Upgrading my CPU, do I need thermal paste removal?

[petemyster]

Hey all, I am going to be doing my first ever upgrade to my computer this weekend where I will hopefully stick in a new motherboard and cpu.

I am going to reuse my cooler master z600, so will I need thermal paste remover to do the upgrade?

Thanks in advance

 

[HankScorpio]

It's highly recommended you clean the surface using appropriate alcohol solution/wipes as left over residue from your previous seal would most likely affect your new application of compound.

 

[Ice213]

Unfortunately it's currently out of stock, but this is something I've been using:

Http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=TH-000-AC

Really good stuff it is and should last you for a long time since you usually only need a few drops of each per cleaning

 

[moogle]

I've got this one http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=OA-001-AK&groupid=701&catid=27&subcat=

Well the older version (bought in 2003) and it's still pretty full (I've used it many times)

It's 125ml.

 

[sockky]

I have always used surgical spirit and a lint free cloth ... Pick a bottle of it up for a couple quid from boots and it works a treat. My view is, if it's clean enough to put in fresh wounds, it's clean enough for the top of my CPU

 

[MonsterMoshi]

doesn't tend to make much difference in my experience. A good scrub with a lint free cloth cleans the surface up to a good enough standard

I've been using the "Neet - microfirbe screen cloth" which i cut up into smaller pieces and it lasts and lasts

 

[bemaniac]

I've never used anything except tissues lol and never had a hiccup.

 

[gazzaa]

i just use a bit of bog roll never had any trouble.

 

[petemyster]

Alright guys, thanks for the advice!

 

[ants83]

i just use a bit of bog roll never had any trouble.

Me too. Never had any problems and it's cheap!

 

[passey89]

yeh bog roll it off and re apply new paste is fine just make sure u get it all off and you won't have a problem.

 

[Zeed]

i use kitchen towel like 6 sheets of it. Works good every time 2 times i used some 90% alcohol no difference in temperatures what so ever. I found better use for it - > Drinking lol
Used to buy that stuff in Poland from Russian chaps. Apparently it was used in aircraft's as wiper fluid and it was not contaminated like most of commercial use alcohol.
Mix it 50/50 with tap water and good to drink
Good High school times

 

[Ollie1132]

i use kitchen towel like 6 sheets of it. Works good every time 2 times i used some 90% alcohol no difference in temperatures what so ever. I found better use for it - > Drinking lol
Used to buy that stuff in Poland from Russian chaps. Apparently it was used in aircraft's as wiper fluid and it was not contaminated like most of commercial use alcohol.
Mix it 50/50 with tap water and good to drink
Good High school times

pretty sure thats still quite dangerous for your health! ahah. I use 99.99% surgical spirits + some cotton wool. (it's tricky to make it so no lint gets left on anything but once you get it it's a piece of cake really)

 

[SouthEastBlue]

Nail varnish remover and kitchen towel is a cheap way to clean up the CPU before fitting the cooler. Does require living with a female of some kind though... Unless your a guy who's into wearing nail varnish...

 

[MADMAN]

just pop in your local £1 store and throw it in the basket... along with some £1 wine gums, they will never know

 

[pitchfork]

Get a bottle of isopropanol and a bit of kitchen towel, it's a couple of quid and just ensures decent heat conductivity with no chunks of crap in there.

 

[andybird123]

any electronics stores will do IPA wipes for less than £1

 

[pitchfork]

Plus they're useful for other things, cleaning wounds, starting fires, cleaning screens and piercings.
Endless uses.

 

[ltnmzh]

hand-sanitiser

 

[pitchfork]

Unless you work in a sterile environment though hand sanitiser is a waste of time, a bit of dirt is good for you, gives you a strong immune system.