Thermal paste removal

[mdg900]

I'm about to install the Accelero X2 on my X1950XT. (Can't stand the noise of the stock cooler!)

I'm wondering how scrupulous I need to be with removing the existing thermal paste.

Also, I don't have any rubbing alcohol but I do have nail varnish remover - will that do the same job? (Ingredients: Acetone, Water, Glycerin.)

Also would it be best to use kitchen towell, standard tissue, or a lens cleaner?


Cheers.

[Clunk]

That nail varnish remover will do the job, its the stuff with moisturisers and oils that are no good aparently

[teachmech]

You need to make sure that all the old tim is removed otherwise to could prevent the new tim doing its job correctly.

[notsobig]

Yep, nail polish remover works fine but you need SOME tissue I guess. So did you take the heatsink off the card? I heard those screws are very tight and not easy to come off.

[mdg900]

Thanks for your help - the Accelero is now fitted.

Yeah the screws were really tight but came off easily once I started using a screwdriver with a bigger handle.

It's made a huge difference to the overall noise level of my PC, and my graphics card is now 45C when idle. (I think it was 55C with the stock cooler.)

[notsobig]

Cool. Good job

[Agent]

Some nail varnish removers leave a film after use - you have to be very careful.

[Andeh13]

hmm, warm water & a cloth did the trick for me.