I'm getting ready to swap out my CPU cooler and I know I need to clean off the old thermal paste beforehand. Can anyone share some tips or best practices for this process?
5 Answers
Using rubbing alcohol with a microfiber cloth does the trick for me. I usually go for 91% isopropyl, but 70% works fine too. Just make sure to let it sit for a bit if the paste is stubborn.
You're right, it needs to be isopropyl, not just any alcohol.
For cleaning, it really depends on how tough the paste is to remove. Sometimes a simple paper towel does the job if the paste is still soft. If it's dried up, I’ve found using ethanol on a cotton bud to loosen it up works great too!
I often use a special cleaning kit like the ArctiClean set. It’s a bit on the pricier side, but it makes removal and application much smoother. Just make sure to use it sparingly so there’s no mess afterwards!
A lot of folks recommend using a paper coffee filter because it won't leave any fibers behind. Just dampen it with some isopropyl alcohol to help dissolve the paste—works like a charm!
From my experience, this is definitely the way to go.
Stick to basics! I just use 98% alcohol with toilet paper, then follow up with a microfiber cloth. Oh, and definitely clean your new cooler before putting it on!
Yep, totally agree!