Cleaning CPU's

seb500 · 17 Feb 2011 at 15:36

Hi all

Recently got my new PC parts to go with an old proc I have, but I don't have any of the obvious things (Arctic Cleaning, Cleaning alcohol, etc).

So could someone recommend me something to clean a CPU from thermal paste that I could find in my house? I know to use a cotton bud and be gentle, but soak it in what!

Thanks for reading, appreciate any answers!

Hzza · 17 Feb 2011 at 15:37

I use cotton wool buds dipped in meths.

Philtor · 17 Feb 2011 at 15:38

Go to a Chemist and get a small bottle of Acetone and use it along with a glasses cleaning cloth. Acetone is also found in Nail Varnish remover but the perfume they add to it may not be ideal for cleaning your CPU

MikeHiow · 17 Feb 2011 at 15:39

Just pop to that blue electronics store, or perhaps even a chemist for some Isopropyl Alcohol?

Acetone is a fair bit more volatile/aggressive than IPA, and whilst it may be fine on modern heatspreaders, I'm not sure I'd want to risk it.

seb500 · 17 Feb 2011 at 15:51

shall pop down tomoz then, thanks

MaxP779 · 17 Feb 2011 at 16:05

Isopropyl and qtips does the job for me.

WingZero30 · 17 Feb 2011 at 16:08

MaxP779 said:
Isopropyl and qtips does the job for me.

This!!

Philtor · 17 Feb 2011 at 16:16

Always used Acetone and it worked a treat but it's a fair point about it being more aggressive than IPA I guess.

seb500 · 17 Feb 2011 at 16:31

qtips as in the things u clean ur ears with ;D?

Hzza · 17 Feb 2011 at 16:32

seb500 said:
qtips as in the things u clean ur ears with ;D?

Yup.

Clean ones though, don't use the ones covered in ear crap.

seb500 · 17 Feb 2011 at 16:36

Hzza said:
Yup.

Clean ones though, don't use the ones covered in ear crap.

lol ;D

Just found some electronic cleaning solvent (30190F, should be alright yes?

MouthBoy · 17 Feb 2011 at 17:03

I use my girlfriends nail varnish remover, it seems to do the trick really well.

gug54321 · 17 Feb 2011 at 17:19

carb and brake cleaner for me

Gin0rm0 · 17 Feb 2011 at 18:17

Cotton buds dipped in nail varnish remover.

wannabedamned · 17 Feb 2011 at 18:23

smeaney said:
I use my girlfriends nail varnish remover, it seems to do the trick really well.

Same

Luke_Bowman · 17 Feb 2011 at 18:28

I'v always used cleaning alcohol, really good at removing thermal paste, dust and any other gunk.

Luke_Bowman · 17 Feb 2011 at 18:28

Also rub it with a microfibre cloth

MouthBoy · 17 Feb 2011 at 18:30

wannabedamned said:
Same

You use MY girlfriends nail varnish remover?

LiamC · 17 Feb 2011 at 18:33

I actually just used some Glens Vodka to remove mine around 30mins ago! ( Made sure the vodka was clearly wiped off before i put the new stuff on however!! )

El Jimben · 17 Feb 2011 at 18:54

Akasa TIM cleaner as it leaves your CPU lemony fresh