removing thermal compound

Apr 17, 2003
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i'm about to remove the stuff that came with my slk800 to use AS3. this is what i'm planning on doing:
dab cotton ball with nail polish remover, clean base of heatsink, dry with a cotton ball
dab another cotton ball with nail polish remover, clean core of CPU. dry core with another cotton ball.
is this the right way to do it? thanx
 

BG4533

Golden Member
Oct 15, 2001
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I have always heard use Isopropyl alcohol to remove thermal compound. The cotton balls will be fine when wet, but when dry it will probably leave cotton fibers behind.
 

DAPUNISHER

Super Moderator CPU Forum Mod and Elite Member
Super Moderator
Aug 22, 2001
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Originally posted by: BG4533
I have always heard use Isopropyl alcohol to remove thermal compound. The cotton balls will be fine when wet, but when dry it will probably leave cotton fibers behind.
Good advice, definitely better to use a lint free cloth, 3M microfiber is my personal favorite.
 
Apr 17, 2003
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thanx, i'll pick some up. i'm still having a problem with the idea of letting a liquid touch my processor but i guess it's the right way to go since it seems everyone else does it this way
 

wicktron

Platinum Member
Aug 15, 2002
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Acetone works just as well, if not better. It'll take care of tougher jobs as it is more viscous than isopropyl alcohol.
 

Peter D

Diamond Member
Oct 28, 2002
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i ususally use rubbing alcohol and a cotton ball and use tweezers to pick up any left over fibres..

have fun.. i guess ;)
 

Chaotic42

Lifer
Jun 15, 2001
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I just used GooGone when I installed my SK-7s. Worked amazingly. It was like $1.99 at Walmart.