What is the best way to remove thermal paste?

[Denis54]

I want to replace my C 2 D stock fan with a better one (probably an Arctic Cooling Freezer 7 Pro).

What is the best way to remove the thermal paste on my CPU?

 

[a123456]

Isopropyl alcohol, the higher the concentration the better, but don't stress too much. Definitely not nail polish remover, which can contain impurities in it.

http://www.hardwarelogic.com/news/136/ARTICLE/1109/2006-02-13.html

 

[Zepper]

If it is a rubbery or waxy thermal pad, I start scraping most off with a plastic tool (so as not to scratch the HS or CPU), followed with lighter fluid (naphtha) to remove the remainder, follow with high-proof alcohol (ethyl or isopropyl) to remove any lighter fluid residue and enhance drying and dry (coffee filter - lint free). If it's your typical grease like AS or Ceramique, I just use one or two passes of high-proof alcohol and dry.

.bh.

 

[StopSign]

Scrub with a Q-tip and isopropyl alcohol.

 

[jonnyGURU]

Tongue.


Edit: Okay okay... Alcohol and Q-Tip is my suggestion.

 

[VinDSL]

I use paint thinner (100% mineral spirits). No kidding!

Even recommended on the AS web site*.

* As well as high-purity isopropyl alcohol, as mentioned above.

 

[thecoolnessrune]

if its a thermal grease, I use isopropyl alcohol (my 70% stuff works more then fine contrary to what purists will tell you, you just wait a few seconds longer for it to dry). If its a pad then I start by removing as much of the pad as possible (I use a knife... but im good with it, a credit card is probably better to use), followed by isopropyl alcohol till its nice and shiny.

 

[Zepper]

Vin's about to hit the big 1k!

.bh.

 

[thecoolnessrune]

I noticed, lets hope he doesn't waste it on a useless rant

 

[JEDIYoda]

above all do NOT...I repeat do NOT use a blow torch!!!

 

[PChang11]

They actually sell a product just for this purpose. I've tried it and it works great and smells good, too! LOL.

Arctic Silver ArctiClean 60ml Kit - Thermal Material Remover

Other than that, I've found rubbing alcohol works pretty good as well. (Just doesn't have a fresh lemon scent )

 

[thesob40]

Originally posted by: StopSign
Scrub with a Q-tip and isopropyl alcohol.

^^works great

 

[runninkyle17]

I'd go with the Q-tip and isopropyl alcohol too.

Definately do not use a paper towel, cotton rag or anything else like that. If you can't find a Q-tip and you are desperate just lightly use a tissue (but be careful not to scrub too hard because the tissue with melt on you).