I was working on my PC and somehow ended up putting thermal paste into my RAM slot. I'm really worried about how to get it out without pushing it further in. Any ideas or tips on how to handle this situation?
4 Answers
Using 90% isopropyl alcohol is a good way to start. It can help dissolve the thermal paste. You can try dipping a soft toothbrush into it and gently scrubbing the area. Just be careful not to bend any pins!
Just be cautious! You don't want to end up making the situation worse.
If you're feeling adventurous, you could try using a toothpick with some isopropyl alcohol. Just be very gentle to avoid any damage to the slot.
Just be careful not to break anything! But yeah, a toothpick can give you good precision.
Honestly, you might just want to try and stick the RAM back in and see if it works. Thermal paste is non-conductive, so as long as the connection is tight, it should be okay. If it doesn't work, you can always start cleaning it out with isopropyl alcohol then.
Yeah, I saw a video where someone squirted thermal paste right into the CPU socket and it worked fine!
Exactly! If it holds tight, you should be alright. Just monitor it afterward.
A business card wrapped in a paper towel soaked in 99% alcohol can be really useful. You can use the edge to scoop out the leftover paste, and then gently clean up any residue. Let it dry and blow it out with some air afterward.
Great tip! I’ve used coffee filters instead of paper towels to avoid tearing; they work wonders.
Definitely go with the alcohol. It's non-conductive, so it should be safe as long as you clean it up.