[SOLVED] Thermal Paste Application

[wm3797]

I want to clean the dust in, under the CPU fan and its surroundings underneath. To do that, I'll need to take the cpu fan out. Do I have to re-apply thermal paste?

 

[XxDarkMario20xX]

Yes you need to re apply the thermal paste when you take the cpu cooler off

 

[Deleted member 2720853]

Always, without thermal paste, the cooler is virtually useless. Clean the underside of the heatsink and the processor itself (don't take it out of the socket) with some isopropyl alcohol, then re-apply a dot of thermal paste on the middle of the processor. Once the cooler is clean, place it back and screw it back in with a X-pattern, constantly changing between screws. Don't screw it in too tight.

 

[wm3797]

Always, without thermal paste, the cooler is virtually useless. Clean the underside of the heatsink and the processor itself (don't take it out of the socket) with some isopropyl alcohol, then re-apply a dot of thermal paste on the middle of the processor. Once the cooler is clean, place it back and screw it back in with a X-pattern, constantly changing between screws. Don't screw it in too tight.

Can I use water and paper towel or tissue? Isopropyl alcohol is very limited now.

 

[Deleted member 2720853]

Can I use water and paper towel or tissue? Isopropyl alcohol is very limited now.

I would NOT recommend that.

 

[Zizo007]

Can I use water and paper towel or tissue? Isopropyl alcohol is very limited now.

No, water conducts electricity. Your pc will short circuit and might burn.

 

[wm3797]

No, water conducts electricity. Your pc will short circuit and might burn.

I mean to use little weater to clean the cpu and heatsink, then wipe it dry.

 

[Deleted member 2720853]

I mean to use little weater to clean the cpu and heatsink, then wipe it dry.

Never use water to clean any component. I would recommend getting some Noctua (or any) thermal compound wipes, if you don't have a bottle of isopropyl alcohol handy.

 

[SamirD]

Can I use water and paper towel or tissue? Isopropyl alcohol is very limited now.

I would not use water, but the tissue should be fine--just be sure to clean up any paper lint left behind.

 

[SamirD]

I mean to use little weater to clean the cpu and heatsink, then wipe it dry.

No, you actually don't need water or even alcohol. I just wipe it with tissues and then polish the surface with a tissue until the tissue comes back clean.