Cleaning thermal paste off CPU help

[TheHogDog]

So what I can use to get the thermal paste off my CPU?

I need a Q-tip and what type of alcohol?
Is "x" alcohol obtainable at my local pharmacy or..
Does it have to be a certain % of alcohol?

 

[Gam3r01]

I like coffee filters, as they leave no lint behind. You use a fairly dry one to get the majority of the paste off, then use an alcohol dampened (not soaking) filter to wipe off the residual paste.
Any amount above 70% I would consider safely usable, I prefer 90+. (I was able to get 92% right off the shelf at a walgreens)

 

[Brillis Wuce]

I've always recommended this video. The guy takes all the precautions, and does a good job at it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BzoA-VdViZI

 

[IInuyasha74]

A lot of people use different ways, I personally prefer to use a basic paper towel first to wipe off the bulk of the thermal paste, then use a few cotton swabs with rubbing alcohol to clean the CPU after. I don't tend to worry about the alcohol content because as far as I can noticeably tell even with 70% alcohol content it all comes off clean.

 

[Gam3r01]

I opened that video, and immediately left it. You shouldnt set a processor contact down on any surface like that, not to mention most antistatic bags are externally conductive...

 

[Brillis Wuce]

I opened that video, and immediately left it. You shouldnt set a processor contact down on any surface like that, not to mention most antistatic bags are externally conductive...

Never had a problem, but I know what you're saying.

 

[IInuyasha74]

I always preferred holding it by the edges for cleaning. I've sat them down and stuff before and had them continue to work after, but those were lesser CPUs I didn't have any value in anymore. For ones like my i7, I always make sure to hold it.

 

[Gam3r01]

I like to clean them in socket, nice and solid (Mainly works for AMD) I hold intel CPUs due to retention brackets.

 

[YourLocal]

Why not put the CPU in the original plastic clamshell it came in and wipe off the thermal compound while it's on the plastic.

Seems like a no brainer to me.

 

[TheHogDog]

Well my cpu is installed already so..

Ill guess ill just use a paper towel to wipe the paste off abit and see if my local pharmacy has rubbing alcohol and use s qtip to clean off the paste.

 

[IInuyasha74]

I like to clean them in socket, nice and solid (Mainly works for AMD) I hold intel CPUs due to retention brackets.

Yea I could see that working well with the AMD CPUs, cause holding them you are more likely to bend a pin but in the socket it's pretty much not getting damaged unless you press really hard or flick it sideways or something. I've mostly got Intel chips around here is why I end up holding them. In the socket I am too worried I will add a touch too much pressure and bend a series of pins.

@TheHogDog: I've cleaned CPUs like that several times so I am sure you won't have any issue with it. I've done it with just the Q-tips too, and it works the only issue is the first couple of them get thermal paste build up real fast is the reason I switched to a paper towel first. So I am sure it should go well for you. Just don't touch the bottom if you can help it and drain the static out of your hands first by touching the case and you won't have any trouble.

 

[qubits]

i like using coffee filters too.. specifically brown ones with no bleach.. no need to put bleach in your fragile human body!

 

[TheHogDog]

After you clean the paste with alcohol, are you good put on the thermal paste right away or do yoy let it dry abit before applying the new thermal paste?

 

[qubits]

the alcohol will dry really fast.. you can nuke a hot pocket if you want to feel safe

 

[Gam3r01]

It should evaporate in under 10 seconds.

 

[IInuyasha74]

Yea doesn't take long. I tend to like to take the safe route similar to qubis, grab a cup of coffee and come back and go at it.

 

[TheHogDog]

Do baby/handi wipes work? I've read that it does?

What other alternatives can I use (If there is any) if I can't get the alcohol at the current time

I've got these on hand if they're usable?
http://www.expresschemist.co.uk/pampers-simply-clean-baby-wipes-72.html

 

[TheHogDog]

Bump

 

[GObonzo]

baby wipes can also have lotion so i would avoid them. any isopropyl alcohol or alcohol swap should be fine. cotton balls work just make sure no lint left behind.