got no iso alcohol to remove thermal paste from my Gfx, what are my options!??

henrik-t · 20 Jun 2011 at 11:56

got no iso alcohol to remove thermal paste from my Gfx, what are my options!??

i just got the arctic plus cooler for my HD6870 card, but realized i got no alcohol to remove the old paste whit , do i have any options....... can i remove it whit a fiber cloth and ultra little water..!??

Only remover i got is make up remover based om iso alcohol but it some stuff added like water, ect....

Please help out whit tips that i can use.

MeddlE · 20 Jun 2011 at 11:57

Go to a local chemist and get some IPA, it's not expensive.

Do not use water.

henrik-t · 20 Jun 2011 at 12:10

i checked over here they only sell a 14£ bottle i was hoping there's a method so i can fit my cooler today,.

what about toothpaste.

23JMZ07 · 20 Jun 2011 at 12:27

henrik-t said:
i checked over here they only sell a 14£ bottle i was hoping there's a method so i can fit my cooler today,.

what about toothpaste.

Tooth paste is for cleaning your teeth.
Pop down to bandq and get a bottle of Methylated Spirit (Meths) for like 4 quid..

paradigm · 20 Jun 2011 at 12:29

Vodka (or similar clear alcohol based drink)
Deodorant (not antiperspirant)
Anything spirit based should be fine.

23JMZ07 · 20 Jun 2011 at 12:30

paradigm said:
Vodka (or similar clear alcohol based drink)
Deodorant (not antiperspirant)
Anything spirit based should be fine.

Too much water and additives really. Suppose if he was DESPERATE

paradigm · 20 Jun 2011 at 12:32

23JMZ07 said:
Too much water and additives really. Suppose if he was DESPERATE

Both will be fine so long as applied using a soft cloth and not poured/sprayed over directly.

Deodorant will work the best as it evaporates without any wiping/assistance, and leaves no residue.

23JMZ07 · 20 Jun 2011 at 12:36

paradigm said:
Both will be fine so long as applied using a soft cloth and not poured/sprayed over directly.

Deodorant will work the best as it evaporates without any wiping/assistance, and leaves no residue.

I wouldnt put deodorant anywhere near a chip. There is little alcohol in deodorant just the propellant. I suppose one could use aftershave/eau de toilet but its seriously less hassle to roll down to bandq and get some meths. Or do what i do and buy IPA in 5 litre bottles off ebay for like a tenner.

paradigm · 20 Jun 2011 at 12:50

I'd been doing it for years before finding a local chemist with IPA, never had a problem, never will have a problem.

thepeganator · 20 Jun 2011 at 12:54

I have used nail polish remover every time I've done anything before getting proper stuff from ocuk, along with ear buds to wipe with.

V-cheap, evaporates too.

Reaper 392 · 20 Jun 2011 at 13:09

just use a bunch of tissues. its what i did for my CPU cooler, so a GPU cooler cant be too much different. just carry on wiping until the tissue stays white

23JMZ07 · 20 Jun 2011 at 13:10

Reaper 392 said:
just use a bunch of tissues. its what i did for my CPU cooler, so a GPU cooler cant be too much different. just carry on wiping until the tissue stays white

This is actually recommended by some people.
The idea is that the micro pores of the surfaces are filed with paste before the main layer of paste goes on.

Tealc · 20 Jun 2011 at 13:24

Reaper 392 said:
just use a bunch of tissues. its what i did for my CPU cooler, so a GPU cooler cant be too much different. just carry on wiping until the tissue stays white

That's what I'd do if I didn't have already have a massive bottle of IPA and if I couldn't be bothered to go and get one.

Mind you the TIM on my Asus HD6950 GPU block was really quite solid so would have taken some work to remove if not for the IPA.

koooowweeee · 20 Jun 2011 at 13:35

I always use baby wipes and then dry it with bog roll.

23JMZ07 · 20 Jun 2011 at 13:36

koooowweeee said:
I always use baby wipes and then dry it with bog roll.

Thats how I treat my arse not my GPU :S

sexyhyde · 20 Jun 2011 at 13:46

thepeganator said:
I have used nail polish remover every time I've done anything before getting proper stuff from ocuk, along with ear buds to wipe with.

V-cheap, evaporates too.

+1

El_Commi · 20 Jun 2011 at 14:30

23JMZ07 said:
Thats how I treat my arse not my GPU :S

lol

henrik-t · 20 Jun 2011 at 14:32

i got a micro fiber cloth i guess i could get down and work whit that !??

Nigel014 · 20 Jun 2011 at 14:39

henrik-t said:
i got a micro fiber cloth i guess i could get down and work whit that !??

Why does it have to be done today?

I would go with the nail polish and some cotton buds if your that desperate,*

*I hold no responsibility if you break it.

shadow_boxer · 20 Jun 2011 at 14:47

thepeganator said:
I have used nail polish remover every time I've done anything before getting proper stuff from ocuk, along with ear buds to wipe with.

V-cheap, evaporates too.

This is what I do. Be careful though as some forms (most) nail polish removers contain acetone which will digest and dissolve your PCB! I've never had a problem with it so far. Use a lint free cloth too, I use of of those cloths you get with glasses, vision express give them away for free anyway so why not!