Questions about cleaning off thermal paste

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nozzy7

nozzy7

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Feb 23, 2015
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Pretty simple I have to add some new thermal paste but my question is should I remove my cpu to clean it or not.

I am not afraid to remove it but I would rather remove it as little as possible as not to bend any pins or maybe I shouldn't be worried about this.

I was just wondering what people normally do when reapplying thermal paste.

Thanks
 
Solution
Rogue Leader
You don't need to remove the CPU to clean it unless you way overdid it last time and got paste all over the place.

Use a coffee filter or tissue with rubbing alcohol and just wipe it all away.
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arossetti

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Feb 22, 2013
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Don't remove the CPU. Especially if you overdid the paste - you could get paste in the socket. Just take your time with some rubbing alcohol and a something that won't hold static like RL's suggestion of a coffee filter.
 
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W

weberdarren97

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Aug 10, 2015
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I don't remove my CPUs just to remove and apply thermal paste. I take a paper towel and put just a few drops of rubbing alcohol on it then rub the damp portion over the CPU until the writing on the heatspreader is clearly readable. I then dry it off with a dry portion of the paper towel. I then repeat the process and let it sit for a moment before applying new paste. Also, make sure that no little fibers from the towel get stuck to the edges of the CPU, they can get in the way of proper heat transfer when new thermal paste is applied.

When applying thermal paste, apply it at the center of the CPU in the shape and size of an uncooked grain of rice. Do not attempt to spread it by hand, it will spread out when you apply the cooler.
 
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nozzy7

nozzy7

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Feb 23, 2015
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Alright thanks this is the first time I have had to apply thermal paste and wasn't upgrading cpu.
 
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