Removing thermal compound off heatsink and core

[xSkyDrAx]

What should i use? I heard that 80% alcohol would work but I'm not sure. Also where could I buy it. I'm hoping for like a simple store like maybe sav-ons or something. Thanks

 

[xSkyDrAx]

bump

 

[KennyH]

Which type of cpu are you trying to clean? AMD or Intel? I use a product known as Goo Gone on all of my processors. It has a pleasant citrus smell and cleans very well. Just squirt a little on a Q-Tip and try it out. Hope this helps.

 

[DahDee]

I used generic 70% Isopropyl Alcohol from the drugstore and it looks to have worked fine. I now have my new SLK-900A on an AQXEA 2500+ at 2371MHz and it all seems perfectly happy.

 

[xSkyDrAx]

i bought some isoproply 91% and it is safe to use on core and heatsink right? And what should i use to apply it? Are cotton swabs ok?

 

[TRUMPHENT]

Alcohol won't hurt anything. I suggest lapping the heatsink. Mine always has a mirror image of the processor etched to it when I remove it. That means particles of old compound are firmly crushed into the heatsink. I also notice some corrosion which means pits with metal oxides. It all comes of in a few minutes with my homemade lapping array.

The processor does not get lapped. It does require thorough cleaning to remove all traces of last used thermal compound.

Cotton swabs can leave lint. I have heard that coffee filters are lintfree. They certainly are abrasive enough to clean the processor surface. I am using a box of lintless wipes liberated from an Army repair depot decades ago, don't tell anyone.