How to clean this?

[Lither]

Trying to reapply the thermal paste but can't seem to get rid of the stock thermal paste that is around the GPU die, I have tried cotton buds and toothpick, any suggestions?

 

[Minstadave]

Just leave it. It'll be fine, you're more likely to damage it trying to clean it.

If you really want to remove it you'll need a solvent like acetone or TIM remover and cotton buds.

 

[Toss3]

Trying to reapply the thermal paste but can't seem to get rid of the stock thermal paste that is around the GPU die, I have tried cotton buds and toothpick, any suggestions?

Lots of isopropyl alcohol and a soft toothbrush.

 

[Doogles]

I'd leave that I did when cleaning my R9 290 for the Gelid mod and I never have any issues cooling the core.

 

[Mauller]

Lots of isopropyl alcohol and a soft toothbrush.

Pretty much this.

 

[Shampoo]

.

 

[MooMoo444]

The bit in the middle is the important bit, I wouldn't worry about the edges.