What can i use to clean my CPU, I want to remove the thermal paste and put a new one.

[necro007]

So just like the title says, what can i use to clean my CPU?

And does it really mater what paste i put on?

Will any one do or should i go all out and get a $$$ one?

Thanks for the help.

 

[21stHermit]

First use a single edge razor blade to scrape off 90%, then I've always read to use rubbing alcohol, some use acetone if you prefer a sledge hammer.

The reference standard is Artic Silver 5, ~$6 at Newegg. After that you're on your own.

HTH
Hermit

 

[AmberClad]

I don't fully trust acetone. I think it's the same stuff that's in my nail polish remover (which melts some types of plastic and paint). I haven't tested what happens if you accidentally drip it on a PCB, like that tiny bit of exposed PCB on a LGA775. The stuff also gives off a much more noticeable smell than rubbing alcohol 😛.

 

[WildHorse]

Originally posted by: AmberClad
I don't fully trust acetone. I think it's the same stuff that's in my nail polish remover (which melts some types of plastic and paint). I haven't tested what happens if you accidentally drip it on a PCB, like that tiny bit of exposed PCB on a LGA775. The stuff also gives off a much more noticeable smell than rubbing alcohol 😛.

Hmmmm.

I use acetone on a clean rag t-shirt, which is soft. The liquid never goes near the computer, only the acetone-dampened soft rag.

If the acetone's all gone, in a pinch I have raided her bathroomn & used fingernail polish remover, which is acetone, all the while hoping they didn't add girl-stuff to it like scents or tints.

Works for me.

Anyway, I don't usually clean off thermal paste with the hareware still in the case.
Better in my hand, out above desk.

I agree with your comment about not trusting acetone - it's nasty stuff indeed, and better wear gloves.

21stHermit,

Scraping with a metal blade could score microscratches into the goods, which would then probably need lapping.

Never done that. No offense, but I'm just making a counter-point to your comment.
I always try to use a S O F T clean rag.

 

[21stHermit]

Originally posted by: scott
21stHermit,

Scraping with a metal blade could score microscratches into the goods, which would then probably need lapping.

Never done that. No offense, but I'm just making a counter-point to your comment.
I always try to use a S O F T clean rag.

This assumes the OP has a lapped and mirror polished CPU and HSF. Why would the OP start this thread if that were the case? 😕

Any OEM CPU and/or HSF I've owned has a "rough" matte finish such that one more micro-scratch would be inconsequential.

I'm just trying to be a "little" green here, why use a chemical when a simple mechanical scrapping can remove 90% of the goo.

You be the judge.

 

[Cerb]

I use acetone and 91% alcohol.

For the acetone, I fold up a paper towel, shake the acetone with the papwer over the top of the bottle, then fold the paper towel over and press it several times. If you can squeeze it and get a drop, it's too concentrated.

I use that paper towel to get up most of the TIM, just by lightly rubbing from the center of the die/IHS outward. Then, I do the same with the alcohol, but more sloppily, to get the last bits off. It doesn't work so good with high quality paper towels, as they leave bits behind (one thing you can try is saving napkins from fast food places). If you have some, maybe use microfiber cloths. I find them to be too much of a pain to clean them, though (but, I've only tried lens/monitor cloths).

If the TIM used was not gummy phase change stuff or greasy silicone gunk, I skip the acetone. The new Intel and AMD silver stuff, anything Arctic silver, etc., comes off great with 91% alcohol alone. If you're dealing with new stuff (say, P4E/C or newer), you can probably ignore acetone.

As for paste, I recommend Arctic Silver Ceramique. Good performance, and it's really easy to use. You can be sloppy with it, and all is fine. It's not bad for OCing (but not as good as the best, anymore), and worth it for stock configs due to ease of application and cleanup.

 

[tno]

necro,

The best tool for removing the paste is also the best tool for applying the paste, a flat piece of plastic like an ID card, it's soft enough that it shouldn't hurt the chip and it should scrape off most of the old stuff. After you have most of it off, go to your CVS and by a box of alcohol preps (or use a bottle of alcohol and some soft rags), I find the preps do a great job of gently cleaning off the surface of the proc and the hsf.

