Clean heatsink before install new cpu?

[madness2k4]

Hi all,
I wanted to now if I need to clean the thermal paste off my current heatsink, before I install the new cpu with the same heatsink into my system. If I do need to clean the heatsink, what kind of solvent do I need to be looking to purchase to clean the thermal paste off the heatsink.
Thanks in advance.

 

[jaguarskx]

Yes, you need to clean off the old thermal paste. Use rubbing alcohol and a lint free cloth. Might as well clean off any dust too.

 

[Valdis]

im usually using just napkin for cleaning the paste of havent had any problems

 

[GrandAdmiralThrawn]

Last time I had to clean off an old thermal pad I used ArctiClean Thermal Material Remover I found at the store but if you have rubbing alcohol on hand it should work fine