Question about Arcticlean

[Riddleofsteel]

Just out of curiosity, can I use 91% rubbing alcohol to remove old thermal paste or does it need to be 95 to 99 percent pure? I am trying to avoid buying arcticlean since it costs more than plain rubbing alcohol and takes a few days to show up. My last question is, what happens to the rubbing alcohol if it is past its expiration date? Thank you.

 

[Makeroflostsouls]

I just used 91% to clean my 6970 before putting on my new waterblock. I have always used 91% when cleaning computer parts for over 15 year's. Never been a issue. Arcticlean may work better but I can just run down to CVS or walmart and pick up some 91% alcohol. I wouldn't use it past the expiration due to the fact that the alcohol usally evaperates faster then the water and it may not be 91% any more. Go spend 3-5 bucks and get a new bottle.

 

[Lakevren]

Just out of curiosity, can I use 91% rubbing alcohol to remove old thermal paste or does it need to be 95 to 99 percent pure? I am trying to avoid buying arcticlean since it costs more than plain rubbing alcohol and takes a few days to show up. My last question is, what happens to the rubbing alcohol if it is past its expiration date? Thank you.

I've used 70% rubbing alcohol as well as 91% and Arctic clean. Not all at the same time of course, but arctic clean does get rid of it more... thoroughly. 70% is good enough.

As for expiration date... really, alcohol really doesn't expire until the bottle is empty due to evaporation. Here's another thread about it: http://hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=1489283