Thermal Paste stuck in the fins of my Zalman cooler

[drpootums]

While removing thermal paste from my Zalman 7000B cooler, i ended up pushing some of it in between the fins at the bottom. I know this can't be good for my CPU temps and i've tried to get it out and i cant....

I was wondering if anybody had any suggestions, or if you guys (and girls) think i should just get a new CPU cooler.

If you think i should get a new one, what cooler would you recommend?

thanks!

 

[Aluvus]

I can't see how it would do any real harm unless it's an enormous amount of paste.

A sheet of paper could probably fit between the fins most of the way down. A good soak first in something (high-concentration isopropyl alcohol, naptha lighter fluid) to loosen the goop up a little might help. Heck, you might be able to just blow it out with compressed air or one of those spray-can computer cleaners.

But hey, if you decide to scrap it, I'd be more than willing to pay shipping to send it to me

 

[Howard]

If you can easily remove the fan, spray it down with a garden hose or something.

 

[Zap]

Originally posted by: Aluvus
I can't see how it would do any real harm unless it's an enormous amount of paste.

If it was an enormous amount of paste, then dude used too much. I personally wouldn't sweat it.

 

[Shadowknight]

Eh, if it matter that much to you, use a small knife or some cheap dental-ish tools they sell at hardware or hobby shops.

 

[drpootums]

alright, thanks for the help.

it's not a lot of paste that's stuck in the fins, but what's in there is impossible to get out with anything (paper, knife, etc.). I guess i'll just hang onto it for now and clean the fins out good.