Dusting off a cpu...

[Lateralus655]

Hey all I installed my cpu about a week ago but I had to buy a new cooler because the one I bought wasn't compatible with the case. Do I need to clean off the cpu before installing the cooler? If so would 70% rubbing alcohol work ? What do I use to clean ? Qtip? Coffee filter?

 

[Ancient_2]

a wet towel would work but the coffee filter or rubbing alcohol would work

 

[Lateralus655]

Sorry for the wrong title autocorrect lol

 

[EJRONAN]

the 70% rubbing alcohol is fine but i recommend you use a microfibercloth or q tips just make sure there is no cotton from the q tip left on the cpu itself and that no thermal paste remains and then when installing the new heatsynk put a rice grain sized dob of thermal paste on the cpu place on the cooler rub around a few times (DO NOT REMOVE HEAT SYNK OR YOU WILL NEED TO START OVER) and tighten down thats all that there is to it

 

[matt4x4]

95% alcohol from drug mart and a non-lint rag.

 

[Lateralus655]

Could dust on the cpu itself interfere with the thermal paste?

 

[matt4x4]

95% alc + non lint rag wont hurt.
Yes dust will interefere with paste.

 

[synphul]

Sorry for the wrong title autocorrect lol

I fixed it for you. Not a big deal, it happens. At least this way others may not look at it odd mistaking it for being really off topic.