Removing thermal paste from CPU pins

[duvet77]

Ok, I know there are a thousand threads on removing paste from CPU's but what about CPU pins.

I've just bought a second hand P4 cpu and it looks like the previous owner may have gone overboard with paste. It's got some on the underside of the cpu along the outer row of pins.

Whats the best thing to get it off?
Where can I get it without buying off t'internet and paying a fortune in P&P?
Can I use nail polish remover or is that bad?

Thanks guys.

 

[EVILCOSMOS]

Your best using Isopropyl alcohol (IPA) which you should be able to get from a chemist shop.

 

[Janesy B]

Akasa TIM clean. Does a wicked job and smells lemony fresh

 

[llaadd]

personally i either use:
"ArctiClean Thermal Material Remover and Surface Purifier Kit"
and/or
"Loctite 7063 Cleaner"

but the loctite one is quite strong so use at your own risk!

 

[shadowscotland]

for a high street buy - Isopropyl alcohol for the win.
Sometime known as rubbing alcohol, and boots or any other large chemist will sell it (usally in a odd location near the pharmacy counter)
make sure it +90% proof (the 70% stuff is ok but doesn't evaporate as well)

Can also recoment the two bottle ArctiClean Kit above - but your'll need a decent computer shop/web for that

Use both with lint free cloth or paper coffee filters

 

[PhillyDee]

And a toothbrush! Will get between the pins fine. Just use the softest one you can and be gentle.

 

[Jokester]

You probably won't even need to bother, I suspect it's been used under phase and they've used TIM to stop pin rot due to condensation.

 

[duvet77]

I went to boots and they didn't sell rubbing alcohol because its apparantely a hazardous chemical and the don't have a license.

it's sorted now anyway, and its installed and working.

 

[muon]

I went to boots and they didn't sell rubbing alcohol because its apparantely a hazardous chemical and the don't have a license.

it's sorted now anyway, and its installed and working.

Tell them bleach is more hazardous.

 

[Amidar]

Isopropyl alcohol (IPA) & a tooth brush.