How Do I Remove Thermal Pad "Gunk" From XP1800 Dye?

[marks70]

When I was trying to install the heatsink on my retail XP1800 last night, a piece of the thermal pad on the heatsink came off and stuck to the dye on the CPU. I removed the rest of the pad from the heatsink (because it needs to be replaced), but how do I get it off the CPU dye? I used Goo-gone on the heatsink, but I don't think I want to use it on the dye. Any ideas?

 

[DT4K]

Clean it with Goof-off first, then with rubbing alcohol. This works great and won't harm your core or leave any residue.
I don't know what all is in goo-gone, but you may want to use Goof-off / alcohol on your heatsink also to remove any residue the goo-gone may have left.

 

[Nate420]

OOPs is also great for removing thermal pad gunk. No matter what you use to get it off, go behind with Alcohol like Shanti said.

 

[MrThompson]

Shanti has the right idea. Unfortunately you will need to lap your HS to remove the Goo Gone residue or your thermal interface will be compromised. Since the thermal pad was melted, you should do this anyway. For more on why, read Thermal Interface Basics.

Edit: Thanks MrMilney, I edited the link to save folks some time.

 

[MrMilney]

fixed link

 

[striker21]

MrThompson--
Are you saying that the GooGone should be removed because it is a petroleum-based product and leaves a residue as described on the AS site?

Also, I was wondering about the brake/carb cleaners that might be used as alternates to Goof-Off. I have seen several that contain xylene, and some contain other things (like toluene, etc.). Are there any chemicals like this that should be avoided b/c they are known to leave deposits?

Lastly, AS advises using a Lint-free cloth to clean the heatsink after rubbing the AS into it. What do most people use for this--some kind of eyeglass cloth, or something else?

 

[MrThompson]

I believe Goo Gone is citrus based but it does leave a residue.

Some of the carb cleaners are excellent and some are not. Depends on the ingredients. That's why Goof Off is recommended.

I use a freshly laundered handkerchief, hit with a blast of canned air first, and follow up with a blast of canned air on the HS.

 

[jiffylube1024]

Using either the washing machine or the dishwasher should work fine. Make sure to put the CPU in some kind of cloth bag though, you don't want it to get damaged or anything .

Note: if you use either of the aforementioned methods of getting the CPU cleaned then you shouldn't be allowed to touch another CPU ever again.

Note2: in case my first note was too subtle (I doubt it was) then ignore my post, it was a joke .