Thermal paste removal

The1nonly1 · 15 Nov 2011 at 16:34

Do i need to buy the akasa TIM cleaner or can i just use nail polish remover and tissue to clean the thermal paste from my cpu?

azibux1 · 15 Nov 2011 at 16:36

Don't know about nail polish remover, I have always used IPA and it has worked fine.

I assume nail polish remover should be OK too, but wait for someone to confirm this

COYS · 15 Nov 2011 at 16:37

Nail varnish could leave a very thin residue so I'd suggest for a proper job buy the TIM remover.

Nelly · 15 Nov 2011 at 16:51

I bought 600ml of Isopropyl Alcohol from the Chemist, cost me £4.75 in 2006 still got half of it left, it's good for cleaning my mouse and keyboard as well as my screen.

Participant · 15 Nov 2011 at 16:59

I bought 250ml 99.9% isopropyl alcohol from eBay for £3.79, it came with some lint free cloths too. I wouldn't pay over the odds for re-branded solution from Akasa and Arctic etc., personally.

azibux1 · 15 Nov 2011 at 16:59

Yeah, seems it isn't just me that uses IPA then

I got mine from the bay

The1nonly1 · 15 Nov 2011 at 17:12

cool ill have a look on ebay

azibux1 · 15 Nov 2011 at 17:20

Make sure that you get 99.9%

The1nonly1 · 15 Nov 2011 at 18:03

ok so i need lint free cloths as well?

nitr0uk · 15 Nov 2011 at 18:10

I've always used Akasa TIM clean which has always been fine, admittedly I got it cheap.

Will get Isopropyl alcohol next when I run out.

azibux1 · 15 Nov 2011 at 20:17

Space_is_Orange said:
ok so i need lint free cloths as well?

I would get some, yes

Because you want the surface to be spotless before you apply the thermal paste

Seldarine · 15 Nov 2011 at 21:14

Space_is_Orange said:
ok so i need lint free cloths as well?

You can also use coffee filters, probably cheaper. Can also be used for the production of coffee

ThePengu1n · 15 Nov 2011 at 22:42

I just use tissue paper, works fine, just need a bit of elbow grease

minimadmotorman · 15 Nov 2011 at 22:46

I used to use nail polish remover and thought it was perfectly adequate. However since I bought some Akasa TIM cleaner I wouldn't go back.

Madskillz · 16 Nov 2011 at 05:10

I use Halford's windscreen wash - admittedly it contains IPA, and it could also double as a nice water coolant as its UV blue ;p)

Does this make me cheap?

eddiew · 16 Nov 2011 at 09:08

I use white spirit and bog roll, froths less than windscreen wash xD

moogle · 16 Nov 2011 at 09:15

I use AKASA TIM Cleaner. Event though it's a small bottle it lasts long. I bought it in 2004 and I've used it to clean CPU's, GPU's and heatsinks multiple times and it's still got lots left in it.

ooEy · 17 Nov 2011 at 12:35

99.9% Isopropyl Alcohol (Chemists etc) and a coffee filter. All you need.

randal · 17 Nov 2011 at 12:36

Akasa TIM cleaner user here, it rocks. Smells great too.

Threepwood · 17 Nov 2011 at 12:48

I scrape most of it off with a credit card, then use rizla papers one after the other untill there is nothing comming off any more... but maybe thats just me