Cleaning Processor

[BGates14]

What would you use to clean off thermal paste to reapply? Aside from the baught stuff, like something everyone would have at home.

 

[freestyler105]

According to the Arctic Silver manual, use some isopropyl alcohol or an acetone based cleaner. And for the heatsink, use isopropyl alcohol or a xylene based cleaner.

Get it off with a paper towel, Q-Tip, or a toothbrush.

Look at this:
http://www.arcticsilver.com/arctic_silver_instructions_big2.htm

 

[BGates14]

So just get the remaining off with a paper towel or QTip and then clean it with the alcohol again same way?

 

[freestyler105]

Yeah, basically. Read this:

Arctic Silver thermal compound can easily be removed from hardware using the proper cleaners and tools. For general clean-up, a cloth or paper towel will work well. Intricate cleaning can be accomplished with Q-tip swabs. An old toothbrush can often get the compound out of crevices that other tools cannot reach.

The recommended cleaners are:

CPU Core:
ArctiClean 1 Thermal Material Remover followed by ArctiClean 2 Thermal Surface Purifier. If you do not have ArctiClean, use high-purity isopropyl alcohol or acetone and a bit of careful rubbing.
Do not use nail polish remover as it contains fragrance oils and other contaminants.
(If you use acetone, do a final cleaning with isopropyl alcohol.)

 

[Anubis1980]

Dont laugh... cud u use lemon juice?, a tiny bit, or is it too acidic?. U can use it for most stuff to clean them spotlessly lol i have a new heatsink coming soon. But im thinking perhaps it might be too acidic.

 

[ownage]

i personally use 91% rubbing alcohol, or arti clean.

 

[Cabbs]

I just use rubbing alcohol.

 

[Celegorm]

goo-gone works pretty well too

 

[Taylor1]

i like to use isoproply alcohol, and q-tips. works effectively

 

[freestyler105]

I wouldn't use lemon juice...besides, most cleaners are bases, not acids...

Also, mote that once you apply thermal paste to a heatsink, you can never fully get it off, because it sticks in the microscopic valleys.