When I install my new processor I'm going to use the heatsink and fan that's already in my computer so I'll need to clean the old thermal paste off the heat sink before applying the new stuff. What's the best method of cleaning it?
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Re: Cleaning the heatsink
You need some lint free cloths and some isopropyl alcohol (90%). Simply rub it on and clean.
You can also get some citrus based Articlean which is what i use. Comes with cleaner and surface primer. -
Re: Cleaning the heatsink
I use acetone for really heavy duty cleaning such as heatpaste which has been left on P4s for 6 years
(can get it from a local chemist in a little bottle) and as alex said, isopropyl alcohol for most other stuff.I Got mine from maplins and it was like £10 for a huuuuge can that should last till i die!
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Re: Cleaning the heatsink
ArctiClean! Great stuff! Cant believe its not butter!...wait wut?Comment
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Re: Cleaning the heatsink
I have some lint free clothes that I spray this LCD cleaner on to clean... LCD screens. I have to get some rubbing alcohol, though.
If I don't want the heatsink pulling the processor out with it, is it advised to do it right after the computer has been running for a bit, so that the paste is warm and not solid?Comment
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Re: Cleaning the heatsink
Well its unlikely the heatsink would pull out an Intel CPU as they are clamped in with the top part of the locking mechanism.Comment
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Re: Cleaning the heatsink
Ah sorry i didnt notice you had AMD thats my bad. My suggestion would be to do as you said and take it off after using the machine for a while so the paste is soft and also maybe *gently* rotate the heatsink a little bit as your removing it making sure not to put any downward pressure on it so you dont scratch the surface of the chip. This should brake compound up as your pulling it and reduce the chances of it staying stuck.Comment
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Re: Cleaning the heatsink
high quality isopropyl (MAKE SURE IT DOES NOT CONTAIN OILS) is best and cheapest imho.Comment
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Re: Cleaning the heatsink
Yeah I got a 99% one. I cleaned the thermal paste off the heat sink, and cleaned the top of the new processor (cause we got finger prints on it, so we just wanted to be sure), put a rice-sized dab of thermal paste (Arctic silver 5) right in the middle, and then put the heatsink back on. Decided not to spread it around. I ran Prime95 for a bit and the temps never went above 53C, and when playing games it never goes above 45C, so it looks like everything is good. UT3 now has playable FPS (<30 before, >50 now), CoD4 doesn't go below 60FPS (used to dip to 30 before), and BF2 doesn't go below 100 (used to go down to 40 - 50 sometimes), so I'm happy :)
Thanks for the tips guyzComment
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