CPU cleaning

MatsyLR · 15 Jan 2013 at 17:22

What would be best to use for getting the thermal stuff of a CPU?
I have a bottle of white spirit that I could use with some q-tips, but I read that I shouldn't use that as it leaves behind residue or something.
I would buy some ISOPROPYL ALCOHOL, but the littlest bottle is still like £3.99 in most places online, not a lot but still unnecessary tbh...

Martini1991 · 15 Jan 2013 at 17:23

Toilet paper is what I've been using

snappyfish · 15 Jan 2013 at 17:25

I been using

100 x IPA Wipes 70% Isopropyl Alcohol for 99p + 95p Post of the bay.

PapaLazaru · 15 Jan 2013 at 17:26

What you have stated is your best bet. I have a small bottle of ISOPROPYL and to be honest, I have used it for cleaning CPU's and a load of other stuff as well. Beer in your keyboard? Cleans it. I have used it to clean electrical connections as well and get stains off stuff. It is pretty useful.

LukieBoy007 · 15 Jan 2013 at 17:28

I'd use some proper stuff tbh. I use the Akasa TIM Clean, works nice and smells great

Have you tried looking locally in shops like Boots? I know that some Boots stores and other pharmacies sell Isopropyl alcohol, and I've seen it for under £3.99 locally.

snips86x · 15 Jan 2013 at 17:28

This lasts for ages as you only use a few drops at a time. You get a nice Citrus smell too:

YOUR BASKET
1 x Arctic Silver ArctiClean Thermal Material Remover and Surface Purifier - 60ml Kit £4.79
Total : £8.70 (includes shipping : £3.26).

BoonMonkey · 15 Jan 2013 at 17:32

Used my finger before. Don't recommend that.

MatsyLR · 15 Jan 2013 at 17:42

Ok, lets say I'm just super cheap and I'm reluctent to buy cpu cleaning stuff unless I can find it in poundland or something

Will the white spirits be ok as long as I use just enough to get the gunk off and then use lots paper towl to get the cpu sqeaky sqeaky clean?
Or maybe nail polish remover? ;p

Doomedspeed · 15 Jan 2013 at 17:45

BoonMonkey said:
Used my finger before. Don't recommend that.

That doesn't even sound like id work. Good on for for trying though; so no-one else has too.

Hedge · 15 Jan 2013 at 23:05

I've used nail polish remover and kitchen roll in the past.

No idea if that was a bad thing but I had no issues

lee32uk · 15 Jan 2013 at 23:31

Hammer and Chisel

BrianB · 15 Jan 2013 at 23:36

Use thermal paste remover followed by Isopropyl Alcohol 99%.

I find this the best way. TBH Tim Clean is good enough, or Arcticlean is good too.

Otherwise just lick it off, tastes like anchovies.

MatsyLR · 15 Jan 2013 at 23:48

Your all listing options that you have to pay 5quid+ for...I'm a cheap git.
Might just get a pack of 70% iso pad's cheap 99p....if no where localy (checking on thursday) has the 99% stuff for cheap.

Philtor · 15 Jan 2013 at 23:50

IPA and glasses cleaning cloth. Works a treat and even a small bottle goes a long way!

darael · 16 Jan 2013 at 09:49

Lighter fluid from the pound shop. Yes, really!

unleashed · 16 Jan 2013 at 10:37

missus nail polish remover....free

d_brennen · 16 Jan 2013 at 10:39

Can we have a sticky at the top of the CPU section? This thread comes up every week

Personally I use Swan lighter fluid (for no other reason than it's the only lighter fluid I have) and kitchen towel

JimboJet · 16 Jan 2013 at 11:02

Have used white spirit without problems so far on 10 or so installs and repastes. Though no doubt there's a few reasons why I shouldn't... will google.

<edit> Seems a lot of people also use white spirit though most prefer 99% Isopropyl Alcohol as it leaves no residue. Apparently white spirit is a petroleum based distillate so it may leave a thin "oily residue" film. However as I've already said I've used it without trouble and temps don't appear to be affected and my pc hasn't burst into flames yet!