Getting rid of thermal paste

[PureAppleJuice]

My gelid trenquilo arrived today, I was impatient when my new parts came so built the system using the stock cooler.

What's the best way of scrapping the old paste on top of the chip? Can I just carefully wipe it off with some tissue or lint free cloth? I've got some AS5 to put on top now...

 

[Lemin]

Akasa AK-TC TIM Clean CPU & Heatsink Cleaner [AK-TC]
£5.10 inc VAT
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=OA-001-AK&groupid=701&catid=57&subcat=27

I now use above, but allways just used bog roll before i got some.

 

[Cleeecooo]

If you use tissue, make sure it's kitchen tissue.

I always use a credit card to scrape it off then use a tissue for the rest (with that akasa cleaner on it)

 

[Marine-RX179]

Kitchen tissue and Surgical Spirit would work like a charm.

 

[sk3lph]

Nail polish remover also does the job.

 

[Fledge]

Do you do this while it's still on the motherboard or do you remove the cpu first?

 

[Ch3m1c4L]

remove the cpu

 

[Marine-RX179]

Nail polish remover also does the job.

Yea...let's march into the cosmetic store, pick a nail polish remover and get strange look from the lady at the till when you are paying for it

 

[Foehammer2003]

I use little alchohol swaps we use at work for removing security tag sticky's. They are also used in hospitals and are ideal for cleaning of thermal paste, have used lighter petrol in the past with a lint free cloth lol, always did the job with no problems or residue.

Not that i reccomend either, thats just what i have done

 

[PureAppleJuice]

How much AS5 should I whack on top of the chip?

 

[Foehammer2003]

Size of a grain and a half of rice is a good way to go, its designed to fill the micro gaps between your heatsink and CPU, not be like a layer of mayo in your sandwhich.

 

[Werewolf]

Isoprpyl alcohol is a great tim/paste cleaner, and best of all it's cheap to buy in bulk, lasts ages and ideal for cleaning most computer parts and things like printers, and remote controls.

 

[PureAppleJuice]

Thanks all. Also, should I blob the rice grain bit in the middle of the chip or spread it about? I'm guessing that once the heat sink goes on top it will squash the AS5 across the surface of the chip, is that right?

 

[Foehammer2003]

Some like to squish some like to spread.

I'm a squish with a 45degree twist and back again for good measure type of man

 

[Lunawolfy]

Jack Daniels, then I finish it off with my Zippo, works every time

 

[Marine-RX179]

Also, should I blob the rice grain bit in the middle of the chip or spread it about?

Personally I don't think spread is a good idea, considering it is known to trap air-bubbles:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EyXLu1Ms-q4

 

[BringTheRain]

Size of a grain and a half of rice is a good way to go, its designed to fill the micro gaps between your heatsink and CPU, not be like a layer of mayo in your sandwhich.

LMAO

 

[Philtor]

Grab a bottle of IPA from your local chemist. Only a couple of quid and will last ages. Works a treat

 

[balsaq]

Akasa AK-TC TIM Clean CPU & Heatsink Cleaner [AK-TC]
£5.10 inc VAT
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=OA-001-AK&groupid=701&catid=57&subcat=27

I now use above, but allways just used bog roll before i got some.

This also smells rather nice too. I use this with kitchen roll as it doesn't leave fibres etc.

Don't spread the paste. The heatsink and cpu should have a very tight connection anyway and that should spread it out from the centre.

Whether it's best to do a circular blob or a line or two smaller lines or etc etc? Well that's the question. Usually do a blob myself and had no problems, but heard 2 small parallel lines near the centre produce a more square-like spread.

 

[Werewolf]

Grab a bottle of IPA from your local chemist. Only a couple of quid and will last ages. Works a treat

The last time I tried that both the main local chemists looked at me as if I was some sort of nut case, especially when I tried explaining it was to clean a computer part