-05 Sli cooler on my mobo below, but I cant seem to get the stock TIM off. Its like gum to be honest. My 91% isoporlyly (spelling=lol) alcohol isnt doing anything do it.

 

[Seekermeister]

I'm not really sure, but I would try acetone, or lighter fluid.

 

[Gautama2]

I think I could scrap most of it off with the head of a screw dri?er, but would that hurt the chipset>

 

[Seekermeister]

I would imagine that it depends on how hard you scrap, but even on a CPU, I noticed some light scratching when I tried that. Not enough to call it damage, but it certainly didn't help.

 

[Gautama2]

Well, this stuff seems very pliable.

 

[Seekermeister]

It's not so much a matter of the pliability of the paste, but the surface of the screwdriver in question. Most screwdrivers have a less than even surface, which would gouge more easily. If you are determined to try this, use a sharp well honed knife blade. Personally, I would try another solvent.

 

[Gautama2]

It was only on the sides of the surface so I figured what the hell and just put a lil as5 on the top. Then, I installed it. But I just noticed I put it in the wrong way so that it blocks my pci-e slot 😛

 

[Gautama2]

******, when I was removing the pins one shot out. I found the pin, buty I cant find the spring 🙁

 

[xylem]

I suggest getting that gum off if you want to maximize heat transfer. Lighter fluid should do a good job dissolving it. After you've removed the gum from both surfaces with lighter fluid, you should clean them up with isopropyl alcohol.

 

[John]

Do not use any object other than your fingernail to remove TIM otherwise you risk scuffing or gouging the surface. I use Goof Off 99% of the time since it makes the job simple. There's no need to use alcohol afterwards either. 🙂

 

[CallMeJoe]

NEVER use an oil or citrus based cleaner (including Goof-Off) to remove TIM. They will leave residue on the surface which can be just as difficult to remove thoroughly as the TIM you are removing. Use a plastic scraper (available at auto parts stores) rather than any metal implement to avoid gouging the surface of your processor or heatsink. After the mechanical removal, use an aggressive solvent such as acetone to remove the remaining TIM. Be sure to use pure acetone, not fingernail polish remover (which contains lanolin and other skin conditioners). Use isopropyl alcohol (91% or higher purity) or denatured alcohol to remove any acetone residue.

If you prefer something simpler, Arctic Silver sells ArctiClean specifically to clean and prep CPUs and HSFs for new TIM application.

 

[Gautama2]

I just left the crap on there, I didnt need uber temps I was just replacing a noisy 40mm fan heatsink that was on there. Temps went down from 60c to 47c.

 

[John]

Originally posted by: CallMeJoe
NEVER use an oil or citrus based cleaner (including Goof-Off) to remove TIM.

Goof Off is not citrus-based. It contains Xyelene and Toluene.

Goo Gone is the citrus-based remover.