Need Advice on removing thermal paste from CPU

[Demented Avenger]

I finally received the correct retention clips from coolermaster for my V8 CPU cooler. I have been running this rig for about 3 weeks with the stock Intel cooler and I am sure the Arctic 5 is caked on the CPU. What is the safest/best way to remove the paste , clean and prep the CPU for a new coat of Arctic 5 and the V8?

Thanks in advance,
DA

 

[Ste]

Just use 90% or above rubbing alcohol with cue tips or very small amounts of paper towel.

 

[Demented Avenger]

Just use 90% or above rubbing alcohol with cue tips or very small amounts of paper towel.

Thanks, Now I need to go back to the store and get rubbing alcohol as there is none in the house. Guess it can wait till tomorrow.

Thanks again,
DA

 

[Ste]

You just have to be very very careful when doing it.

Make sure you ground yourself before touching the cpu.

Also make sure to only hold it by the edges and do not get any thermal paste on the contact side.

Let it dry completely before placing the cpu back into the socket and before applying new paste.

 

[Slaymate]

If you have any women in the household you can use nail polish remover. I rarely ever remove the cpu from the mobo to clean it. And I've never used a cue tip, a paper towel works fine for me

 

[wafflehammer]

if you have anyone in the medical field you can use alcohol swabs too

 

[Demented Avenger]

if you have anyone in the medical field you can use alcohol swabs too

I have Benzalkonium chloride wipes from a first aid kit, will that work?

 

[Whirlwind]

I have always just used alcohol and a paper towel and that has worked fine for me.