Tom's Hardware > Forum > CPU & Components > CPUs > *Is it OK to remove thermal paste with Isopropyl Rubbing Alcohol? *

*Is it OK to remove thermal paste with Isopropyl Rubbing Alcohol? *

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adreen   12-16-2008 at 12:28:12 AM

So I want to reapply my thermal compound to the HSF/CPU.
I went to the store and bought Life Brand "Isopropyl Rubbing Alcohol 70% USP", is this a good idea?
What does the USP stand for?
There was also 99% Isopropal Alcohol Life brand aswell, but it was a huge bottle and double the price...would that work better?
It also was spelled differently "propal" instead of "propyl"...I've read that rubbing alcohol would work, so I bought that.
Also checked the ingredients in nail polish remover, and it contained IsoproPYL, not pal.
Will I be OK? Or should I look for 90%+ acetone/isopropyl?

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Kari   12-16-2008 at 12:32:31 AM
- 0 +

should be fine, just don't spill it all over the thing :D

and NO for acetone, that stuff is too aggressive....

Reply to Kari
adreen   12-16-2008 at 12:35:25 AM
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is there a difference between isopropal and isopropyl?
haha, qtip/swiffer cloth shuld be ok?

Reply to adreen
jsc   12-16-2008 at 12:43:57 AM
- 0 +

The 70% isopropyl alcohol will work. The 99% is better. Works well with a piece of a clean coffee filter. Swiffer cloth, I don't know. I wouldn't use a Q-tip. You want something lint free.

Only thing is - make sure that if the label says "rubbing alcohol", it does not contain lanolin. Lanolin will leave a residue behind.

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Kari   12-16-2008 at 12:46:07 AM
- 0 +

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isopropanol

Quote :

Isopropyl alcohol (also 2-propanol, iso, isopro, rubbing alcohol, or the abbreviation IPA) is a common name for isopropanol
:
:
Although isopropanol is sometimes sold as "Isopropyl Rubbing Alcohol, 70%" (or 91%) and "Isopropyl Rubbing Alcohol, 99%", there is no isopropyl alcohol in the United States Pharmacopeia formula for rubbing alcohol, U.S.P.



Looks like that whole naming scheme is a bit messed up, probably exact same stuff...

Reply to Kari
adreen   12-16-2008 at 12:47:45 AM
- 0 +

jsc wrote :

The 70% isopropyl alcohol will work. The 99% is better. Works well with a piece of a clean coffee filter. Swiffer cloth, I don't know. I wouldn't use a Q-tip. You want something lint free.

Only thing is - make sure that if the label says "rubbing alcohol", it does not contain lanolin. Lanolin will leave a residue behind.



so there is no difference between isopropal and isopropyl? same shizzle?
also, the ingredients only says "non-medcinal ingredient : purified water"
nothign else :\

Reply to adreen
the last resort   12-16-2008 at 12:47:54 AM
- 0 +

hmm, I use Qtips and they worked just fine. Guess I wont from now on.

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seboj   12-16-2008 at 12:51:24 AM
- 0 +

Take that 70% garbage back and get the 99%. If you use anything under 90%, you need to let the CPu sit for a while to make sure that it's absolutely dry / free of moisture. Or take a hair dryer to it.

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adreen   12-16-2008 at 12:55:53 AM
- 0 +

seboj wrote :

Take that 70% garbage back and get the 99%. If you use anything under 90%, you need to let the CPu sit for a while to make sure that it's absolutely dry / free of moisture. Or take a hair dryer to it.


how long is "awhile" lol.
i already bought the damn stuff! :(
and it was spelled weird! :(
blah

Reply to adreen
Zenthar   12-16-2008 at 12:59:10 AM
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When trying to remove the most solid pastes (because it dried or it was the "generic" paste that came pre-applied), I prefer to use lighter fluid.

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 Reply to Zenthar
Zorg   12-16-2008 at 01:43:31 AM
- 0 +

The 70% will work, just put it on the coffee filter and rub the CPU. You will know when it is dry, it doesn't take long.

 

I use Heptane "trade name Bestine", but your alcohol will work fine.


Message edited by Zorg on 12-16-2008 at 01:44:45 AM
Reply to Zorg
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