TIM Removal Query

kapows

kapows

kapows

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21 Jun 2010
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If my CPU has TIM, and my new HSF has pre Applied TIM, do i need to remove the TIM from my CPU? Or HSF?

The TIM on my CPU is olddddddd and looking worn down....

Do i need a TIM remover or are there any home remedies?
 
isopropyl alcohol and cotton buds. remove the old crud from the cpu. what is your new hsf? depending on the type of TIM used you might se better results cleaning both and applying some mx-2 or arctic silver
 
hsf is arctic cooler freezer pro rev 2

where do i get that isosososos aclohol??

sorry i could google it i know anywhere local like asda?
 
kapows said:
hsf is arctic cooler freezer pro rev 2

where do i get that isosososos aclohol??

sorry i could google it i know anywhere local like asda?
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You can get Isopropyl alcohol from most hardware or electronics stores, can't name the big electronics store chain as they are a competitor but they do 1 litre of it for £6.

You could also use the Akasa TIM Cleaner that OcUK sell here: http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=OA-001-AK - I bought some around 5 years ago and still use it on my builds. Your local independent PC shop might have it too.
 
believe it or not i have no local pc shops i had one but he shut down and that was that next one is probably pc world about 15 miles away!!

oh check this i rang currys to enquire about ethernet cables and they said 5mtre for 15 quid!!!!

i says to the fella what is it made of gold or something even he was rather amused at the price ridiculous!!

my asda did 5mtre for 5 pound yeh bit expensive compared to online but it did the job!!!

anyway thanks for the help and ill get to removing the crud -

cant order off overclocks cos i dont get free del but i have a mate who gets it for scan-dinavia lol
 
Big branch chemists don't even always stock it, at least I just got a blank look in Boots and Lloyds. I hear local owned chemists are a better bet but even they might need to order it in.

I just buy mine online, as the only local PC place doesn't do anything like that.
 
Shoot me down in flames for this, but I am always changing CPU heatsinks to review them and I always use nail vanish remover. Never had a single problem and temps have always been spot on!

Just don't spill it on a vanished table or anything plastic...
 
Crowort said:
Big branch chemists don't even always stock it, at least I just got a blank look in Boots and Lloyds. I hear local owned chemists are a better bet but even they might need to order it in.

I just buy mine online, as the only local PC place doesn't do anything like that.
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you're quite right, small local chemists are your best bet. my local had none in stock but ordered it up and had the next morning.
 
jellybeard999 said:
Nail Varnish remover is a good alternative.
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I have to disagree, most nail varnish removers contain ingredients that you wouldn't want such as aloe vera. I recommend isopropanol. It's inexpensive and easily available on the internet. I'm not sure whether I can mention where (seen as though OC's don't sell it) but it's not hard to find.

I pour a small amount into an egg cup and use cotton buds and a microfibre cloth if you've got one (most of the time you can use those small clothes you use to clean spectacles).

I also recommend that you get some Artic Silver 5, not too expensive and the reviews are always excellent. For the most part, TIM that comes with most hardware isn't that great. Oh, and avoid thermal pads like the plague... they're rubbish!
 
can't buy Isopropyl Alcohol any more in Boots or Superdrug they used to sell it but no longer. I get mine at the auction site, 5 quids worth lasts me ages, also if you dilute the Isopropyl 1:1 with distilled water you have a great cleaner for your LCD screen which doesn't leave any smears.

I don't recommend using nail varnish remover (acetone), most of them are scented using chemical additives and all of them contain anti-fungicides, how that interacts with thermal compounds is anyones guess. Stick with pure Isopropyl Alcohol.

-
 
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Acentone is fine

TIM can be removed from a CPU and / or HSF by gently applying a small amount of TIM remover, acetone, Isopropyl, ethonol (denatured Alcholol such as metholated spirits), or any other organic solvent using a dry lint free cloth. Do not use any parafin based products such as white spirit.
 
I work in a foundry, and use IPA on a daily basis. I could point people n the right direction of suppliers if needs be. it works a treat, wipe it off both cpu and heat sink, then thinly re apply to both, then put as5 on the cpu as per directions of the website
 
Doctor McNinja said:
I have to disagree, most nail varnish removers contain ingredients that you wouldn't want such as aloe vera. I recommend isopropanol. It's inexpensive and easily available on the internet. I'm not sure whether I can mention where (seen as though OC's don't sell it) but it's not hard to find.
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If you get the perfume etc free ones they're fine, for example, the one I've just picked up from the bathroom is Isopropanol, Aqua and Glycerine. It acts EXACTLY like isopropanol, quickly evaporating etc. The glycerine is in such small quantities it's a non issue.

I used to use Isopropranol when the local chemist sold it in small bottles, but now I'm not changing hardware every 2 seconds I don't use it as much and the 3L bottles they now sell would be a poor investment :p
 
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