Thermal Epoxy Removal

[Braxus]

Just wondering if there is anything that'll remove the thermal epoxy, specificly arctic alumina, from a heatsink.

 

[fatbaby]

<< CPU Ceramic:

In most cases, Arctic Alumina can simply be wiped off of the ceramic with a dry paper towel. If any additional cleaning is needed, use any of the following cleaners.

Isopropyl alcohol.

Acetone.

Any dish detergent (Dawn, Lux, Palmolive, Etc.)
Do not use soap for an automatic dishwasher to clean a CPU.

WD-40, citrus based grease removers (Goo Gone, Etc.)

Xylene based products (Goof Off, some carburetor cleaners and many brake cleaners)



2. If you use any of the suggested products to remove Arctic Silver II from the CPU ceramic or heatsink base, always do a final cleaning with high-purity isopropyl alcohol to remove any residue from the cleaner.


Removal Instructions (From You)
1. Wash your hands with any dish washing detergent (Dawn, Lux, Palmolive, Etc.) rather than hand soap.
(Do not use soap for an automatic dishwasher.)
>>

 

[Braxus]

That's for the regular compound, not the adhesive.

 

[FlowerMan]

http://www.voidyourwarranty.net/review/review.php3?r1=diy/vidcardcooling/index.php3

Method for removing epoxied HSFs.
1. Remove the fan.
2. Get a can of compressed air.
3. Spray the contents upside down onto the heatsink for 5 secs.
4. It should be frozen, so get a thin plastic card.
5. Put the card between the GPU and the HS.
6. Get a thin flat screwdriver.
7. Put the screwdriver between the card and the HS.
8. Twist the screwdriver.
9. If it does not come off easily, try doing it on each corner.
10. Clean up with 70 or 91% alcohol. If you need something stronger, acetone will do. Not the scented nail polish remover crap, the clear acetone. Then clean up again with alcohol.
11. Put a new HSF with AS/AA epoxy on.

If you need to remove epoxy from a heatsink (not attached to anything), just use a single edged blade and lap it afterwards.