As the name itself implies, this prevents any static from being built up in your body, which could potentially damage the motherboard. It isn’t as easy as stripping off a sticker stamped outside your CPU case. remember a colder cpu lasts longer or overclocks better Reapplied new paste and it works fine. This is often the first clue that you've made a mistake in any of the steps above. I've always rubbed it off. Make sure you just place enough amount to prevent any spillage from damaging the motherboard. Khan is the founder of cliffyB and an obsessed gamer! You'll need alcohol (preferably isopropyl alcohol that's around 70% to 90%). My heatsink was very Dusty. Removing Thermal Compound – The BEST Way? Check out the CPU, spotting areas with the most thermal paste. But what if you don’t have access to it and want to know how to remove thermal paste without alcohol? Here's a picture of it below: I have no idea if this type of alcohol is the same or better than isopropyl alcohol, or if it will just damage my cpu, heatsink, or just not clean well enough. There are different ways to apply new thermal paste to the processor. Just using a papertowel won't remove the the microscopic pieces of thermal grease that have baked in. var att = document.createAttribute("data-ad-client"); Do not apply a new paste immediately after the final swab of alcohol. Well, we don’t recommend just any other liquid you can find in your home, and regular water is out of the picture. I'm not sure about using solvents and the such to do this. Use a spudger or dry cloth or the paper towel to remove the old paste. replace the heatsink, careful to put it straight down on the cpu. Before you remove the thermal paste from the heatsink or cooler, we recommend you to clean the dust that can accumulate on the vents as well. Get your microfiber cloth or paper towel. Don't forget to re-attach the cables and anything else you removed when you initially pulled out the CPU and heatsink. Leaving the heatsink loose could cause overheating. I just use 3-4 inch strips, press it down and then pull it … Hopefully, this brief guide helped you out and you won’t struggle with cleaning thermal paste in the future. Worked really fine. He is also the founder of TLH (The Localhost Gaming), which is a Computer Gaming Lounge in Pakistan. But these kinds of software are not necessary. You don’t want your CPU to operate without thermal paste. Before we move on, there’s one last thing we want to mention. Once the surface looks shiny and brand new, our job here is done. Don't just remove anything yet. Wipe away most of the thermal paste that you can and then use 99% Pure IPA to clean away any residue. Wet coffee filters or lint-free cloths with the alcohol or a thermal paste remover and then use it to moisturize the old paste so that it can be easily removed. Re: How to remove thermal paste the right way without damaging CPU When cleaning the thermal paste on cpu do i need to remove the cpu from the motherboard socket? Related guide: Five different types of thermal paste. If you dont have and cant get any isopropyl alcohol (its in cd lens cleaner, vhs head cleaner and a lot of other cleaning fluids) you should just wipe off as much of the old paste as you can. Removing thermal paste isn’t exactly the most difficult thing in the world. Although you're going to be cleaning thermal paste off CPU later, this isn't the right time to do it. There's an option to double-check CPU temperature with temp tools (even Windows has one built in), or monitor clock speeds with a program like CPU-Z. Repeat if that didn't loosen the connection between your CPU's lid and its heatsink. Depending on what kind of heatsink you have, flip the latch or release the retention clips that keep the heatsink attached to the CPU. (We are not liable for any damage.). You can use isopropyl alcohol to remove remaining thermal paste from a CPU surface, but you want to make sure you are using a lint free cloth/paper to do this. I don't have any isopropyl alcohol laying around in the house. tag.src = "https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js"; Then clean it up with some 99% alcohol to help dry it off. Size of a Pea or Grain of Rice in the centre of the CPU. Applying New Paste After Cleaning It Off. }); Micro ATX vs Mini ITX: An Ultimate Showdown, Best Motherboards For Your i7-9700k Builds, The Best Budget Gaming PC Build for $600 in 2020, The Best Gaming PC Build For $700 in 2020, Amazing $1200 gaming PC build to dominate 1440p in 2020. Additional Details. Preparing your workspace and materials is the first step of how to clean off thermal paste. document.getElementsByTagName("head")[0].appendChild(tag); He is into the gaming and PC Building since 2009. If you’ve built a gaming rig on your own in the past, you’re most likely familiar with why thermal paste is so important. There has to be another underlying reason why the CPU isn't reaching optimal performance. You must then check the fan to see if it is seated properly. Try turning on your computer. You can spread it, use a brush to apply it, or wear latex gloves and your index finger to spread the paste. basically you want a clean and oil free surface so your new heatsink will have maximum surface area to transfer heat. Answer from DeadeyeFlint “Personally, I use a Q-tip dabbed with a little bit of rubbing alcohol to clean off the gunk. You need to use alcohol as a solvent to remove the old, dried thermal paste. 