Cleaning before applying TIM

Distracted

Distracted

Distracted

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I have a CPU and a GPU to clean with alcohol before i can apply the new TIM to them.

I also have a Lian Li case that loves finger prints and i will also be cleaning with alcohol.

My question is this. Is there a specific cloth that people are using that is lint free and reuasable?

In the past i have used whatever i have had to hand, but this time around i want to be particularly careful to do everything just right for a change. I know it isnt necessary but that is my goal just this once to get it out of my system.

Looking around I've found microfibre cloths mentioned but conflicting reviews about the quality of what I'm seeing. I've also seen cloths branded as lint free but again, the reviews weren't great and said the they didnt live up to their name.

If you have a specific product you would recommend for cleaning without scratching or leaving lint i would love to hear about it.
 
Those and that sort of thing are what i have used in the past. I've also had no issues using them, except with occasional small fibres being left behind.

Thats why i was hoping to find something lint free that just works. Doesn't need to be complicated or expensive.

I'll probably end up using an old rag.
 
pastymuncher said:
I use IPA and kitchen roll for cleaning cpu's, gpu's and motherboards. Any fibres that get left behind are blown away or in the case of motherboards and gpu's, brushed away with a 1/2" paintbrush. You don't need anything expensive.
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I do exactly the same, and if anybody asks IPA is Isopropyl Alcohol. I got a bottle from boots that has lasted me years though it might be harder to get now as they are weary of giving it to people who will drink it. :eek:
 
What pastymuncher said.

Small squares of paper towel, cotton buds and isopropyl alcohol usually do the trick.

I cut the paper towel into approx. 2-3" squares and then use each square only 1 or maybe 2 times before putting it in bin. TIM has a tendency to jump long distances and leave it's mark on things. I know this because before I started upsing small squares it would end up on things no even close to where i had removed it. ;)

Occasionally I use acetone or fingernail polish remover on really stubborn TIM, but be careful it does not get on to PCB because it will dissolve/eat some plastics used in our systems.
 
As mentioned above, kitchen roll and IPA are my go-to for cleaning almost anything, from guitars to electronics. You can use old T shirts too as they're good for stubborn marks.

I use lighter fluid in a pinch too, just be sure to polish off the marks with a clean bit of paper/cloth.

PC enthusiasts used to recommend paper coffee filters - it's like lint free heavy duty paper towel.
 
LuckyBenski said:
PC enthusiasts used to recommend paper coffee filters - it's like lint free heavy duty paper towel.
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I'd forgot about that until you mentioned it! I was never a coffee drinker so never really got round to using some as I once intended years ago.

I find paper towels great for cleaning monitors as well with no smears. Just dampen it slightly and clean away.
 
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