Changing CPU cooler.

Highlands · 19 Jun 2015 at 02:24

Going to be changing my CPU cooler would I need to clean the thermal paste off thoroughly if at all? If so, how would I go about this carefully to prevent scratches ect?

I've never done this before. Thanks!

pastymuncher · 19 Jun 2015 at 07:39

Yes you need to clean off the tim. The way I do it is wipe it off with a piece of kitchen roll and then clean the cpu's IHS and heatsink base with IPA dabbed on a cloth. Then apply fresh paste (unless the new cooler has it pre-applied) and then fit the cooler.

doyll · 19 Jun 2015 at 09:25

Basically as pastymuncher said.

I cut kitchen roll into 2" squares, then wipe up TIM and throw pieces instead of trying to work with bigger piece. Makes it much easier to keep TIM from jumping onto other things. And yes, it can jump at least a foot. It loves getting on things. Worse than gremlins it is.

Pure alcohol is a great cleaner.

Highlands · 19 Jun 2015 at 11:17

Thank you!

theMilitant · 20 Jun 2015 at 13:02

Nail varnish remover also works quite well for removing thermal paste if you don't have any pure alcohol around.

doyll · 20 Jun 2015 at 13:15

Be careful with it. It might eat plastic too.

I think acetone is main ingredient.

Trunkey · 20 Jun 2015 at 18:26

Acetone is all I ever use and yes it gets every where like the small square kitchen towel tip will use that next time my blocks off.