2. This step is extremely important, so take your time cleaning off your CPU. If the temperature of your CPU is getting out of control - Sometimes, the CPU heatsink becomes too hot to the touch that you'd need to check out what's happening. Using alcohol, arctic-clean will help dissolve/loosen any thermal grease on the IHS. If it isn't, clean it, reapply thermal paste, and make sure it is now connected much more stable to the CPU. But thermal paste can dry out over the years, and that can lead to the processor overheating. Determine if the latch needs to be twisted or moved slightly outward. Sometimes dried up thermal paste can find its way into the CPU socket and potentially damage the CPU pins. If possible, use alcohol, as it basically evaporates and is easy to clean, … This also allows you to easily find and access your comments/replies on PCGH by clicking the gear icon that'll appear right above the comment box AFTER making your first comment. 3. Just spray the goo-off directly on the heatsink (the worst I've had it do was clean some of the tarnish off), and soak a paper-towel in it to set on the CPU core. Depending on the processor and socket, this may be a triangle, notch, or other guide to help you place the CPU back into its proper placement. the somewhat thick and viscous liquid component that is generally one of the great forgottens of our computer. The best option is a microfiber cloth but paper towel will do in a pinch—it leaves behind much less material than toilet paper. Firstly to clean off original thermal paste: 1. So today I removed it, cleaned it and reapplied thermal paste after cleaning the top of processor. I cleaned it well with a fine paint brush and 91% isopropyl alcohol. Before diving head on learning how to remove thermal paste from CPU, you should first check the heatsink fan. He is also obsessed with DOTA 2 and Rainbow Six Siege. After that, apply a small amount of isopropyl alcohol to the microfiber cloth, and gently clean off the surface of the CPU. I use cotton tips to clean the processor whenever I do a heatsink reinstall. Removing the Old Paste: Refer to your user manual for access. But I do have a bottle of Everclear which is labeled as being 190 Proof, with 95% Alcohol. To do this, you will want to first give your CPU time to dry. Place both on a clean, flat working area with the thermal surfaces facing up. but as far as good practice i would HIGHLY recommend using a lint free cloth and cleaning it with the alcohol. – YouTube. Don't get that pure 100% acetone stuff, get the watered down one or the pure acetone will melt right through the motherboard if you drip any on the plastic. Find the gold arrow on your CPU and align it to the arrow stamped onto the CPU socket. Twist the fan or CPU cooler first clockwise, then counterclockwise. Connect all the cables back to their original placement. Handle the CPU on two sides and lower it downward slowly laying it down into the socket. The most popular application method is to drop a thin, blob of thermal paste in the center of the CPU. (from the CPU and the AIO CPU Cooler as they all come with Thermal Paste already applied) You use Bottle Two to Prepare the CPU for New Thermal Paste. it would be even better actually buying a cleaner like AbstruseB suggested. If you installed either a new processor or motherboard and the computer isn't turning on, you might need to reinstall your operating system. If you're searching how to clean thermal paste, there's a good chance you're dipping your toes in building your own gaming rig, doing your own computer maintenance tasks, or actually doing something about your growing interest in overclocking. Here's a 12-step guide on how to remove it: Decide if you really need to remove thermal paste. There are two ways to know immediately if this CPU issue can be solved by cleaning and replacing thermal paste: If none of these two issues is the culprit, you might need to dig deeper and open the CPU to check the cooling system, motherboard, or other components. You might have heard that people just use regular old paper towels, but we highly recommend against that because paper towels or tissues can leave behind residue. Cleaning … The process actually has several steps and requires extra care. But if you’re a beginner PC builder who doesn’t fully understand that process, we’ve got you covered. End of suggested clip. I did pull the leaver to clean but I didn't remove processor. If so, do it carefully. (Isopropyl alcohol does a really good job at quickly cleaning away thermal paste.) - MacBook