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Cleaning CPU for fresh themal paste?

Roalith

Roalith

Roalith

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Joined
7 Sep 2003
Posts
2,280
Location
Hampshire
Looking at getting an Antec Kuhler to replace my stock fan, and get a decent overclock out of my chip.

Going to get some Arctic Silver Arcticlean stuff, but wondering what people's preferences are when it comes to applying it and scrubbing a chip clean? I'm sure I've read somewhere that people just use tissue paper, cotton pads (makeup removal type stuff) or cotton ear buds - but does anyone for example have a supplier of lint free cloth they use for this sort of thing?
 
I've used just a damp soft cloth for both the CPU and the Cooler before.....and it was fine :)...and to apply fresh paste i tend to use a cut off finger ( smooth side ) of a surgical glove
 
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I use plain tissue paper for other peoples builds. However, that tends to tear and leave bits of paper stuck in annoying places if you don't wish to remove the cpu from motherboard.

For my own systems I use cheap (but not budget) microfibre cloths at less than £1 each. Cut in half, one to remove gunk and the other to remove cleaning residue.
 
sadbuttrue said:
For my own systems I use cheap (but not budget) microfibre cloths at less than £1 each. Cut in half, one to remove gunk and the other to remove cleaning residue.
Click to expand...

Aha, just the sort of tip I was looking for. Presumably no problems with static etc?
 
Personally I use isopropyl cleaning alcohol which does the job very well however before I got this stuff I just used a damp cloth and it worked well enough.
 
It really doesn't matter....

nail varnish remover is what I've been using for the past 15 years, but failing that...my finger, toilet paper, kitchen roll, dish cloth, whatever.

application is much more important and has the benefit of actually making a difference...

static?

LOL never used a wrist strap - ever. chuck stuff all over the place weekly never had a problem. Too much worrying about these finer things.
 
I just use a couple of sheets of decent quality kitchen roll along with nail varnish remover applied using cotton buds.
 
hernaldo said:
It really doesn't matter....

nail varnish remover is what I've been using for the past 15 years, but failing that...my finger, toilet paper, kitchen roll, dish cloth, whatever.

application is much more important and has the benefit of actually making a difference...

static?

LOL never used a wrist strap - ever. chuck stuff all over the place weekly never had a problem. Too much worrying about these finer things.
Click to expand...

same here! dont worry so much :0
 
Just lick it off :D





This is a joke don't actually try this as it is sure to taste like crap and not do you any good
 
I normally use a damp cloth, dry the parts lightly with another cloth and leave to dry for a few hours to make sure most moisture has gone. Have done this a few times and had no problems.
 
I bought some Akasa TIM remover once, it was great stuff. But I've since lost it so I just use the wife's nail polish remover + a credit card + cotton buds.

If I was doing multiple cpu's a week, I'd buy some more Akasa TIM remover.
 
Yeah, buying a batch of TIM remover just for one CPU is a bit of overkill... then again, I guess it's handy to have around. Will go for some with microfibre cloth, cheers chaps :)
 
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