removing thermal compound

[cmrmrc]

i would like to remove the old thermal compound on my gpu and to install a zalman vf900-cu on my video card...

what should i use to remove the old grease?...i hear ppl saying alcohol..but isn't liquid gonna damage the chip?...

i would also like to know how much alcohol is good...

 

[GML3G0]

Isopropyl alchohol. As pure as possible. It evaporates very quickly and won't damage anything.

 

[RFtesla]

Isopropyl Alcohol. Usually a high percentage like 90 will do the trick. Don't worry about the alcohol as it evaporates very quickly. A cotton swap for your ears dipped in that alcohol works great.

 

[RFtesla]

Wow, our posts are nearly the same.

 

[zerocool84]

yea i use the highest percentage at the store. works like a charm

 

[pkme2]

I use Akasa TIM-clean a citrus based solvent. Works nicely getting off thermal pads and silver based thermal grease.

 

[soydios]

"citrus-based"
I stopped reading right there. The scent oils would contaminate the surface.

The best is to use isopropyl alcohol (aka "rubbing alcohol"). 70% is what I can get at the local supermarket. But, the higher the better.

 

[Appledrop]

i use a wet tissue

 

[pkme2]

Originally posted by: soydios
"citrus-based"
I stopped reading right there. The scent oils would contaminate the surface.

The best is to use isopropyl alcohol (aka "rubbing alcohol"). 70% is what I can get at the local supermarket. But, the higher the better.

Check this link. You might see why this product works.
http://www.modsynergy.com/review3.htm
My 3 AMD rigs work without any problems, and I have too much invested to make mistakes.

 

[Steelski]

sergical spirit works for me!

 

[cmrmrc]

k thanks guys...i'll go check at the store...

but how much amount of alcohol should i use?

 

[RFtesla]

Just dip a cotton swap (like a Q-Tip) in the alcohol and move it in circles on the compound. You'll barely use any alcohol, just don't go dumping it on the video card.

 

[homercles337]

I use Goof Off. Xylene FTW.

 

[Netopia]

You guys are funny.

A couple of drops of Dawn dish-washing liquid under warm running water (or even hot) will get the entire CPU way cleaner than anything mentioned. We are talking about something made of glass, remember?

If you aren't in a rush, just leave the chip open to air overnight. If you're in a big rush, just blast it with a blow dryer on high for a couple of minutes and you'll be good to go.

It's easier, it's faster, it's more efficient. I've been doing this with CPUs for about 13-15 years without a problem. Before that, (AMD 486DX2-80) heat-sinks weren't required, so neither was the compound.

Joe

 

[shabby]

Ether...

 

[akugami]

Denatured alcohol. Barring that, 90% rubbing alcohol, make sure it's unscented.

 

[Hough NutZ]

Originally posted by: Netopia
You guys are funny.

A couple of drops of Dawn dish-washing liquid under warm running water (or even hot) will get the entire CPU way cleaner than anything mentioned. We are talking about something made of glass, remember?

If you aren't in a rush, just leave the chip open to air overnight. If you're in a big rush, just blast it with a blow dryer on high for a couple of minutes and you'll be good to go.

It's easier, it's faster, it's more efficient. I've been doing this with CPUs for about 13-15 years without a problem. Before that, (AMD 486DX2-80) heat-sinks weren't required, so neither was the compound.

Joe

So CPUs are completely water proof and won't oxidize or rust?

Edit: Also, would it do harm to a video card to clean it with water? Just as long as you let it completely dry before using it?

 

[josh6079]

I use Acetone and cue tips.

 

[John]

Originally posted by: homercles337
I use Goof Off. Xylene FTW.

Same here, and if you sniff it long enough you'll goof off yourself.

 

[Netopia]

Originally posted by: Hough NutZ

Originally posted by: Netopia
You guys are funny.

A couple of drops of Dawn dish-washing liquid under warm running water (or even hot) will get the entire CPU way cleaner than anything mentioned. We are talking about something made of glass, remember?

If you aren't in a rush, just leave the chip open to air overnight. If you're in a big rush, just blast it with a blow dryer on high for a couple of minutes and you'll be good to go.

It's easier, it's faster, it's more efficient. I've been doing this with CPUs for about 13-15 years without a problem. Before that, (AMD 486DX2-80) heat-sinks weren't required, so neither was the compound.

Joe

So CPUs are completely water proof and won't oxidize or rust?

Edit: Also, would it do harm to a video card to clean it with water? Just as long as you let it completely dry before using it?

Interesting question! I never thought about other components, since I've never really had the need to clean them...

I guess I'd be a bit more concerned about anything with sockets or plugs, like the ananlog or DVI outputs on video cards. That said, as long as you only cleaned the GPU area (and didn't get socket side wet) I don't see why it would be any different.

Depending on how far back the search goes on the forums, there are a number of threads just like this one, written over the years. Perhaps one of those also speaks of video cards, though I don't remember ever seeing it before.

Joe