how to clean thermal paste of a cpu

Sabs1ZN · Post by **Sabs1ZN** » 06 Dec 2011, 10:03

hay guys i bought a new heatsink its a Hyper 212 EVO
now i just wanted to know wats the best way to clean the thermal pate of my cpu so i can install my new cpu cooler?

i have acetone,can this be used or do i need other things

thanks people

Hman · Post by **Hman** » 06 Dec 2011, 10:10

Acetone is good, most alcohols work fine. Just don't try brandy, I hear it makes the cpu a bit woozy.

Post by **Anakha56** » 06 Dec 2011, 10:13

Couple of ways.

Acetone works.

Lighter fluid also works. Used this in a pinch a couple of weeks back.

Take cpu out of socket, use a small amount of acetone on a paper towel and gently wipe away the paste. Also bear in mind to not touch the pins/pads on the underside of the CPU. Also best to make sure you are grounded first and that the cpu is resting on a static free surface. Once finished make sure it is dry before applying the new paste.

Sabs1ZN · Post by **Sabs1ZN** » 06 Dec 2011, 10:39

lol defnitely no brandy Hman

do i have to remove my cpu to do this?

Post by **Anakha56** » 06 Dec 2011, 10:42

It is advisable. Even though Acetone evaporates quite quickly I would not want to risk getting any of it near my motherboard. To scared I will leave a drop somewhere and it will go *poof*

.

Post by **Monty** » 06 Dec 2011, 10:44

I use the arctic cleaning stuff, it smells nice.

Another question, what is the best thermal paste available now?

Sabs1ZN · Post by **Sabs1ZN** » 06 Dec 2011, 10:45

okay man thats sumtin to watch for...i jst on anoda forum now about acetone and using it to remove thermal paste...acetone doesnt seem lyk a good option

http://www.overclock.net/t/779555/remov ... rmal-paste

Post by **Anakha56** » 06 Dec 2011, 10:51

Did not know that interesting...

Oh well, live and learn

.

Sabs1ZN · Post by **Sabs1ZN** » 06 Dec 2011, 10:57

so should i get isopropyl alcohol n use that...or just take my chances with acetone
has anybody used acetone to remove thermal paste?

Post by **Anakha56** » 06 Dec 2011, 11:05

I used to use it. But a couple of weeks back I was looking for it and was unable to find it. Thats why I used Zippo lighter fluid and just doing some Googling on that reveals that as well is not that safe. Oh well my CPU is working 100% so I am not to bothered

.

/note to self buy some rubbing booze later...

StarPhoenix · Post by **StarPhoenix** » 06 Dec 2011, 13:40

If, as I did, you opt to use Isopropyl Alcohol [available at your friendly pharmacy as "Surgical Spirits"], be sure to work in a well ventilated area, and replace the cap of the bottle as soon as you have applied the alcohol to the cotton bud or lint-free cloth you are using to clean you heatsink base or CPU.

For a more fragrant CPU, buy Cutex.

Hman · Post by **Hman** » 06 Dec 2011, 16:51

Cutex contains acetone which the previously linked forum states is an acid. But it's not an acid AFAIK.

StarPhoenix · Post by **StarPhoenix** » 07 Dec 2011, 07:54

Acetone is a simple Ketone and is often dissolved in water for use as a cleaning agent in laboratories. It is also produced and disposed of by the human body as part of the metabolic process. If ever you have starved, and have been pushing yourself too hard, the unpleasant metallic taste in your mouth is produced by ketones [this happens when the body begins to cannibalise itself.....

Post by **Monty** » 07 Dec 2011, 17:55

StarPhoenix wrote:Acetone is a simple Ketone and is often dissolved in water for use as a cleaning agent in laboratories. It is also produced and disposed of by the human body as part of the metabolic process. If ever you have starved, and have been pushing yourself too hard, the unpleasant metallic taste in your mouth is produced by ketones [this happens when the body begins to cannibalise itself.....

Your body is always cannibalizing itself.... Cells and cell products are broken down all the time, its part of how the body works.

Slimshaedy · Post by **Slimshaedy** » 08 Dec 2011, 06:07

I just wipe mine off with toilet paper, no spirits or anything. And the best TIM available AFAIK is Arctic Silver 5.

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