Removing thermal paste

OmniShift · **Memory**: DDR3-1600 8GB 8-8-8-24

Hey guys, I've got a question about removing pre-applied, old thermal paste from my CPU and cooler. I've read the best way to remove it is with rubbing alcohol and lint free cloth with several options to replace either of those. now I've got lint free cloth, but no rubbing alcohol. I've got methylated spirits though, but it's with 85% ethanol and less than 3% methanol. Will this be enough or do I really need to buy something with at least 95% like I see in most places?

iako · 08-07-2012, 15:14 | posts: 2,063 | Location: London / Athens / New-York / Beirut

I've found citrus based removers to be the best..

Ade 1 · 08-07-2012, 15:22 | posts: 527 | Location: Safe House

I bought some Artic Thermal Remover and some Purifier years ago from OCUK and always used that. Usually wipe the remover away with a cotton bud and use some kitchen role to wipe away the purifier.

OmniShift · 08-07-2012, 15:51 | posts: 312

Ok, but will 85% ethanol work? Otherwise, I'll just use that, since I don't like to wait even longer with another order

aircool · 08-07-2012, 19:52 | posts: 13,426 | Location: Devon, In A Little Town.

Citrus based stuff isn't bad and not too pricey.

Or just get some IPA

OmniShift · 08-08-2012, 11:05 | posts: 312

Thanks for the help guys. I got that Artic Thermal Remover and it worked great

yelsewshane · 08-09-2012, 23:09 | posts: 1,468

Best and cheap way is to simply use a paper towel :-)

airbud7 · 08-10-2012, 13:19 | posts: 2,011 | Location: Evans Ga,USA

Quote:

Originally Posted by yelsewshane

Best and cheap way is to simply use a paper towel :-)

Darn it, Why Didn't I Think of That^...

...

sykozis · *Last edited by sykozis; 08-11-2012 at 19:16.*

Quote:

Originally Posted by OmniShift

Ok, but will 85% ethanol work? Otherwise, I'll just use that, since I don't like to wait even longer with another order

alcohol (ethanol and methanol in particular), in large concentrations, causes corrosion. Use rubbing alcohol (IPA as Aircool put it)....or just stick to Arctic Thermal Remover.

Comrade_Jerkov · 08-16-2012, 14:30 | posts: 126 | Location: Boston, MA

Just regular ol' isopropyl alcohol with a tissue or paper towel will do. Honestly I just used 70% and it worked fine.

hallryu · 08-16-2012, 21:09 | posts: 10,838 | Location: England

Search for Rubbing alcohol on ebay. I bought a 1 litre container for next to nothing and that amount will last years!

BLEH! · **Memory**: 24GB @ 1600 @ 9-10-9-27

Alternately nail varnish remover. That stuff usually contains ethyl acetate or acetone, either of which should work just as well.

sykozis · 08-17-2012, 01:04 | posts: 13,489 | Location: US East Coast

Quote:

Originally Posted by Comrade_Jerkov

Just regular ol' isopropyl alcohol with a tissue or paper towel will do. Honestly I just used 70% and it worked fine.

That's what I do. I generally avoid tissues though. Aloe isn't good for processors....lol

Quote:

Originally Posted by BLEH!

Alternately nail varnish remover. That stuff usually contains ethyl acetate or acetone, either of which should work just as well.

In a tight squeeze, sure....if you can stand the smell...

BLEH! · **Memory**: 24GB @ 1600 @ 9-10-9-27

Quote:

Originally Posted by sykozis

That's what I do. I generally avoid tissues though. Aloe isn't good for processors....lol

In a tight squeeze, sure....if you can stand the smell...

I'm a chemist, I'm used to it. NVR is easier to get hold of than some of the other stuff though.

sykozis · 08-17-2012, 02:23 | posts: 13,489 | Location: US East Coast

rubbing alcohol (IPA) is very easy to get ahold of....at least in the US

Pill Monster · 08-17-2012, 03:39 | posts: 20,464 | Location: NZ

An electric sander works well.

INSTG8R · 08-17-2012, 05:31 | posts: 1,188 | Location: Lost in Norway

I use straight Acetone. IPA isn't readily available here. You guys talking about paper towels and tissues...

Those CERTAINLY aren't lint free.
The cheapest best "lint free" cloth you can get is a coffee filter

umeng2002 · **Memory**: DDR3 8GB @ 1600 8-9-8-28

I use high concentrate IPA with either paper towels (yes - I blow air on the surface before mating) or face wipes until the wipes/ towels don't have any more discoloration.