Is Isopropyl alchohol needed?

[TheIcedCanadian]

i am a first time builder and I will be installing a watercoolet so do I need isopropyl to clean it before putting the cooler on?

 

[oczdude8]

If you are buying a brand new CPU, the CPU will be clean. No need of Alcohol. Alcohol is only used to clean the old thermal paste off, so you can apply a fresh coat.

 

[TheIcedCanadian]

If you are buying a brand new CPU, the CPU will be clean. No need of Alcohol. Alcohol is only used to clean the old thermal paste off, so you can apply a fresh coat.

What about if I install the stock fan onto it when it is outside of the case to test, then install the block inside the case. Do I need it now?

 

[oczdude8]

Yes, the stock fan has thermal paste on it, therefore, when you put it on the cpu, you get thermal paste on your cpu. If you want to install a different cooler afterwards, you have to clean the older thermal paste off with alcohol.