How can I remove dried thermal paste?

[DrMekon]

Not having much joy getting this off the base of cooler... tried rubbing alcohol, any ideas please?

https://photos.app.goo.gl/gJYFfBmmtuaW1YsT8

Thanks

 

[Space Monkey]

Not having much joy getting this off the base of cooler... tried rubbing alcohol, any ideas please?

https://photos.app.goo.gl/gJYFfBmmtuaW1YsT8

Thanks

I either use pure Isopropyl Alcohol or the Arctic Cooling Duo Cleaning Kit. I have also used fairy washing up liquid and strong paper towels

https://www.overclockers.co.uk/arct...-and-surface-purifier-60ml-kit-th-000-ac.html

 

[doopydug]

Isopropyl alcohol or nail varnish remover

 

[Terminal_Boy]

IPA or acetone (nail varnish remover) and a soft bristle toothbrush.

 

[ik9000]

99% isopropyl alcohol via cotton bud and the dry half of a screen wipe usually works for me.

 

[DrMekon]

I've tried isopropyl, but it ain't budging.. I like the toothbrush idea I'll give that a go.

Even thought a dremel with a polishing pad or something...

Cheers

 

[Space Monkey]

I've tried isopropyl, but it ain't budging.. I like the toothbrush idea I'll give that a go.

Even thought a dremel with a polishing pad or something...

Cheers

Toothbrush and fairy liquid/water

 

[tyler_jrb]

I've tried isopropyl, but it ain't budging.. I like the toothbrush idea I'll give that a go.

Even thought a dremel with a polishing pad or something...

Cheers

Are you sure it’s paste? To me looks like some kind of markings on the surface.

Paste no matter how dried is just paste and should scrub away quite easily. If it is then a surface polish should do the trick.

 

[DrMekon]

Are you sure it’s paste? To me looks like some kind of markings on the surface.

Paste no matter how dried is just paste and should scrub away quite easily. If it is then a surface polish should do the trick.

I did wonder that but can't think of how it could possibly be scratched when it's been fastened to a cpu for several years.

Given that I want to put it on my new pc, on a 3900 I think I'll just have to bite the bullet and buy a new one as I don't know what impact that finish could have.

 

[ik9000]

were you using thermal grizzly kryonaut by any chance?

*cough* https://forums.overclockers.co.uk/threads/kryonaut-abrasive.18827970/ *Cough*

 

[Zefan]

Good old fashioned citrus TIM cleaner for me, followed by IPA.

 

[ik9000]

Good old fashioned citrus TIM cleaner for me, followed by IPA.

yes I have some of that Akasa stuff. That also works.

 

[VaderDSL]

were you using thermal grizzly kryonaut by any chance?

*cough* https://forums.overclockers.co.uk/threads/kryonaut-abrasive.18827970/ *Cough*

I was just thinking this!

 

[Zefan]

yes I have some of that Akasa stuff. That also works.

I'd forgotten it was Akasa! I've found that "sticky stuff remover" (from a brand I can't quite remember), is the same stuff, well, it smells, feels and performs exactly the same anyway.

 

[DrMekon]

were you using thermal grizzly kryonaut by any chance?

*cough* https://forums.overclockers.co.uk/threads/kryonaut-abrasive.18827970/ *Cough*

Interesting, and photos do look very similar however I'm fairly certain I haven't used that product as ive never heard of it, although that's no guarantee!

Took the plunge on a Noctua N15S as I can make use of the spare fans I now have from that N14 I won't risk using.

Thanks all!

 

[tyler_jrb]

I did wonder that but can't think of how it could possibly be scratched when it's been fastened to a cpu for several years.

Given that I want to put it on my new pc, on a 3900 I think I'll just have to bite the bullet and buy a new one as I don't know what impact that finish could have.

I'm not sure what causes it as i have seen it with different types of pastes before such as kryonaut that many people mention although i have never had an issue with it personally. Possibly microvibrations and many pastes containing quite abrasive/hard materials. Or something chemically who knows .

It's likely even with those marks and paste filling the gaps it wouldnt make much if any difference to thermal performance but i dont blame you for upgrading to a brand new cooler either and not taking the chance. Enjoy!

 

[ANDARIAL]

wet and dry?

 

[Rob43]

yes I have some of that Akasa stuff. That also works.

I've been using this for years, great stuff!!

 

[El Jimben]

I've been using this for years, great stuff!!

Likewise, you can't beat a clean, lemony fresh CPU/cooler

 

[something daft already!!]

Hit it with hammers.