Removing old thermal paste from the top of my CPU

[DaveyTN]

I'm getting ready to put on an xp-90 heatsink and fan onto my cpu. I first need to remove the old heatsink. I'm assuming that when I remove the heatsink that there will be some kind of thermal paste on top of the cpu. Can I use isopropyl alchohol to the top of the cpu to remove the old thermal paste? Any secrets here?

 

[Lonyo]

Lint free cloth + alcohol should be fine.

 

[w00t]

yes, use isopropyl alchohol and use sumthing lint free like coffee filters to wipe it off.

 

[imported_Kensai]

Paper towel + Iso = Clean CPU.

 

[DaveyTN]

Cool, thanks. Sounds easy enough. One more question. After I get a clean CPU and heatsink, is it enough to simply apply one rice grain sized amount of AS5 to the top of the CPU and then put on the heatsink?

 

[lucky9]

Use a credit card to spread it evenly. You may need slightly more than a rice grain to start. I always do and just remove the extra that's not needed.

 

[imported_Kensai]

1 BB sized ball on the CPU is all I ever use.

 

[CrimsonCutie]

Try this to clean... it works very well
ArticSilver Cleaning

 

[w00t]

no dont spread it! go to as5 site and get directions.

http://www.arcticsilver.com/arctic_silver_instructions_big2.htm

 

[Rookie]

99% Iso Alcohol works the best... make sure it is 99% (available at any drugstore)