Is it safe to remove thermal paste using water

[asdfguy]

So I got a new CPU cooler for my PC and I need to remove the thermal paste off my CPU. Will it be safe to remove it using cloth or a tissue paper and using big of water? I don't have a product that is made for thermal removal.

 

[snips86x]

I would be very cautious to use any liquid, like water, which is conductive. Ideally, you'll want something like this:

https://www.overclockers.co.uk/streacom-thermal-grease-remover-th-000-sr.html

If you can't purchase the above, you'll want a few cotton buds and some form of alcohol based liquid which should remove the grease with ease. Clean well before applying new paste - another bud or tissue to dry up the residue - do not use water or submerge the chip!

 

[tom_e]

I wouldn't use water, it wouldn't dissolve the grease base of the thermal paste for a start so you'll just be spreading it around, there's also the damage that may be caused if the water gets somewhere it shouldn't

 

[Threepwood]

A very little bit of spit and a few rolling papers has worked wonders for me in a pinch.

 

[~>Dg<~]

i always use nail polish remover and a ear bud

 

[joeyjojo]

i always use nail polish remover and a ear bud

This is probably the best thing that can be found in a typical house. That and surgical spirit. I wouldn't use water.

I'd recommend just buying a little bottle of isopropyl alcohol though. It lasts ages and is useful any time a general solvent is needed.

 

[DragonQ]

Just buy some isopropanol. I got a 500 mL bottle for like £2 online and I'm sure I'll lose or spill it before it's used up.

 

[setter]

Cd cleaner works well too. Used it many times, contains IPA.

 

[Sencha]

I personally wouldn't use water. Get some 99.9% alcohol. Oh and while some nail polish remover are alright make sure they haven't got extra stuff in. Some have nail conditioning stuff in them as well.

 

[Hedge]

Girlfriends nail varnish remover and cotton buds every time.

Sometimes with a bit of kitchen roll to get excess.

 

[ukxenon]

i always use nail polish remover and a ear bud

Same

 

[acake]

Girlfriends nail varnish remover and cotton buds every time.

Sometimes with a bit of kitchen roll to get excess.

same or IPA depends whats on hand at the time

 

[NoobCannon]

Kitchen roll.

Nothing else is needed

 

[the shadow]

A very little bit of spit and a few rolling papers has worked wonders for me in a pinch.

 

[sithlord]

I used spectacles wipes which have isopropanol alcohol. £1 from Tescos.

 

[w00dy85]

Like others have said Kitchen roll or toilet roll, nothing else is needed.

 

[Bluecube]

Baby wipes are brilliant for removing thermal paste.

 

[Sixense]

What about these? http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sani-Cloth-...&qid=1447437323&sr=8-3&keywords=alcohol+wipes

Don't have any IPA at home except this, my cpu should be coming next week, wondering as well.

 

[NoobCannon]

What about these? http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sani-Cloth-...&qid=1447437323&sr=8-3&keywords=alcohol+wipes

Don't have any IPA at home except this, my cpu should be coming next week, wondering as well.

not needed, just use some kitchen roll. its all snake oil

 

[This never ends well]

When i polished my cpu i ran it under water to clean it as i could not get all the dirt of it, but i did leave it to dry for a week.

You can use just tissue paper to remove the thermal paste, done it plented of times when i run out of alcohol wipes.