Cleaning thermal paste off CPU help

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TheHogDog

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Dec 31, 2014
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So what I can use to get the thermal paste off my CPU?

I need a Q-tip and what type of alcohol?
Is "x" alcohol obtainable at my local pharmacy or..
Does it have to be a certain % of alcohol?
 
Solution
Gam3r01
I like coffee filters, as they leave no lint behind. You use a fairly dry one to get the majority of the paste off, then use an alcohol dampened (not soaking) filter to wipe off the residual paste.
Any amount above 70% I would consider safely usable, I prefer 90+. (I was able to get 92% right off the shelf at a walgreens)
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Gam3r01

Gam3r01

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Jan 12, 2013
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I like coffee filters, as they leave no lint behind. You use a fairly dry one to get the majority of the paste off, then use an alcohol dampened (not soaking) filter to wipe off the residual paste.
Any amount above 70% I would consider safely usable, I prefer 90+. (I was able to get 92% right off the shelf at a walgreens)
 
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Solution
IInuyasha74

IInuyasha74

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May 1, 2013
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A lot of people use different ways, I personally prefer to use a basic paper towel first to wipe off the bulk of the thermal paste, then use a few cotton swabs with rubbing alcohol to clean the CPU after. I don't tend to worry about the alcohol content because as far as I can noticeably tell even with 70% alcohol content it all comes off clean.
 
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Brillis Wuce

Brillis Wuce

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Oct 17, 2014
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Never had a problem, but I know what you're saying.
 
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TheHogDog

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Dec 31, 2014
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Well my cpu is installed already so..

Ill guess ill just use a paper towel to wipe the paste off abit and see if my local pharmacy has rubbing alcohol and use s qtip to clean off the paste.
 
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IInuyasha74

IInuyasha74

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Yea I could see that working well with the AMD CPUs, cause holding them you are more likely to bend a pin but in the socket it's pretty much not getting damaged unless you press really hard or flick it sideways or something. I've mostly got Intel chips around here is why I end up holding them. In the socket I am too worried I will add a touch too much pressure and bend a series of pins.

@TheHogDog: I've cleaned CPUs like that several times so I am sure you won't have any issue with it. I've done it with just the Q-tips too, and it works the only issue is the first couple of them get thermal paste build up real fast is the reason I switched to a paper towel first. So I am sure it should go well for you. Just don't touch the bottom if you can help it and drain the static out of your hands first by touching the case and you won't have any trouble.
 
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