how to clean thermal paste off cpu

Joined Jan 5, 2008

6 Posts

Discussion Starter · #1 · May 22, 2008

So heres the thing, I recently got a new PC, and I'm about to get a dual core for it, hopefully, but I want to clean off the thermal paste from the other processor (for storage, or reselling, no idea yet)
What's the best way to clean thermal paste off used processors?
I will also do this to my other CPU's that I don't use, and some of them are pretty old (up to 8 year for one of my intels)
So, best way to clean a processor of old thermal paste?

The processor I'm replacing is good, but I changed my mind and want a dual core now, the system is only about a month old though. (It's not too good, just a basic PC for gaming and file storage, specs in my signature)

Joined Aug 22, 2007

627 Posts

You can use Arctic Silver cleaner, but I just wipe it with a paper towel and then clean it with a paper towel whetted with high purity isopropyl alcohol.

Joined Mar 4, 2008

4,045 Posts

This has been asked over and over again. The most common method is by using cotton swabs and isopropyl alcohol.

Joined Aug 22, 2007

627 Posts

Quote:

Originally Posted by onlycodered View Post
This has been asked over and over again. The most common method is by using cotton swabs and isopropyl alcohol.

I'm not a fan of cotton swabs, they tend to leave hairs everywhere.

Joined Mar 4, 2008

4,045 Posts

Quote:

Originally Posted by EmerilLIVE View Post
I'm not a fan of cotton swabs, they tend to leave hairs everywhere.

Yeah, but you can clean those off afterwards. They can be extremely helpful if the TIM is a bit stubborn at coming off.

Joined Aug 13, 2007

11,939 Posts

Best thing to use is 100% rubbing alcohol on a paper towel, then use a microfibre cloth to clean off the paper lint

Joined Aug 15, 2006

3,027 Posts

Yes, rubbing alcohol, as high % as possible. Nothing below 90%.

Cotton swabs don't leave hairs as far as I know...be sure to use plenty of alcohol so the thermal paste isn't sticking to the swab.

waqasr

Joined Oct 29, 2005

4,348 Posts

seriously..just a normal piece of tissue is fine..just wipe the stuff off until its clean...ive always done it like that.

Joined Feb 26, 2007

1,869 Posts

alright a final answer for you:

coffee filter

Isopropyl alcohol (90% or higher)

done.

Joined Mar 11, 2008

4,011 Posts

Quote:

Originally Posted by waqasr View Post
seriously..just a normal piece of tissue is fine..just wipe the stuff off until its clean...ive always done it like that.

Linty much. I strictly use coffee filters. The things are cheap enough.

Joined Apr 2, 2008

3,241 Posts

I use alcohol wipes, the kind that you use on cuts and stuff. They are usually %100 and take everything off with no leftovers. BUT I ONLY USE THAT FOR CERAMIC COMPOUND. For Silver-based compounts I use Arctic clean and a coffee filter.

Joined Sep 12, 2007

1,995 Posts

Quote:

Originally Posted by onelivestarfish View Post

alright a final answer for you:

coffee filter

Isopropyl alcohol (90% or higher)

done.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Liability View Post
Linty much. I strictly use coffee filters. The things are cheap enough.

Quote:

Are you sensing a pattern?
Use anything you want to get the majority of the goop off;
You can wipe it off on the Cat if ya want to

Then finish up with a Coffee filter and High % Isopropyl.

For even better result, then proceed with the ArcticClean -You'll be surprised at how much more comes off what appears to be a "spotlessly clean" surface -that you just did with Iso- when you use ArcticClean.

If you use the Iso first - You save on the ArctiClean and one $5 set will last you ages.\\
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