what do i use to remove a thermal pad from a cpu/heatsink?

[dinde]

ive heard nailpolish remover, but there are dif kinds arent there? also, isnt that stuff generally oily?

 

[John]

Brake Cleaner
Goof Off


Don't use anything that leaves a residue, such as WD-40.

* Actually do not use goo gone since it is oil based, but the other ones I listed above work fine.

 

[mechBgon]

I removed one yesterday, starting with an old credit card to scrape off as much as possible. Then I tried rubbing alcohol, but ended up using (get this) hot water, dish detergent, and a Brillo pad. *shrug* whatever works, eh?

 

[ScrapSilicon]

I use a single edge blade the kind that go into old style razors then use emerycloth approx. 600 grit ..followed by rubbing alcohol using non-recycled towels/napkins(this is only on HSFs not on a cpu ..)...quite a few use GooGone and other products.. gl

 

[nolovenohope]

Yeah, I use a straight edge razor. Just be real careful.

 

[kursplat]

contact cleaner , usually safe for all plastics so it won't melt fan parts if your to lazy to disasemble all of it like me.
good luck

 

[NokiaDude]

WHY! WHY DO PEOPLE USE GOOF OFF & GOO GONE!!! Don't people know that it is citrus OIL based!!!!! Meaning that the oil will permeate the metal and get itself nice and comfy, and then you apply AS3 and find out it won't do any good! Because the oils got there first!!! Cringes at the idea of oil heating up to 50C+ :Q

 

[Macro2]

The credit card or a fingernail.
Dishwashing detergent and water, Then lacquer thinner.

 

[Macro2]

RE:"Brake Cleaner"

That has methylene chloride in it. Avoid breathing it...

 

[mechBgon]

Originally posted by: Macro2
RE:"Brake Cleaner"

That has methylene chloride in it. Avoid breathing it...

Agreed, people take some of these solvents much too lightly. I wouldn't mess with methylene chloride without my respirator, face shield + goggles, and heavy neoprene chemical gloves (said the former ChemE student).

Unfortunately, Macro2, this kind of sound advice is usually either scoffed at, or ignored.

 

[Macro2]

I recall methylene chloride is used in aircraft paint stripper and that stuff is nasty.

Years ago they used it in aerosols as a carrier.

Mac

 

[onelin]

Originally posted by: NokiaDude
WHY! WHY DO PEOPLE USE GOOF OFF & GOO GONE!!! Don't people know that it is citrus OIL based!!!!! Meaning that the oil will permeate the metal and get itself nice and comfy, and then you apply AS3 and find out it won't do any good! Because the oils got there first!!! Cringes at the idea of oil heating up to 50C+ :Q

Either you're joking, or you're smoking something. Goof off is xylene based, and is perfectly fine to use. Heck, the AS3 installation page tells you to.

Direct from the Arctic Silver 3 installation page:
"Thermal pads can be scraped off with a plastic tool that will not scratch the bottom then the remnants can be removed with a xylene based cleaner, (Goof Off and some carburetor cleaners) acetone, mineral spirits, or high-purity isopropyl alcohol."
here it is

Maybe Goo Gone is citrus based...

 

[Macro2]

Mineral spirits will leave a film...wouldn't be the last solvent I used.

 

[ElFenix]

razor blade and alcohol. i like to use everclear myself.

 

[DAPUNISHER]

Originally posted by: ElFenix
razor blade and alcohol. i like to use everclear myself.

Everclear 151 and a razor blade are 2 things you should never use together! Can you imagine how bad you'd bleed out with that stuff in you if you cut yourself with the razor? Oh wait, you aren't drinking it? wasteful and shameful!

 

[Macro2]

Using a razor blade on a copper heatsink is just asking for trouble. Why risk damaging/gouging the surface?

Drinking everclear (ethanol) might make it worse. <G>

 

[arcenite]

Nokia's post worried me as I used GoofOff to clean ASIII off my CPU as it awaits new HSF for new system... Was this an okay move? Thanks

Bill

 

[thorin]

Originally posted by: mechBgon
I removed one yesterday, starting with an old credit card to scrape off as much as possible. Then I tried rubbing alcohol, but ended up using (get this) hot water, dish detergent, and a Brillo pad. *shrug* whatever works, eh?

Ya that's why it's refered to as the universal solvent.

Thorin

 

[ScrapSilicon]

Originally posted by: Macro2
Using a razor blade on a copper heatsink is just asking for trouble. Why risk damaging/gouging the surface?

Drinking everclear (ethanol) might make it worse. <G>

which part of using emery cloth to lap surface you missed ..quite a few HS nowadays come coated with a clear paint(lacquer.. ? clearcoat polyurethane..?) and I want clean bare metal surface to work with..not after mirror want the pores of the metal open ..read AS3's use instructions..clue to it there..rub the AS3 into the HS and wipe excess off..on the cpu die..well itsa ceramiclike(heh..silicon ) sanding such is not a good thing

Originally posted by: Macro2
Scrap,

Nipping the everclear again I see...<G>

it is still called moonshine around here...lacquer paint remover as well ..

 

[Macro2]

Scrap,

Nipping the everclear again I see...<G>

 

[Smilin]

before you fuss over this too much realize a couple things: You CANT get it off. There will always be some left over unless you machine the thing down some. The only way to correctly use thermal paste is on a clean and never-before-used surface. The "right way" to do what you want isn't possible so don't drive yourself nuts over it.

That said, use anything that works well. Probably some mild detergent, some elbow grease and some beer (for you, not the hs).

 

[tk149]

FYI, normal everyday rubbing alcohol (like you buy at the drugstore) is not pure, and does leave a residue. Video/audio tape head cleaner does not.

 

[Thor86]

Originally posted by: NokiaDude
WHY! WHY DO PEOPLE USE GOOF OFF & GOO GONE!!! Don't people know that it is citrus OIL based!!!!! Meaning that the oil will permeate the metal and get itself nice and comfy, and then you apply AS3 and find out it won't do any good! Because the oils got there first!!! Cringes at the idea of oil heating up to 50C+ :Q

Hmm, I used Goo Gone (citrus oil based cleaner) on all my heatsinks and after wiping clean, use 75% Alcohol to get rid of any residue. Works fine.