Cleaning a CPU/Heatsink

[Diabetic]

Hey folks, I'm in need of removing the gunk from the bottom of my heatsink, and the top of my CPU.

Thing is, I need to get this heatsink cleaned and back into the computer as fast as possible, which means I can't wait around to recieve special cleaning stuff that I've ordered (and there are very few reasonable computer shops near where I live). So, how would I go about doing this effectively with 'basic supplies'.

I have a few old plastic cards I won't need (top up cards for my phone and several other random things) which I assume I'll be able to use on the heatsink? I also have a few alcohol wipes lying around somewhere, and a few cotton wool bud thingies (Americans call them Q-tips?).

So, any help in this area would be great. Also, would it be best if I actually take my CPU out the socket before cleaning it? Or would that just be a pointless extra precaution.

- Cheers

 

[Trifid]

Go to a Chemist and ask for a bottle of Isopropyl if they say they don't have it, than anthing above 90% alcohol will do (with nothing else added like nail polish remover which will not be suitable.)

Use the cotton wall buds for the isopropyl.

 

[cwiz]

lol... chemist... u crazy englishmen

its a pharmacist! derrr

but ur right, isopropl alcohol is the ticket

 

[Trifid]

lol... chemist... u crazy englishmen

its a pharmacist! derrr

but ur right, isopropl alcohol is the ticket

Sorry, I meant pharmacist (not a English mistake, just a dumb one. Atleast you got the point of it )

 

[Diabetic]

So these 'alcohol wipes' I've got = nay good?

 

[Trifid]

I don't think they will be suitable for this, as they will not put 90%+ alcohol on a tissue designed for cleaning a babies bum will they...(?)

 

[Diabetic]

I don't think they will be suitable for this, as they will not put 90%+ alcohol on a tissue designed for cleaning a babies bum will they...(?)

I'll have to go and check the contents but they aren't for cleaning a babies arse I assure you. They are about half the size of the palm of your hand, and completely square.

Meh, will be back after I check the strength of 'em.

 

[Diabetic]

Alright, these wipes are 70% alcohol. Will this be strong enough, or is that extra 20% really needed?

 

[Shumway]

I use 70% all the time when cleaning my stuff,The only difference is the water content,So what if it take's an extra second to dry

 

[Diabetic]

Ah coolies. So, I just need rub this wipe over my CPU, and then wait a couple seconds for it to dry (leave it a few mins for safety) ? And as I asked earlier, it worth me taking the CPU out the socket?

(love the avatar by the way, go Silent Bob!)