White spirit to clean CPU?

Winky_The_Winking_Turtle · 11 Aug 2013 at 10:37

I'm going to rebuild my PC today, but I just remembered that I need to get the previous thermal paste off my CPU before I can apply a fresh layer.

I was thinking of using white spirit + Q tips or a lint free cloth for the job, good idea?

Thanks

MooMoo444 · 11 Aug 2013 at 10:39

Best way to do it, just don't use too much

darael · 11 Aug 2013 at 10:39

No, a bad idea!

I can't remember if I used white spirits or methylated spirits to clean my printer head. But the circuit on the back of the print head dropped away, so I suppose it dissolved the glue too.

bainbridge · 11 Aug 2013 at 10:55

darael said:
No, a bad idea!

I can't remember if I used white spirits or methylated spirits to clean my printer head. But the circuit on the back of the print head dropped away, so I suppose it dissolved the glue too.

The CPU heat spreader doesn't have any delicate circuitry, its just a flat bit of metal. So long as you don't get anything on the side with the contact pads it'll clean it up fine.

wazza300 · 11 Aug 2013 at 11:01

methylated spirits is fine on cpu and the pcb ive used it many times,not sure about white spirits though

shahpor · 11 Aug 2013 at 19:30

I have also used white spirit and rubbing alcohol to clean old paste off cpu's without any problems.

Just make sure to give it a minute or two for it to completely dry before applying new paste.

d_brennen · 11 Aug 2013 at 19:33

White spirit, lighter fluid and PCB/contact cleaner are all fine. TBH these days I just use dry kitchen towel and buff til all the old paste is gone. Any remaining paste will be in micro cracks in the heatsink/IHS anyway, which is where you want it