Removing Old Thermal Heat Compound

[Mitzi]

First off, apologies if this is in the wrong forum...

I have just purchased some Arctic Silver II for my Athlon 1400 (not overclocked). My temps are currently around 60 - 63. I have a good airflow in there. I am currently using the heat compound which came with the HSF.

Reading the application instructions from AC they suggest using isopropul alcohol or acetone (nail polish remover) to remove any old thermal compound before applying ASII. Later on in the instructions it suggests only using isopropul alcohol.

Question 1 : Is just using nail polish remover to remove the old stuff okay?
Question 2 : Should I use isopropul alcohol to remove the old compound (and what is it commonly know as?)
Question 3 : Is it safe doing this or should I not bother and just leave the HSF as it is and continue using the old compound?

Sorry, not the most exciting of posts but any help would be appreciated!

Mitzi

 

[Yzzim]

I've heard that nail polish remover might be a bit harsh on the processor itself. Since it seemed to work better than isopropul alcohol, I used nail polish remover to get the ASII off and isopropul alcohol to get the nail polish remover off.
Not sure if that's how you're suppose to do it but it worked for me.

 

[Mitzi]

What is isopropul alcohol though?? Surely it must have a common name?

Can I walk into a hardware store and ask for one bottle of isopropul alcohol????

 

[Bozo Galora]

Isopropyl Alcohol 99.953%, pure anhydrous

"For cleaning fibre optics, PC Boards, relays, semiconductors, office magnetic tape equipment and medical equipment.

Can be found at Electronic Supply hobbyist shops.

1 Litre $2.95

Cheerio and pip pip!

 

[raydeo]

Isopropyl Alcohol in the 99percent variety can be found at your local drugstore...Get the 99(or 90) percent stuff. Not to be confused with the Alcohol sold at your local liquor store...

 

[Mitzi]

Cheers for all the advice...

Just been down to my pharmacy (drug store) and got some, cost close to nothing!

Have to wait for the ASII to arrive now, should be here tomorrow. Should I notice a decrease in temps using ASII compared to generic thermal heat compound?

 

[Oyeve]

I noticed a 10 degree difference from my previous thermal compund when I switched to asII. But, the big tube of thermal crap I had was about 6 years old and may not have been working properly due to its age so your mileage may vary.

 

[datallah]

I've always used Silicon Lubricant spray to remove old Thermal compound (then used Isopropyl Alc. to remove the Si Lube)