Thermalpaste removal when swapping coolers?

[dsc106]

If I am going to be swapping coolers from a Corsair H100 to a Corsair H80, when I pull off the H100 do I need to remove all thermal paste from CPU before putting on the H80 (which has thermal paste applied to it's bottom?).

ALso, if I take off the H100 and then put it back onto the same chip for mounting/moving reasons (switching cases, etc.) do I need to reapply all thermal paste or can I just stick the thing back on?

 

[borisvodofsky]

If I am going to be swapping coolers from a Corsair H100 to a Corsair H80, when I pull off the H100 do I need to remove all thermal paste from CPU before putting on the H80 (which has thermal paste applied to it's bottom?).

ALso, if I take off the H100 and then put it back onto the same chip for mounting/moving reasons (switching cases, etc.) do I need to reapply all thermal paste or can I just stick the thing back on?

Yes, remove all. reapply ^_^

 

[Charles Kozierok]

If the new cooler has compound pre-applied, I'd remove the old paste. Actually, I probably would whenever swapping coolers anyway, since the "fingerprint" of the interface between the two surfaces will change.

Probably don't need to start over if you're putting the same cooler back, though some folks like to do that anyway, just to be sure of a good fit.

 

[dsc106]

OK thanks. What should I use to remove the thermal paste if I am just swapping in and out within 1 minute? Do I need fully rubbing alcohol or just wipe it down with something...?

 

[borisvodofsky]

OK thanks. What should I use to remove the thermal paste if I am just swapping in and out within 1 minute? Do I need fully rubbing alcohol or just wipe it down with something...?

rubbing alcohol

 

[KingFatty]

Just wiping with a paper towel is fine. Fingerprints won't affect your temps, but large gaps/bubbles will.

 

[Kenmitch]

I use coffee filters and alcohol.

 

[Coup27]

You should use a proper thermal interface material cleaner, such as one of these:

 

[KingFatty]

Are the cleaners like alcohol etc. necessary? My understanding it it's not necessary and more of a mental thing, as it doesn't actually affect temperatures or performance? If there is no effect on temps, what is the reason to use alcohol or anything else other than wiping it off? Maybe if it's a very stubborn pad that won't wipe off and you need help because you can't generate the elbow grease?

 

[Denithor]

Personally I use cotton make-up pads (stolen from my girlfriend's supply drawer hehehe) and the 91% rubbing alcohol.

It's very easy and takes like an extra 30 seconds, why risk not doing it properly?

 

[Charles Kozierok]

You should use a proper thermal interface material cleaner, such as one of these:

Why is that really necessary, especially if he's just going to put more grease on the chip anyway?