Removing Thermal Paste with white spirit?

[Syndicution]

Can I use white spirit to remove thermal paste? Because stores in Norway do not sell isopropyl alcohol in any way...
Or are there any other ways to remove it?

 

[Grimwinder]

White spirits might leave a residue, due to it's make up, so many discourage using it. If rubbing alcohol isn't available, try finding some electronic contact cleaner. If you can find that, and only in spray form, spray a goodly amount into the can's cap or some other small thimble-like item until you get enough to dip a cotton swab in and use that to clean the paste. Be sure to allow the cleaned surface plenty of time to dry prior to reapplying the paste.

 

[molletts]

I wouldn't recommend it - white spirit leaves a greasy residue.

Have a look in an office supplies store at whiteboard cleaner - that's almost pure isopropyl alcohol. (I don't know what they would use instead if they're not allowed to sell that.)

Methylated spirit might be an acceptable substitute, but if IPA isn't allowed, I doubt meths would be - it's far more dangerous. The one drawback of meths is that it can also leave behind a residue but if you only use a small amount then wipe the surface with a little water after the meths has dried you should be OK. (The residue isn't oily.)

I would advise against using acetone (nail varnish remover) on a CPU - it could strip off the surface of the package and may affect the adhesives used in the manufacturing process.

Stephen

 

[Syndicution]

White spirits might leave a residue, due to it's make up, so many discourage using it. If rubbing alcohol isn't available, try finding some electronic contact cleaner. If you can find that, and only in spray form, spray a goodly amount into the can's cap or some other small thimble-like item until you get enough to dip a cotton swab in and use that to clean the paste. Be sure to allow the cleaned surface plenty of time to dry prior to reapplying the paste.

Can I use WD-40 Electronic contact cleaner?

 

[Grimwinder]

As long as it's their Contact Cleaner and not regular old WD-40 (which would also leave a residue). Again make very sure it has evaporated completely before reappling the paste and powering up the PC.

 

[sizzling]

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