What can I use to safely remove thermal paste from my processor?

[MisterRaven]

I've heard that Isopropyl alcohol is the best thing to use, but I'm not entirely certain.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Cawchy87]

well, from experiance i can tell you not to use a cloth because the fibers go EVERYWHERE. but i just kinda gave mine a wipe and that was that for my thermal paste experiance. I don't think that you need to clean it bear but i could be wrong.

 

[John]

Paper Tower w/ one of the following works wonders:

Brake CLeaner
Lighter Fluid
Goof Off

 

[Mik3y]

Originally posted by: Cawchy87
well, from experiance i can tell you not to use a cloth because the fibers go EVERYWHERE. but i just kinda gave mine a wipe and that was that for my thermal paste experiance. I don't think that you need to clean it bear but i could be wrong.

its "bare"

 

[Chopstick217]

I simply use Isopropyl alcohol. You can also use Goo off or acetone.

 

[FauxCarnival]

take one of your t-shirts (one of the old ones), put some alchohol on it, wipe the thermal paste smoothly, also wipe the CPU cooler's face that touches the CPU.

But, don't forget to renew the thermal compound!!!

 

[pelikan]

Most drug stores sell 90%+ isopropyl alcohol. Since its stronger than standard rubbing alcohol it works better. It cleans better and doesn't leave any residue. I use a rag first to get it clean and then finish with a lint-free lense cleaning cloth (from a store that sells glasses).

 

[AWhackWhiteBoy]

q-tips and alcohol work just fine.

 

[crsgardner]

Q-tips and water.

 

[ohiopcgamer]

WATER ???? No way ... use the alchohol it will evaporate quickly and not leave any residue.
If there are any water molecules on there and then it heats up, you can have a problem when it shorts something out.

 

[MisterRaven]

I went ahead and used some isopropyl alchohol and q-tips, and the old thermal paste came off easily. Thanks for all the responses!