Best method of cleaning cpu and silicon compound?

[johnnr892]

Hi, I'm going to install an artic cooling heatsink because my stock amd one is too load and is pretty rubbish at cooling. First I'm going to have to clean the cpu die of the old thermal pad. Do any of you have a preferred and safe method to clean the die that you could share and what solvent is best to use. Also, when i apply the silicon compound supplied with the heatsink should i just put a little bit on the die and spread it evenly? Thanks,John.

[johnnr892]

anybody?

[CeeJay]

hi john, this probably isnt the correct way to do it, but its worked for me.
just make sure you use a lint free clothe,rag thats clean and isnt rough. as for the solvent i wouldnt have thought it would have been a good idea to use it tbh.

[starbuck]

try this http://www.overclockers.co.uk/acatal...erials_27.html (top item)

specially made for the purpose. Just follow the instructions and don't use tissue paper as it breaks up easily.

[johnnr892]

Thanks I will have alook at that. If I don't want to spend the money can you recommend something like white spirit which a have a abundance of? Or could i just use a lint free cloth and q-tips and no solvent?

[skuzgib]

I've always used lighter fuel and nothing bad has happened yet... touch wood.

[Shogun]

Just get an old credit card and scrape it off with an edge. It should just roll off.
Then give it a wiping over with a solvent (i normally use nail polish remover)
Stick on the new paste, smooth it over with the other edge of the credit card.

:edit: i see you arent too far away skuzgib

[skuzgib]

:edit: i see you arent too far away skuzgib

Tardebigge to be exact

[Shogun]

Tardebigge to be exact

Closer then bromsgrove then It's good to see more members from this area

[sybrows]

I use Isopropyl Alchohol got it from the chemists, dirt cheap and they will refill the bottle for you if you run out
BrOw

[iranu]

I use Isopropyl Alchohol got it from the chemists, dirt cheap and they will refill the bottle for you if you run out
BrOw

Thats the best stuff. I get it free from work. It's better than nail varnish remover or acetone because it won't damage plastic.

[muddyfox470]

isopropyl works for me, its moderately expensive and much better than commercial stuff, i,.e. citrus based compounds

it costs around £5 for 500ml, which will last you a lifetime or a few (hundred) thousand chips! lol

most chemists should be able to get it for you! as they normally have to order it in, it took me some tim eto ring around etc to get it!

once you have it use a plastic bag, and wear the bag over hand, then dip it in the alcohol, and wipe that crap away, then use a lint free cloth to clear gunk away, leave for 5 mins for the alc to evapourate

(all this can be found on artic silvers website)

i have had no probs, and you can use it on pratically anything, it does really work! you will just have quite a bit (as its hard to find small containers > i was offered 5L!!!)

try to get high concentration, as near to 100% as poss! tell us wot u do! gud luck!

(PS I have heard that isopropyl is the same alc. they use in the tape head cleaner sets that cost about £1 etc. but i wouldnt trust them, due to low purity, and prob wont do too good!) PM me if you want and i may be able to sell you a small quantity!

also avoid nail varnish remover or acetone as they have small imperfections and smells that will leave residue behind and will affect your performance overall! make sure you clean the chip and the heatsink!!!!

also lads; where do you get free isopropyl refills from? i had to pay for mine!!! and they dont stock it!!!

[johnnr892]

I used propan which my dad got from the school chemistry department. It worked pretty well and took all the gunk away. Just now i'm not really sure about my artic cooler heatsink. i get about 48 idle and about 53-54 load which im not too pleased with especially as its not much better than the standard heatsink. I am using the silicon compund and i have it on full rpm. Any suggestions before i spend another £20 on a volcano 12.Thanks,John

[yanansi]

I've always used lighter fuel and nothing bad has happened yet... touch wood.

good way to do it i am always use this

[jonathan_phang]

i remember the first time I had to clean AS off the die and I didnt have any rubbing alcohol, so I used some good vodka instead and it seemed to work alright (I WAS in a rush by the way!) so Ive kinda used that ever since. I'm sure someone will point out that this is a bad thing to do, but my CPU temps have been ok, so if it aint broke...

[skuzgib]

good way to do it i am always use this

LOL at first I had visions of my CPU bursting into flames, but sadly it didnt.....