Cleaning your card

[notsotechnical]

Are there any safe ways to remove dust caked on the the chip surface other then air blasting it since that isn't all that effective? I'd like to clean off my GTX 660 before transferring it to my new case not only for ascetic reasons but also I'm concerned it might cause heat issues with the surface of the chip coated in dust.

 

[jinayhvora]

that's not dust, its thermal paste, and its important it stays there

 

[notsotechnical]

I am by no means a tech know it all but I assure you it's dust . The question remains the same regardless, any other solutions?

 

[Quaddro]

wash it with water and soap...
and dry it in the sun for at least 8 hours..

faster way: Use (paint) thinner...it's quick to dry..

don't forget apply your thermalpaste after you clean it..

 

[notsotechnical]

Now an answer from a less condescending nerd is in order i think

 

[coozie7]

The substance is, as has been said thermal compound (sometimes called TIM or Thermal Interface Material). It is there to improve the contact and heat transfer between the chip and the cooler. It should never be reused and never, ever ignored.
To remove it use a paper kitchen towel moistened with a suitable solvent, most computer stores sell cleaning fluid for this purpose.
Just wipe the heatsink clean, then use another, clean moist towel to carefully wipe the goo off the chip, try to work inwards to prevent excess material from getting onto the tiny electrical components that surround it. If some does spill over, get the towel a little wet and dab it onto the spillage, you'll never get it all off, these materials usually contain tiny metal particles so expect there to be a stain left behind. Allow the card to dry for a few minuets before applying fresh TIM.
It's a good idea to use a decent quality material, Arctic Silver is highly regarded but not every store carries it.
There is several ways to put the TIM on: I place a drop about the size of a grain of rice on the heatsink and spread it out to form a fairly even layer with a finger, you should see where the heatsink makes contact with the chip, it will be a brighter square where the metal has not oxidised.
Be EXTREMELY careful when reassembling the card, replacement screws are hard to source.
The 'X' shaped brace on the back should be tightened a turn at a time in a diagonal sequence and use a good quality, close fitting screwdriver.
I am not a nerd.

 

[Quaddro]

Washing your computer with liquid doesn't make you a nerd..😀

i've done it many times to many motherboard and vga card..

this is a simple treatment to clean electronic equipment which is full of dust and dirt..