Cleaning off thermal compound

[dukefett]

hi, i need to remove the old thermal compound from a processor, is there any good/easy way to do this? thanks a lot

 

[three_sixteen]

Dont use anything thats harder then the metal that the heatsink is made out of.

I use my finger nails, despite the fact that it takes a long time and feels kinda gross.

You could probably use like a plastic knife or something too..

 

[bobsaget]

I just use a dry paper towel. It takes a while though.

 

[Cigolon]

i use a que tip,
works well. dip some rubbing alcohol onto it

 

[kronchev]

dump rubbing alcohol and scrape at it with cotton balls.

 

[velocitypimp]

use a high purity rubbing alchohol (90% ish) or denatured alchohol and a q-tip

 

[MoDsQuaD]

I use lint free cloths which I buy at staples, and 97% alcohol, or denatured, which is better, evaporates instantly, but 97% alcohol works, just dont drown the chip in it and yeah scrap with finger nail works too!!!

 

[sdk]

if its for a p4, make shure you tilt it on a 90degree angle so that the old tp and ancohold substance run of and dun't puddle under your chip


cute tip + 99 isproponol does the job

 

[MontyAC]

If the paste is really dry and hard to take off, soak a cloth or paper towel with rubbing alcohol and rub off the paste. Otherwise, use alcohol soaked qtips to remove the paste.

 

[FiZ]

Don't know if you should use your fingernails, unless you don't touch your fingers to the HS/processor. Oils on your hands = bad.

 

[Xeese]

xylol =)

 

[Dark Assassin]

Personally, I dab the old fashioned rubbing alcohol onto a Q-tip and smear the surface with it. Then, I use a toothpick to comb over any potential missed spots. It's cheap and effective.

Dark Assassin