CPU Cleaning - is it necessary on a new CPU?

[mdg900]

I know if the CPU has any thermal compound on it you have to clean it but is it necessary for a new CPU?

I'll be using a Core 2 Duo with the Arctic Cooler Freezer (both new.)

[dave87]

Nope, though giving it a rub over with Isopropyl Alcohol wont hurt

[oralpain]

Wiping it off with a paper towel that has some rubbing alcohol on it would probably be a good idea, as dave87 has said.

[johnny02004976]

i usually give any CPU's i get a quick clean before using

[acrobat]

Nope, though giving it a rub over with Isopropyl Alcohol wont hurt

What is that stuff? And where would I get some? Would methylated spirits work? Also, what is the british equivalent of "rubbing alcohol"?

Thanks

[dave87]

Isopropyl Alcohol is this stuff - never tried methylated spirits, but I know surgical spirit does a similar job

[acrobat]

Thanks! Maplin! Theres a maplin just a couple of miles from here. I'll pick some of that up.

[colinloves]

I just nick a bit of nail polish remover from my girlfriends makeup bag. Does the job.

[chrestomanci]

What is that stuff? (Isopropy Alcahol) And where would I get some? Would methylated spirits work? Also, what is the british equivalent of "rubbing alcohol"?

Isopropyl Alcohol is a synthetic alcohol that has a lower boiling point compared with normal alcohol. It is also a better solvent for oily substances. Acetone (nail varnish remover) has similar properties.

The English equivalent of "rubbing alcohol" is surgical spirit, however the only real difference between that and meths, is the purple dye, and the amount of added water. (Meths has about 4%, surgical spirit has around 30%)

[notsobig]

If it's a new CPU I won't bother personally. For removing silver based thermal compound I always use this, you can wipe the thing off very easily(usually one wipe will do the job) even the most stubborn AS5. Also it leaves refreshing lime/lemonish fraglance instead of alcohol/thinner type of smell which sometimes make you sick.

[kalniel]

You won't need to clean the new CPU at all, but it doesn't hurt either.

I just nick a bit of nail polish remover from my girlfriends makeup bag. Does the job.

Same here (it's just acetone)