Swapping processor

Coojeekitten · 23 Apr 2020 at 07:07

So I built by new pc a couple weeks ago after managing to source an i9-10940X after being unable to get my preferred i9-10980XE. Every source either had no idea, suggested 6 months, or my main supplier was quoting the end of December. I left the processor on back-order with them & I had an email last night that the new processor is on it's way to me.

So, a new build with an i9-10940X which I need to swap with a new i9-10980XE. I've never swapped out a cpu, so I'm not sure of the procedure. I supppose, unscrew the cooler from it's mounting. Is it going to be stuck there with the paste? Once it comes off, how do I clean off the paste? Do I just wipe it off? Putting in the new cpu, do I strip down the mobo? When I built the pc, I attached the cpu & cooler outside the case.

Thanks for any advice.

Maundie · 23 Apr 2020 at 07:53

As it wouldn't have been on too long it shouldn't be too hard to remove (Old paste tends to solidify and stick the cooler to the CPU) but once parted you could use this with a lint free cloth to clean both the CPU and cooler.

https://www.overclockers.co.uk/akasa-ak-tc-tim-clean-cpu-and-heatsink-cleaner-oa-001-ak.html

Coojeekitten · 23 Apr 2020 at 09:02

Maundie said:
As it wouldn't have been on too long it shouldn't be too hard to remove (Old paste tends to solidify and stick the cooler to the CPU) but once parted you could use this with a lint free cloth to clean both the CPU and cooler.

https://www.overclockers.co.uk/akasa-ak-tc-tim-clean-cpu-and-heatsink-cleaner-oa-001-ak.html

Thanks, I'll buy some now.

Maundie · 23 Apr 2020 at 09:07

Coojeekitten said:
Thanks, I'll buy some now.

No problems mate, I've swapped MBs on 6 year+ laptops and just wiped with a cloth but that was for work which wasn't my parts/money, as it's personal and a pricey processor I'd want to be as thorough as possible myself so for a few quid use this and make sure of a decent clean job with no contamination.

Coojeekitten · 23 Apr 2020 at 10:02

Yup too right. I'm more than happy to do things properly. Thanks for your help.

Mcnumpty2323 · 23 Apr 2020 at 10:11

Warm up the pc/cpu before removing
Use a gentle twisting action to break the suction between cpu and heatsink
Isopropyl isn't really necessary
Just removing the old paste with a coffee filter etc is fine
If a very faint haze is left its fine won't affect it at all
Done it like that for 20 + years never affected temps not using isopropyl to clean it
If selling it and wanting it to look immaculate is only time i would bother with isopropyl

Coojeekitten · 23 Apr 2020 at 10:45

Thanks Mcnumpty2323

I'll warm it up first & the twist is a good tip. I will be selling the "old" i9-10940X, so I'd like it to look nice & shiny. Is isopropyl that Aksaka stuff I've just ordered?

Mcnumpty2323 · 23 Apr 2020 at 10:49

Coojeekitten said:
Thanks Mcnumpty2323

I'll warm it up first & the twist is a good tip. I will be selling the "old" i9-10940X, so I'd like it to look nice & shiny. Is isopropyl that Aksaka stuff I've just ordered?

The Akasa stuff looks different but still designed to do the job
Isopropyl alcohol usually can get in chemist/pharmacy
Edit
Vodka also works

faceman123 · 23 Apr 2020 at 10:52

Have you bought the chip? id go RYZEN

Coojeekitten · 23 Apr 2020 at 10:56

Mcnumpty2323 said:
The Akasa stuff looks different but still designed to do the job
Isopropyl alcohol usually can get in chemist/pharmacy
Edit
Vodka also works

Heehe, Vodka is in heavy use here at the moment! I'd have to fight for it! I've got the Akasa stuff on it's way, if it doesn't work, I'll try a chemist.

Coojeekitten · 23 Apr 2020 at 10:57

faceman123 said:
Have you bought the chip? id go RYZEN

Thank you, my first post says that the I9-10980xe is on it's way to me. I don't think a Ryzen will fit in my mobo?

Grimley · 23 Apr 2020 at 15:49

Coojeekitten said:
Heehe, Vodka is in heavy use here at the moment! I'd have to fight for it! I've got the Akasa stuff on it's way, if it doesn't work, I'll try a chemist.

Good luck getting some, Isopropyl Alcohol is one of the ingredients of Hand Sanitiser. Its also good for sterilising hard surfaces & killing certain bugs, including one that's doing the rounds right now.

freddie64 · 23 Apr 2020 at 16:15

I have the Arctic Silver stuff https://www.overclockers.co.uk/arct...-and-surface-purifier-60ml-kit-th-000-ac.html

If the Akasa stuff works anything like what i have, you will be fine.

Coojeekitten · 23 Apr 2020 at 16:20

freddie64 said:
I have the Arctic Silver stuff https://www.overclockers.co.uk/arct...-and-surface-purifier-60ml-kit-th-000-ac.html

If the Akasa stuff works anything like what i have, you will be fine.

Thanks, I notice the Arctic Silver stuff is out of stock, but I like the 2 pack idea.

Mcnumpty2323 · 23 Apr 2020 at 16:22

Coojeekitten said:
Thanks, I notice the Arctic Silver stuff is out of stock, but I like the 2 pack idea.

Being Scottish myself
I would hate to waste vodka
But it only needs a tiny drop lol

freddie64 · 23 Apr 2020 at 16:25

Coojeekitten said:
Thanks, I notice the Arctic Silver stuff is out of stock, but I like the 2 pack idea.

It is good, but have to add that i only ordered it because the Akasa was OOS at the time.

Coojeekitten · 23 Apr 2020 at 16:25

Mcnumpty2323 said:
Being Scottish myself
I would hate to waste vodka
But it only needs a tiny drop lol

You can tell that to my wife!

Mcnumpty2323 · 23 Apr 2020 at 16:31

Coojeekitten said:
You can tell that to my wife!

Lol
Tell her it evaporated
Literally needs 1 drip of it

Coojeekitten · 28 Apr 2020 at 11:21

Thank you all for your help. I swapped out the processor this morning. The Akasa fluid worked fine & I was able to get back to a mirror finish on the underside of the Noctua cooler. I used an old sock, then a fine microfibre cloth which worked well. I used a tiny bit of the cleaner & have enough left for a good 200 years I think, maybe a bit longer.

So I now have my nearly new i9-10940X to sell & I will try out Facebook as suggested.

skyripper · 28 Apr 2020 at 14:20

Take the usual precautions selling on FB marketplace. It's an expensive CPU and therefore a target for objectionables to try and scam.