What do i use to clean my CPU

[AY786]

What is it i should use to clean the CPU so i can put some new dye on it. Do i have to buy it as well or can there be something that i would most likely have in my house?

 

[ep1taph]

Been answered before, but I'll give a short version here. Use search if you want more details.

A common household item that is often used to remove thermal paste from components is Isopropyl rubbing alocohol. Use it to get a paper towel mildly damp, then rub the object (in this case a CPU) until you have removed all the excess thermal compound.

You can buy dedicated cleaning solutions from companies like Arctic Cooling, but I find that the rubing alcohol works great.

 

[InorganicMatter]

Rubbing alcohol on a paper towel to remove the majority of it. When most of it's gone, use rubbing alcohol on a q-tip to do the fine-cleaning.

 

[TicTac]

to be honest, I removed basically all thermal compound on most of my cpus with some firm rubbing with lint free cloth

 

[AY786]

thanks for the advice guys, ive just bought some rubbing alocohol so ill use that and some lint free cloth as well.

When i put my artic silver on what shall i use to spread it as i dont think ive got a spreader?

 

[Methos]

I use lighter fluid.

I don't smoke, either.

 

[Adidas4275]

Rubbing alcohol

 

[-=WooDWorKeR420=-]

An alcohol towellette, the ones you use or see in a first aid kit are perfect. SUPER CHEAP too.

 

[Rabid Badger]

thanks for the advice guys, ive just bought some rubbing alocohol so ill use that and some lint free cloth as well.

When i put my artic silver on what shall i use to spread it as i dont think ive got a spreader?

What kind of processor do you have? If you have an A64, you don't need to spread it. Just put a dab the size of half a grain of rice in the center of the processor and install the heatsink. Same goes for anything else with an IHS.

If you have an Athlon XP, dab a tiny, tiny bit on the processor and spread it with a razor blade as thin as you possibly can.

 

[Slartibartfast]

I use acetone w/ a lens cleaning cloth, works great.

 

[kill4killin]

You dont necessarily have to spread the thermal paste onto the cpu, however, i have found i get better results with temps when i do. Doesnt mean it will for you, but i find that when i spread it with a razor blade as thin as i possibly can, i get the best temp results. I also lapped my HS and Processor so...mine is perfectly flat (more or less at least) so i dont need it to fill any pits or scratches that some people may have.

 

[AY786]

I have an athlon 64 X2 (4800). Could i use an old credit card to spread it and get it flat?

 

[2Fresh]

I use 409 to clean mine..and i use my finger to spread thermal paste.