Cleaning residual thermal paste?

[summer_of_alvin]

If I decide to change the existing heatsink/fan from a CPU, how do I deal with the residual thermal paste from the previous occupant?

Sorry for such a newbie-ish question.

 

[geeky]

I use Akasa TIM Clean. A few drops on a lint free cloth, apply to the left over paste, leave a couple of minutes then wipe off.

But I think Isopropyl Alcohol is used alot from all the stuff I read, but I could never find anywhere near me that sold it. So I got the Akasa stuff from my local parts supplier the last time I was buying stuff.

 

[Katzhuu]

I use Arctic Silver's Arcticlean!

Works like a charm.

 

[Frankenstyle]

I had an old heatsink sitting around so I took paper towel and some hydrogen peroxide. It cleaned it very well, but I don't know if it was necessarily good for it.

It looks clean, but how safe is it to use?

 

[jpgonz]

I used 90% Isopropyl Alcohol and a coffee filter. Got the stuff off real quick. Found at your local corner store in the first aid section and less than 2 bucks a bottle. Its basically rubbing alcohol for cuts. Besure to get 90%+, it will say on the bottle.

 

[Frankenstyle]

Would nail polish remover be dangerous to use. I know it dissolves the grease very well, but it is too dangerous to put near your processor?

 

[jpgonz]

I've heard of people using nail polish remover. There are only a few things (to my knowledge, which is limited) to consider. Do not use non-acetone removers and do not use any with fragrance.

 

[Guest]

just to say, i used a acetone based nail varnish remover (that had quite a ice fragrance) to re-apply thermal compound, seemed to of worked so far, and now i have a sweet strawberry fragrance wafting from my xbox

 

[AKM880]

Yeah I stick to Isopropyl Alcohol, I prefer 90% and over. Works good with a cotton swab.