Should I remove CPU to clean thermal paste?

rdjg22

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Oct 9, 2013
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I'm wondering if I should remove the CPU to clean off thermal paste to install an H100i, or if you can just leave it in the socket. Also, what would be good to clean it off with?
 
Solution
You can clean it in the socket, and in some cases this is safer as you avoid bending pins or getting residue on the contact pads.

You can use a paper towel and Q-Tips to remove the heavy paste from the surface and edges of the CPU
For finished cleaning, use a low lint or lint free wipe
For both steps above, use a small amount of rubbing alcohol dabbed onto whatever you will be wiping with. 91% alcohol is best, and can be found at most pharmacies

Other specialized products like Arcti-Clean are also good to use and very effective

Your goal is 2 fold:

1) Don't gunk up or spill tons of cleaner and left over thermal paste on your board or CPU socket
2) Leave a clean, lint free surface on the CPU for the new cooler and TIM
You don't need to take the CPU out of its socket, I cleaned the thermal paste while it was sitting in the motherboard.

To remove the old paste you can use nail polish remover with a ball of absorbent cotton. That should do it well!
 
You can clean it in the socket, and in some cases this is safer as you avoid bending pins or getting residue on the contact pads.

You can use a paper towel and Q-Tips to remove the heavy paste from the surface and edges of the CPU
For finished cleaning, use a low lint or lint free wipe
For both steps above, use a small amount of rubbing alcohol dabbed onto whatever you will be wiping with. 91% alcohol is best, and can be found at most pharmacies

Other specialized products like Arcti-Clean are also good to use and very effective

Your goal is 2 fold:

1) Don't gunk up or spill tons of cleaner and left over thermal paste on your board or CPU socket
2) Leave a clean, lint free surface on the CPU for the new cooler and TIM
 
Solution


Should have mentioned in my original post that I'm asking because I have arctic silver compound on it right now so I'm concerned about getting that in the socket or elsewhere