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Cleaning Thermal Compound from CPU's

Forum CPU & Components : CPUs - Cleaning Thermal Compound from CPU's

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aspalmat   09-27-2003 at 07:04:33 PM

Just a quick question. What do people use to clean the thermal compound off an old CPU. I'm, putting a new CPU in one of my computers, and don't want to damage the old processor(AMD), by using something to harsh on the CPU.

I was planning to use plain old rubbig alcohol to clean it. Will this damage my old CPU?

Any help is appreciated.

Thanks.

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Bahumut   09-27-2003 at 07:57:12 PM
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Natural alcohol or 91% isopropyl alcohol would be best. Alcohol evaporates very quickly and cuts through thermal grease like nothing. Not sure about thermal(wax) pads though.

Your alcohol is probaly 70% isopropyl (30% water). It will work, but it won't be quite as clean. Doesn't evaporate as quickly either, but that's not a big issue. Just make sure there is no voltage running to your CPU when you clean it ;').

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smitbret   09-27-2003 at 08:01:25 PM
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Acetone based nail-polish remover works very, very well. Just try to get something that is as additive free as possible. I think it cleans up a bit better than alcohol.
-Brett

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aspalmat   09-27-2003 at 10:09:11 PM
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Thanks guys, I feel more comfortable now.

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addiarmadar   09-28-2003 at 01:23:10 AM
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Your on the mark Pal!!

F-DISK-Format-Reinstal DO DA!! DO DA!!

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Crashman   09-28-2003 at 01:41:14 AM
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I use hot water and dishwashing detergent. The core is sealed, their's no place to get water inside. Just shake the water off after rinsing and allow to air dry.

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