Remove Thermal Paste?

[Infinite]

Anyone know how to remove thermal paste on a cpu from a intel stock cooler?

[pc_geek]

Hi, maybe a flat blade plastic scraper or credit card would get the stuff off. Then use cleaning solution. Ya can usually buy the stuff from online pc shops and the likes. I think vinegar/Lemon juice may work just as well when dabbed on a lint free cloth.

[tiggerai]

Cotton bud and nail varnish remover.

All good geeks should have them (tweezers too)

[Mblaster]

I use kitchen towel and white spirit, comes off nice and easy

[Infinite]

haha ok thanks

i knew something simple would be able to do the trick.

Kept reading all these guides tell me to use artic cooling remover or Isoproyl Alcohol.
I dont even know where to get Isoproyl Alcohol.

[peterb]

Isopropyl alcohol - Maplin.

http://www.maplin.co.uk/module.aspx?...C=SO&U=Strat15

the problem with other solvents is that they can attack plastic components on your mobo (Acetone which may be be found in some nail varnish removers is particularly aggressive). Even if the nail varnish remover is acetone free, it contains other stuff (oils etc, supposedly to condition the nails? who knows) which will leave an oily residue on the surface - which you don't want.

You can also use proprietary cleaners - the makers of Arctic Silver supply one, also available from Maplin.

To minimize the mess though, try and get as much off as possible by scraping with something soft (old credit card, lollipop stick) then use the solvent applied to a cloth to remove the rest.

[!TIMMY!]

If you have a CD lens cleaning kit then they usually supply Isoproyl Alcohol with it. Just dip a cotton bud in it and use that to clean off any access thermal paste after you have wiped off as much as you can with kitchen towel.