removing TIM from CPU pin

[JohnnyLucky]

My motherboard died a very quick death. The large heatsink was easy to remove. I used two fingers to carefully remove the cpu from the socket. As I was about to put the cpu down it started to rotate and I used my thumb to stop it. I accidently got a very tiny bit of TIM on two gold pins. What is the safest way to remove the TIM without killing the CPU?

 

[rockbyter]

get some rubbing alcohol, and a q-tip, carefully whipe it off, take your time. no problem, no worries.

 

[JohnnyLucky]

My girlfriend has Isopropyl Rubbing Alcohol 70% USP - Is that okay or do I need a different concentration?

I also have ArtiClear ! Thermal Material Remover and ArtiClear 2 Thermal Surface Purifier

Is one better than the other?

 

[rockbyter]

those products are for the top of the cpu, if you choose to use them, i would use the rubbing alcohol over the top of them to get rid of the residue. the 70% is fine, dab it dry and let it sit at room temperature for a few hours to make sure it evaporates and its ready to go.

 

[JohnnyLucky]

OK! Thanks!

 

[rubix_1011]

Just soak it in diesel fuel for a day or so. What? Not a good idea you say? I don't see why not...

(I really hope you see sarcasm in this post...)