What is safe to clean thermal paste from CPU?

boarder981 · 09-14-2005, 02:21 PM

I know that you should use 99% isopropyl alcohol to clean off thermal paste from CPUs, but what kind of swab or cloth is used to wipe it?

Is a Q-tip safe, or will that leave tiny cotton fibers that may interfere with the next application of thermal paste?

Sierra_abx · 09-14-2005, 02:23 PM

Use a lint-free cotton towel. Old underwear also works well.

PeterT · 09-14-2005, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boarder981

I know that you should use 99% isopropyl alcohol to clean off thermal paste from CPUs, but what kind of swab or cloth is used to wipe it?

Is a Q-tip safe, or will that leave tiny cotton fibers that may interfere with the next application of thermal paste?

I have used Q-Tips many times. I never had a problem with the fibers staying on the surface. Even if one does stay there, they are big enough to see and remove.

*Bofinn* · 09-14-2005, 03:17 PM

You could also use wet sandpaper:

http://www.overclockersclub.com/guid...ppingguide.php

boarder981 · 09-14-2005, 03:19 PM

Don't think I have any lint-free towels ... gonna have to check the underwear drawer

<EDIT> That wet sand paper was used on the heatsink ... I wouldn't dare use it on the processor :eek:

RangersFan · 09-14-2005, 03:57 PM

http://www.performance-pcs.com/catal...oducts_id=2759

Cogar · 09-14-2005, 06:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PeterT

I have used Q-Tips many times. I never had a problem with the fibers staying on the surface. Even if one does stay there, they are big enough to see and remove.

This is also my experience. Let me add that since 99% alcohol is difficult to find (at least where I live), I have used ~90% alcohol (I forgot the exact percentage) and it seems to work fine.

8itgreat · 09-14-2005, 06:23 PM

i just use cotton swabs (q-tips) and cotton balls....i dont bother using the 99% rubbing alcohol either...just make sure its good and dry before you put it back in the mobo. Actually i prefer cleaning it while its in the mobo, took it out one time and it was very late at night and i was a bit tired and wound up bending a few pins lol...i gently used a credit card to bend them back and all worked out in the end...

dddibley · 09-14-2005, 10:36 PM

Coffee filters work pretty good too. Easy to find

As for cleaning.. a drop of engine degreaser on a coffee filter followed by a thorough isopropyl alcohol cleansing. Especially good for thermal pad removal.

ddd

Eldonko · 09-14-2005, 10:40 PM

I use shop towels, its like paper tower but cloth. Leaves no fibres.

epicbard · 09-14-2005, 10:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sierra

Use a lint-free cotton towel. Old underwear also works well.

oh boy... and i just read this > Link <

hondaman_abx · 09-15-2005, 12:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by epicbard

oh boy... and i just read this > Link <

Sierra_abx · 09-15-2005, 12:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by epicbard

oh boy... and i just read this > Link <

I should add that I use my own underwear.

epicbard · 09-15-2005, 12:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sierra

I should add that I use my own underwear.

Oh good. I was afraid you were using Mrs. Sierra's unmentionables. It would be a very amusing situation if she caught you doing it.

Henesseynalert · 09-15-2005, 12:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sierra

I should add that I use my own underwear.

Lolz, whatever works I say it's all good

I mostly use paper towels combined with q-tips w/ either acetone or alcohol 70%.

09-14-2005, 02:21 PM	#1
boarder981 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2002 Posts: 244	What is safe to clean thermal paste from CPU? I know that you should use 99% isopropyl alcohol to clean off thermal paste from CPUs, but what kind of swab or cloth is used to wipe it? Is a Q-tip safe, or will that leave tiny cotton fibers that may interfere with the next application of thermal paste?
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09-14-2005, 02:23 PM	#2
Sierra_abx Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003 Posts: 13,880	Use a lint-free cotton towel. Old underwear also works well.
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09-14-2005, 03:17 PM	#4
Bofinn I'm gettin' dizzy! Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Chicagoland Posts: 11,035	You could also use wet sandpaper: http://www.overclockersclub.com/guid...ppingguide.php __________________ ---------- JimBo ----------- When in doubt, smack it!
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09-14-2005, 03:19 PM	#5
boarder981 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2002 Posts: 244	Don't think I have any lint-free towels ... gonna have to check the underwear drawer <EDIT> That wet sand paper was used on the heatsink ... I wouldn't dare use it on the processor :eek: Last edited by boarder981 : 09-14-2005 at 03:26 PM.
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09-14-2005, 03:57 PM	#6
RangersFan Registered User Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: New York Posts: 447	http://www.performance-pcs.com/catal...oducts_id=2759
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09-14-2005, 06:23 PM	#8
8itgreat Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Oregon (From Toronto) Posts: 793	i just use cotton swabs (q-tips) and cotton balls....i dont bother using the 99% rubbing alcohol either...just make sure its good and dry before you put it back in the mobo. Actually i prefer cleaning it while its in the mobo, took it out one time and it was very late at night and i was a bit tired and wound up bending a few pins lol...i gently used a credit card to bend them back and all worked out in the end...
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09-14-2005, 10:36 PM	#9
dddibley Time well wasted Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: British Columbia Posts: 2,276	Coffee filters work pretty good too. Easy to find As for cleaning.. a drop of engine degreaser on a coffee filter followed by a thorough isopropyl alcohol cleansing. Especially good for thermal pad removal. ddd
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09-14-2005, 10:40 PM	#10
Eldonko Revolutionary Mule Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Calgary, AB Posts: 2,987	I use shop towels, its like paper tower but cloth. Leaves no fibres. __________________ PM me for Mushkin questions or support.
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