Cleaning off thermal paste

[nickanderson]

What is the best way to clean off thermal paste on top of a CPU that of course will not harm it?

Also, has anyone ever shipped a CPU before that doesnt have the original packaging? Any easy way to do it thats safe for the pins?


thanks

 

[contoursvt]

What kind of thermal paste and what do you mean safe for the pins? The thermal paste should be on top of the CPU, nowhere that the pins or socket can contact.

 

[upriverpaddler]

For cleaning, use 90% isopropyl alcohol (at your corner drug store for $0.97) and q-tips.

I have 2 processors waiting for a home with the pins stuck in a small piece of foam with the foam cut to fit in a cardboard box. (I expect to get some ESD comments.)

 

[wee96]

Ive never had a need to use alcohol, as all the paste ive ever used (several brands, including arctic silver) comes off easily with your finger wrapped with a paper towel. You really wanna only use the tip of your finger and just scrape it off, it gets it off completely and doesnt leave any lint, etc. Im sure there are some people who will say you should use a lintless paper like a coffee filter or something, but you dont need to be that paranoid If its been baked on and is the cheaper stuff, then I can see possibly using alcohol to loosen it, I just have never had the need to do that.

 

[cx323]

for shipping a processor i push the pins into some foam. then i put it in an anti-static bag and wrap it up in bubble wrap

 

[Juic3]

90% pure isopropyl alcohol and push the cpu pins into some foam, like they said already

Good luck!