As far as paste goes, any well applied paste will do a good job. Arctic Silver 5 is cheap and trusted by many so you really can't go wrong. Enthusiasts that recommend going for some more expensive option are usually interested in that final 5% of cooling performance, unless you're planning on some ridiculous overclock, you won't see any meritorious results from it.

tno

 

[johnnyjohnson]

I use Target brand isopropyl alcohol (91%) and Q-tips. I don't even bother trying to "scrape" off any paste first. Just dip a Q-tip in the alcohol and start cleaning away. If you really want to get fancy with thermal paste, then you might want to try some high end Shin Etsu (google it) otherwise go with AS5 (geez those guys do some good marketing).

 

[trOver]

When your done w/ the paper towels and alcohol, use a clean cotton clothe w/ a little alcohol to get off any residue from from the paper towels..

 

[Synomenon]

Just use 91% or higher rubbing alcohol. Also, if you're going to have to go out and buy the alcohol, might as well get Arctic Silver's Arcti-Clean instead.

 

[Big Fat Fish]

Originally posted by: IsLNdbOi
Just use 91% or higher rubbing alcohol. Also, if you're going to have to go out and buy the alcohol, might as well get Arctic Silver's Arcti-Clean instead.

Alcohol is so cheap. I use alcohol to remove AS5, I just keep wiping until its all gone!

 

[WildHorse]

And does it really mater what paste i put on?

There's a choice in the marketplace.

The "old standby" is Arctic Silver 5.

That's what people will quote to you as a kneejerk reaction, the old familiar AS5.

The same company also makes some other compounds, such as Alumina and Ceramique.

I use both AS5 (because I have a supply of the stuff laying around) and Ceramique.
I prefer the Ceramique. You'll see it abbreviated as ASC. I haven't used the Alumina.

Details here.

Shin-Etsu MicroSi is an excellent thermal paste too. I've had good luck with it same as, or better than, AS5.

Coollaboratory Liquid Pro is supposed to be another great one.

I've seen a brand from France highly recommended but I just can't remember its name right now.

If you're interested in the subject, there are some leaders you could dig into here. (" Super Thermal Paste Test: 36 brands tested!")

and

("4 way thermal paste shootout! Coollabs Liquid Pro vs Ceramique vs AC MX2 vs AS5")

and

("Tom's Hardware, Thermal Interface Shootout")


EDIT: ADD THIS (CONTRADICTS OTHER REVIEWS): XTREME SYSTEMS Thermal Grease Roundup!

 

[Daverino]

I use rubbing alcohol and coffee filters. The filter is clean, cheap and lint free. Rip the filter in half and put it over the top of the alcohol bottle, shake so a spot on the filter gets damp, and then clean off the thermal paste using a circular motion. I've never needed a credit card or razor because, yikes, I've never put that much paste on my chip!

 

[Conjugal Visit]

91% alcohol and coffee filters.

 

[tno]

Daverino,

the credit card clears the sticky gunk and thermal pads that oem's put on. stuff that isopropyl and gentle rubbing won't fix.

tno

 

[Denithor]

Normally the thermal "pad" can be removed with fingernails. I hate using anything hard or sharp around my cpu!

Get the 91% alcohol for $1 at Walmart/wherever. Get a bag of cottonballs for another $1 at the same place. Clean off residue with moist (not drenched) cottonball. Blow off the processor well after cleaning to remove any lint and/or clean it again with an old T-shirt + alcohol for a final rinse before reseating (good idea as you may have fingerprints or something practically invisible on the surface).

Use AS Ceramique, none of the conductivity issues of AS-5 and very close performance. I've been using it for years without problems, both for stock systems and majorly overclocked systems.

Just put a dab (size of uncooked grain of rice) on the center of the chip and then seat the hsf (no spreading required).

 

[jjmIII]

I use Goof Off or OOPS remover. Works amazing, and I've never had a problem.

 

[NoelS]

I've been using Akasa TIM Cleaning Fluid - it's citrus based and works like a charm. It won't hurt you or any components. I originally bought from overcool.com, but they are currently out of stock. I searched and found it available here: http://www.sidewindercomputers.com/akticpuhecl.html
I bought a single bottle from overcool.com 1 1/2 years ago and have probably used the stuff 25-30 times and still have plenty left, but I plan to buy another bottle before I run out.

Noel

 

[Cerb]

Originally posted by: Daverino
I use rubbing alcohol and coffee filters.

*palmface*
I am doing that from now on!