So I've never changed my CPU cooler/thermal paste before, few questions

testtube5 · Feb 1, 2018

I generally know how to remove the thermal paste. Apply 99% isopropyl alcohol, rub off with a coffee filter...

However, I don't have a coffee filter so...

What else can I use? and...

Is it okay to just use some paper towels if I don't have <whatever you suggest>?

I know that I'm supposed to use something like a coffee filter because it's very fine and leaves no particles but does that really matter that much?

Paul NZ · Feb 1, 2018

I've used toilet paper. Must be ok I'm using the computer now

testtube5 · Feb 1, 2018

Okay, wish me luck =D

Phillip Corcoran · Feb 1, 2018

http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/forum/333968-28-thermal-paste-removal-installation-guide

Solandri · Feb 1, 2018

Yes it's important that whatever you use doesn't leave any particles. The vast majority of the heat transfer from the CPU to the heatsink is via metal-on-metal contact. If a hair or paper fiber or mote of dust or grain of dirt gets stuck in between the CPU and heatsink, then the heatsink ends up slightly elevated from the CPU. You lose the metal-on-metal contact and end up with an air gap. Thermal paste will help fill that gap, but paste is about 100x worse at transferring heat than metal-on-metal. So it's a pretty serious decrease in your cooler's performance.

A PC SEMI-PRO · Feb 2, 2018

I was in your exact position about a month ago, I had no coffee filters and I decided to just go ahead with paper towels. They worked absolutely fine and left no particles behind. Hope this helps!

agello24 · Feb 2, 2018

toilet paper, cotton ball, cotten swab, paper towel.

testtube5 · Feb 3, 2018

I used toilet paper. I think it went pretty well since I've never even seen idle temperatures in the teens, and my max load temps hit a max of 64 so far. Although, before this I was running a single 120mm h100i with the side panel OFF and running at 85C max, and now I'm running the double 140mm h115i with the side panel ON (59C with the panel off). So, cooler definitely has something to do with that lol.

Oh and, both are 8700k at stock clock. I was waiting to replace the cooler before I overclocked.

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So I've never changed my CPU cooler/thermal paste before, few questions

testtube5

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testtube5

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Phillip Corcoran

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Solandri

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A PC SEMI-PRO

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