ArctiClean Worth It? and CPU Cleaning Technique

B

Berix

n00b
Joined
Jun 14, 2006
Messages
24
Is it worth it to buy ArctiClean to remove the stock thermal paste that comes with the stock AMD HS/F? I heard that the stock paste is very hard to remove. And also, does using ArctiClean as opposed to using 91% alcohol (or other solvent) result in any noticable temperature difference?

And when removing the stock paste from the CPU, how much pressure can I apply when rubbing to remove the paste with alcohol (I wouldn't want to break the CPU or anything)?

As to the twisting the HS/F while pulling up technique for removing the cooler; it doesn't look like I would be able to do that in my comp. It looks like the retention bracket would be in the way of it being able to twist.

And I've heard of using a hairdryer to soften the thermal paste. Won't that hurt the CPU with the high temps? I've used a hairdryer on a thermometer before and the mercury goes all the way to the top. Also, where should I aim the hairdryer seeing as I can't aim it directly at the thermal paste if the HS/F is installed. And is it safe to aim the hairdryer DIRECTLY on the CPU once the HS/F is off to make removing the thermal paste on the CPU easier?
 
I have used both the AC cleaning stuff and alcohol, and I would say it really doesn't matter at all.

You can apply plenty of pressure, most likely your HSF is putting more pressure on it right now than you would ever have to to clean it.

You'll have to take off the retention bracket to take the HSF off anyways, so I don't see where that problem is.

And I'm pretty positive that a CPU gets a lot hotter when in use than a hairdryer would ever make it, so I wouldn't worry about that at all.

What HSF do you have?
 
MonoDestro said:
You'll have to take off the retention bracket to take the HSF off anyways, so I don't see where that problem is.
Click to expand...
I think I'm probably using the wrong word. I'm talking about that square plastic thing that's attached to the motherboard that the HS/F clips onto. It appears it would prevent the HS/F from twisting since the botton of the HS/F is inside that square.

And what is it that I have to take off to remove the HS/F? I don't know what your definiton of "retention bracket" is.


MonoDestro said:
What HSF do you have?
Click to expand...
I'm using the stock AMD cooler that came with my CPU.
 
ArctiClean is worth every penny! I got it to try it out and I will never go back!
 
I dont care what anyone says. Articlean is good, but man, its not worth it. As any experienced member can tell you, isopropyl alcohol works great. It costs like what, $1.00-$2.00 at the drug/grocery store? You dont have to worry about shipping costs or buying it online... Just get some isopropyl alcohol and be done. Its what ive been using for years.
 
I clean AS off with just a paper towel and nothing else. There's definitely no need for special, overpriced cleaners.
 
I used the Arctic cleaner a couple of time to remove some TIM and I got to tell you that this stuff disolves them like nothing else. Yeah, alcohol will work as I have used it for years and it always worked just fine also but it takes more efforts to remove TIMs. Arctic cleaner simply takes a couple of seconds. It removes also glue residues.. My P5AD2-E motherboard came attached with the "X" back plate for LGA775 heatsink and I had to remove it because my 9500 LED came with its own backplate. When I finished removing it, I used AC and it disolved all residues instantly. So in the end, yes, I find it to be very usefull and worth it. For the price, I bet it will last you a while.

On the other hand, I would only use it for cleaning "hard to clean" stuff. Cleaning old thermal paste on CPU is a waste. In that case, alcohol is just fine.

Hope this helps,

Para
 
Ok I see what you are saying now. To tell you the truth the last time I took off a HSF, the whole proc. came out with it. :eek:

Nothing was harmed though, just try to twist it a little bit, if that doesn't work try heating it, then I guess just try pulling it straight out. If the proc comes out with it no big deal, just try not to bend any pins.
 
Cobalt2112 said:
I use Goof-OFF ... Is it adviseable?
Click to expand...

You would need to use alcohol or some other evaporative cleaner after because that stuf leaves an oily residue.
 
I use goofoff too... it cuts thru the stuff way better than alchohol... and it evaporates too btw... there is other oily stuff that you shouldn't use like googone.
 
444 said:
I use goofoff too... it cuts thru the stuff way better than alchohol... and it evaporates too btw... there is other oily stuff that you shouldn't use like googone.
Click to expand...

ahh i assumed googone and goooff were similar, guess I was wrong though!
 
I hear some people use acetone and brake cleaner too, but I've never tried it. Anyhow you should try alcohol first because sometimes it's good enough and goofoff has the tendency to eat through plastic. More than once I've tried to clean something off plastic and it ended up smeared, it definitely wasn't good for that cd :eek: .
 
i just got some artcticlean (free gift) and i'll say it did a great job of getting the tim off the heatsink and proc. Yes alcohol works, but this literally took seconds. Usually it takes 3-4 passes to get the real caked on stuff off with just alcohol.
This stuff smells real good too.

i dunno if i would buy it, but i will say it works very well
 
Well there's an advantage... it probably smells better than goofoff :p .
 
has a citrus smell...i enjoy it. I decided to clean another proc to see if it made any difference, i cleaned it and it looks like it has a lot more luster, and took no time at all. I like this stuff, i think i would go and buy it myself once this stuff runs out.
 
dtess17 said:
has a citrus smell...i enjoy it.
Click to expand...

ya know...some model glue has the same smell...and I enjoyed that when I was a kid as well...of course...I also literally ATE mercury thermometers...maybe that could explain a few things...hmmmmm :p
 
i ate tree bark as a kid. All kids eat weird stuff. It's their nature

alternate use for said arcticlean...removes stains from clothes!
 
I used rubbing alcohol + wash rag + microfibre cloth at the end. This was just today, then applied some new AS5 and new HSF. All is working great!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top