While connecting cords in my build I realized that I couldn't plug in the CPU power cord since the cooler was in the way. Since I can't remove the top of my case and my fingers aren't the width of straws the only thing I can do is remove the cooler. I've been told that if I do so I need to remove and reapply the thermal paste. But the only thing I can find out is that I need 99% alcohol. No one mentions what cloth to use, if I should remove the CPU to clean it or clean it in the socket, how long I should wait before reapplying the thermal paste etc. Can someone tell me HOW to remove and reapply thermal paste?
HOW to remove thermal paste?
- Thread starter theves
- Start date
Solution
- Jun 19, 2011
- 33,484
- 1,615
- 159,590
I have used microfiber cloths, cotton pads, and cotton swabs along with isopropyl to remove thermal grease. An alternative to isopropyl is Arctic silver's Arcticlean which i have also used and it works well especially when dealing with older dried up material.
You can reapply the new thermal grease once the surface has dried which is quick.
For application of the new grease I suggest reading the instructions that come with the grease as different greases recommend different methods.
You can reapply the new thermal grease once the surface has dried which is quick.
For application of the new grease I suggest reading the instructions that come with the grease as different greases recommend different methods.
coozie7
Champion
- Jun 2, 2007
- 10,015
- 10
- 59,215
With brand new TIM it'll be enough just to wipe it off with a paper towel, as Bignastysid says, though, older stuff will usually need some help.
If you remove the CPU from its socket to clean it be careful not to get any on the underside ( Intel ) or on the pins ( AMD ).
Again, as Bignastysid says, check the instructions on the TIM you purchase, some is very viscous and needs to be spread out a little prior to assembly, others are more fluid and can be applied in a blob about the size of a grain of rice in the centre of the CPU heatspreader with assembly pressure being enough to spread it out properly.
If you have a CPU cooler with direct touch heatpipes I've found it's best to apply a fairly thick line running across the pipes if the cooler base has any voids between the pipes and the base, if the base is smooth with no voids or gaps between it and the heatpipes, this isn't an issue.
If you remove the CPU from its socket to clean it be careful not to get any on the underside ( Intel ) or on the pins ( AMD ).
Again, as Bignastysid says, check the instructions on the TIM you purchase, some is very viscous and needs to be spread out a little prior to assembly, others are more fluid and can be applied in a blob about the size of a grain of rice in the centre of the CPU heatspreader with assembly pressure being enough to spread it out properly.
If you have a CPU cooler with direct touch heatpipes I've found it's best to apply a fairly thick line running across the pipes if the cooler base has any voids between the pipes and the base, if the base is smooth with no voids or gaps between it and the heatpipes, this isn't an issue.
TRENDING THREADS
-
-
-
News US sanctions transform China into legacy chip production juggernaut — production jumped 40% in Q1 2024- Started by Admin
- Replies: 31
-
RTX 4070 vs RX 7900 GRE faceoff: Which mainstream graphics card is better?
- Started by Admin
- Replies: 70
-
Question I have been stuck between NVMe and SATA SSD. What should I do now?- Started by maniac2556
- Replies: 15
-
Question New pc build r9 7900x3d rtx 4080 super no post only ram rgb turns on- Started by Harvey Durward
- Replies: 5
-
Question 1TB HDD 80% Fragmented, Windows 10 Optimise Drives Program Doesn't Help
- Started by sdfbvcxbf
- Replies: 7
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram