What is a good way to remove thermal compound off a CPU? (i think it's arctic silver II...)

[hollowman]

hi all.

i just received a CPU in the mail.. it has thermal compound all over it. i tried to remove it using rubbing achohol but didn't work.

any suggestions?

 

[pulse8]

Isopropyl alcohol seems to work really well.

 

[Zorro]

Carb. cleaner

 

[ElFenix]

motor cleaner

 

[SHoddyCOmp]

Alcohol does take a long time, when i was cleaning mine up some times it would take a while, just tp with alcohol and then finish it off with lint free stuff...worked for me, but yes it does leave some glossyish stains.

 

[pulse8]

Originally posted by: SHoddyCOmp
Alcohol does take a long time, when i was cleaning mine up some times it would take a while, just tp with alcohol and then finish it off with lint free stuff...worked for me, but yes it does leave some glossyish stains.

I've used some isopropyl alcohol wipes that worked like a charm. Just wipe off and move on.

 

[Zorro]

Originally posted by: ElFenix
motor cleaner

:Q

 

[iamme]

Another vote for rubbing alcohol

 

[BillGates]

Gas and a lighter.

 

[spanner]

Acetone (nail varnish remover)

 

[zer0burn]

yup acetone works great even on the ceramic

 

[glenn1]

I have some Freon TF (trichlorotrifluouroethane) cleaner, and that will take off ANYTHING. Check your local hardware store or place that caters to maintainence mechanics, they might be able to get you some. It works wonderfully, doesn't cost a mint, and won't cause any problems whatsoever to your CPU or other computer or electronic gear.

Note: This is NOT the same stuff you put in your air conditioner, so don't even try.

 

[brtspears2]

I would really question the previous history of the CPU if theres ASII all over it.

Isnt that stuff only suppose to be on the core?

 

[McPhreak]

I didn't actually believe it until I tried it, but a pencil eraser actually works great.

 

[bunker]

I always use mineral spirits to clean followed by isopropyl alcohol for the final wipe.