How to clean thermal paste?

[2001blader]

I removed my CPU cooler and need to redo thermal paste to put it back. I have new thermal paste, but how do I clean off the CPU and cooler? I want to use something dry if possible. Also please mention hings that I already have.

 

[Benevolence]

99% IPA (Rubbing Alcohol) and a coffee filter. The point is the IPA will evaporate, and the coffee filter will not leave debris on the CPU surface. A q-tip and IPA will be a good choice too, just don't use water.
Also don't use one of those "organic" coffee filters, just the bleached white kind.

 

[elmo2006]

I removed my CPU cooler and need to redo thermal paste to put it back. I have new thermal paste, but how do I clean off the CPU and cooler? I want to use something dry if possible. Also please mention hings that I already have.

Acetone, isopropyl alcohol, rubbing alcohol or ethanol should do the trick with either a lint free cloth or a q-tip. The purer the solution the better.

Please ensure that the system is off (obviously) and the CPU and heatsink are not hot to the touch.

 

[laviniuc]

wet wipes work or glasses cleaning wipes or a fine cloth soaked in medicinal alcohol. you can even wash it under warm water and soap. the cpu-s are fully water proof if you wait for them to dry properly afterwards. just be careful not to damage the pins.

 

[laviniuc]

I removed my CPU cooler and need to redo thermal paste to put it back. I have new thermal paste, but how do I clean off the CPU and cooler? I want to use something dry if possible. Also please mention hings that I already have.

Acetone, isopropyl alcohol, rubbing alcohol or ethanol should do the trick with either a lint free cloth or a q-tip. The purer the solution the better.

Please ensure that the system is off (obviously) and the CPU and heatsink are not hot to the touch.

you sure the acetone is ok?

 

[HEXiT]

isopropyl alcohol 90%+ also known as rubbing alcohol. is the best way. it leaves no residue behind to give the best possible contact between the paste and metal.
using water, ethanol, acetone will leave a residue and acetone will corrode the surface of a nickel plated cooler.
dont use wet wipes as they leave a perfume residue... yes if you can smell it theres perfume still on it.

 

[TryHardVermin]

99% IPA (Rubbing Alcohol) and a coffee filter. The point is the IPA will evaporate, and the coffee filter will not leave debris on the CPU surface. A q-tip and IPA will be a good choice too, just don't use water.
Also don't use one of those "organic" coffee filters, just the bleached white kind.

Why can't you sue the organic coffee filters?

 

[HEXiT]

they leave fibers behind.

 

[TryHardVermin]

they leave fibers behind.

oh, thanks

 

[docbooth]

I removed my CPU cooler and need to redo thermal paste to put it back. I have new thermal paste, but how do I clean off the CPU and cooler? I want to use something dry if possible. Also please mention hings that I already have.

Acetone, isopropyl alcohol, rubbing alcohol or ethanol should do the trick with either a lint free cloth or a q-tip. The purer the solution the better.

Please ensure that the system is off (obviously) and the CPU and heatsink are not hot to the touch.

"Acetone"!!! Little aggressive, kinda like taking a machine gun to an archery competition. I compliment you on the rest of your suggestion. I can see acetone's controlled use in unique circumstances such as antique restoration or fire recovery.