Can I use Isopropyl alcohol 70% to clean bottom of CPU

[reginald_appiah]

I was replacing my liquid metal thermal paste on my delidded i7 6700k, and in the process of using the Artic Silver Surface Purifier, I used a bit too much while holding the CPU and some of it dripped onto my finger then onto the bottom of my CPU (golden contact plates that meet the motherboard). There's some slight discoloration and I really want to clean it, but I only have this isopropyl 70% cleaning pad that came with my coollaboratory liquid metal kit titled "Reinigungstuch". I've seen people use ~91% isopropyl alcohol and q tips on the bottom of their CPU, but are the pads safe enough to use? Should I be worried?

 

[jay32267]

I use it all the time to clean most things electronic including processors. It won't hurt anything. In a very rare case it will hurt some plastics...but you should be OK.

 

[iamacow]

I also use Rubbing Alcohol for everything. I suggest 90%+ because 70% leave a residue on things. Kinda annoying to have to double wipe things after they are clean. If you are in a pinch 70% works fine.

 

[jay32267]

Actually, what I use more often, and works better, is this.

https://www.grainger.com/product/6KHF3?cm_mmc=PPC:+Google+PLA&s_kwcid=AL!2966!3!56542746957!!!g!102362316837!&ef_id=Wbpl4wAAANZ-iEh3:20180510113140:s

 

[reginald_appiah]

I must emphasize that this is the BOTTOM of the CPU I'm speaking of. Instead of contact pins, they're flat plates, and I'm reluctant on how careful I should be in cleaning them with this pre-damp cloth

 

[jay32267]

I knew what you were talking about. I think the plates are actually much better than pins. They are much safer, as they are much harder to damage. You will be fine cleaning them with the alcohol.

 

[iamacow]

No reason to clean the bottom unless you got thermal paste on it.

 

[reginald_appiah]

I got some ArtiiClean Thermal Surface Purifier on a small portion of it and my OCD is killing me, I really just want to wipe it with my 70% cleaning pad but I'm so scared lol.

 

[iamacow]

Go for it than, won't cause any harm.

 

[jay32267]

Yep...what iamacow said^^^.

 

[RememberThe5th]

I used acetone on my Q6600, and nothing happened...

 

[Pinhedd]

I used acetone on my Q6600, and nothing happened...

Acetone is not as wide ranging a solvent as the ethanol and isoproanol. It will work on many thermal compounds, but not all of them.

 

[The Original Ralph]

actually the acetone is a better solvent

to the OP, the 70% alcohol is 30% water, so be sure to let it dry thoroughly before installation

 

[RememberThe5th]

Pretty much as I have test system i cleaned under the CPU pads, my R7 250 it never killed it or harmed in any way.
Yes it can disolve plastic IF its staying in it.

Linus tested all of it and even with a basic paper towel you can clean it.

 

[LordVile]

I've cleaned the IHS with whiskey before because I left my remover somewhere else. Should be fine just check there's no residue afterwards.

 

[iamacow]

Man if I see one more person quote Linus i might have to kill myself. People talk like he is a god.

 

[LordVile]

Man if I see one more person quote Linus i might have to kill myself. People talk like he is a god.

More like he's got a documented catalogue of mistakes.

 

[RememberThe5th]

Man if I see one more person quote Linus i might have to kill myself. People talk like he is a god.

Name me who does tests like him.