Thermal paste removal

Wildman1255 · 24 Jul 2006 at 12:10

Hi all,

I am currently in the process of installing a new cpu fan cooler. This is the first time I have fit one before (welll aprt from the stock cooler) and was just wondering? Is it necessary to remove the old thermal paste residue on the surface of the cpu before applying the new stuff, and if so, how do I remove the old paste cleanly and effectively? Anyones help would be much appreciated, as at this moment in time I have my machine in pieces and no computer to use

Thanks in advance

bbreezeuk · 24 Jul 2006 at 13:21

yes and i always use toilet paper or kitchen roll to clean it off once you have only apply a light layer or it will not work properly

Wildman1255 · 24 Jul 2006 at 13:37

bbreezeuk said:
yes and i always use toilet paper or kitchen roll to clean it off once you have only apply a light layer or it will not work properly

Hi breeze,

Thanks for your response. Do I just use toilet paper on its own? Will the paste remove so easily?

Thanks again

bbreezeuk · 24 Jul 2006 at 13:49

depends on how old the paste is, if its not to old then it should come off quite easily just wipe it off with the toilet paper, it will take a couple of wipes to get it off then re aplly a vry thin layer on the cpu so all of it is coverd

sanofi · 24 Jul 2006 at 13:59

It's best to run the machine with something processor intensive to warm up the paste, it will be easier to remove then.

bbreezeuk · 24 Jul 2006 at 14:01

sanofi said:
It's best to run the machine with something processor intensive to warm up the paste, it will be easier to remove then.

forgot to metion that

Wildman1255 · 24 Jul 2006 at 14:06

bbreezeuk said:
forgot to metion that

Hi all,

Trouble is I have now removed the stock cooler. I can't just sit this back on top of the processor, now the material situated on both the fan and cpu has been separated, can I?

Thanks people

bbreezeuk · 24 Jul 2006 at 14:16

have u got replacement thermal paste to go on the cpu, if so you have to wipe it off the cooler aswell as the cpu

Shakey_Jake33 · 24 Jul 2006 at 14:22

sanofi said:
It's best to run the machine with something processor intensive to warm up the paste, it will be easier to remove then.

You mean like, running latest 3DMark or something before shutdown?

Am getting a Big Typhoon w/ AS5 tomorrow, but the thermal paste on the CPU currently (Barton 2600+ @ stock) has been on there since I got it, might be a little dry!

t31os · 24 Jul 2006 at 14:27

Depends on what paste is used, some are designed for prolonged use, where as AS5 for example is supposed to be replaced more often (i usually do it every 3-6 months).

Shakey_Jake33 · 24 Jul 2006 at 14:29

Better bear in mind to re-do it at Xmas!

This is my first time using AS though, always used the white thermal paste stuff, gonna be following the instructions to the letter.

Wildman1255 · 25 Jul 2006 at 12:05

bbreezeuk said:
have u got replacement thermal paste to go on the cpu, if so you have to wipe it off the cooler aswell as the cpu

Hi bbreezeuk,

Managed to sort it out last night. The old thermal paste was easy to remove, probably due to this heat. No need for re-starting of my machine. Included in the fan package was a small tube of Zalman's own grade. Is it wise to replace this every so often then?

Thanks again