Pro 15" Unibody Early 2011 The best way to clean thermal paste off a CPU is to use isopropyl alcohol (as high a percent as possible like 90%) and a coffee filter. You might need to go a second run for both the CPU and heatsink. Pull the heatsink slowly upward, but make sure not to pull the CPU with it. Hello, Just got One question. Decide if you really need to remove thermal paste. Detach the heatsink or waterblock from the CPU and remove the CPU from the motherboard. Thermal paste removal is necessary in these scenarios: Note that contrary to popular belief, cleaning thermal paste off CPU won't result in improved performance. Make sure you go to a well-lighted room when you’re cleaning off old thermal paste. So if you’re wondering how to remove the thermal paste from your motherboard and CPU socket/pins both, don’t panic and follow these details below: First off, we want to warn you that this process is very delicate so do it at your own risk. But don’t touch the areas which aren’t affected. Just gently rub off excess paste with your microfiber cloth and a bit of alcohol. var tag = document.createElement("script"); I did clean off the thermal paste on my cpu and heatsink with no alcohol but just a clean cloth, re-apply new thermal....and it still works. Suggested clip 83 seconds. This is usually designed to hold your CPU securely in the socket. Since our launch in 2015, we've helped thousands upon thousands of gamers build their dream desktops, find the perfect peripherals, and more. The new layer of thermal paste won't stick easily if the old chunks of paste are still there. If you've confirmed that the old thermal paste requires a fresh application, it's time to learn how to clean thermal paste off CPU properly. clean out the heatsink and cpu, then apply a very thin EVEN coat of thermal paste on the cpu. Don't worry if excess paste leaks around the edges, just use your microfiber or paper towel to remove the leaks easily. Also Goo-Gone works well, which is basically what Arctic Silver Thermal Paste Remover is made of, citrus extract. Would love your thoughts, please comment. First, you could go into your BIO and check CPU fan speed. An anti-static bracelet would be ideal but isn’t exactly necessary. Just alcohol cut down with distilled > water to be a 70% solution. Again, it’s not obligatory but these bracelets are cheap, so better be safe than sorry. Just let the weight of the heatsink spread the thermal paste and make it stick to the CPU. If you're using a thermal paste that is not electrically conductive, thermal paste spilling over the edges shouldn't be an issue. "Richard Urban" wrote: > As long as there are NO additives. Why You Need to Remove Thermal Paste. But you do require a few materials for the process. It is of great importance that the paste is in good working order since it is the one in charge of “moving” the heat towards the Heatsink, which, in turn, is the one that takes it outside. :p For cleanig i used nail polish remover. Let’s find out the quickest and cleanest way to remove the thermal paste from the CPU. This comes with the cleaner, a microfiber cloth, and an anti-static wrist strap. We already covered how to apply thermal paste in detail. ), After that, apply a small amount of isopropyl alcohol to the microfiber cloth, and gently clean off the surface of the CPU. The first thing you should grab is a microfiber cloth. Now that you have the heatsink out, there is nothing stopping you from getting the CPU out except for a retaining latch. I'm Branton, the founder and lead editor here at PC Game Haven. The solution to this is removing the dried thermal paste and applying fresh thermal paste. You only need a very small amount. This will boot normally if you changed processors but kept your old motherboard. If you're buying an aftermarket cooler, you'll most likely receive a thermal paste along with it (that you'll need to apply yourself). Inside it, the fan or other cooling system is actually not doing its job of preventing your PC or laptop from heating up. If this is the case, it wouldn't matter if you used a top rated thermal paste in the past. The alcohol and paper towel/microfiber cloth are used for removing dried or cracked thermal paste that may still be stuck to your CPU. First of all, remove the heatsink and then use the brush to clean the dust present in the vents. When i build my new rig, i hab to reapply thermal Paste on the CPU after failing at placing the Cooler in the right direction. tag.setAttributeNode(att); Some even dab a thick x-mark or happy face right in the middle of the CPU. Updated: June 30th, 2020By: BrantonGuidesLeave a Comment. If you are a first time builder, applying thermal paste might look easy at first glance. The dried or cracked paste could still be glued tight to the CPU. Not really. Use a credit card or similar plastic piece to scrape off the majority of the pad. As for the cleaning process, it’s pretty much the same as the processor itself. Thanks for stopping by and feel free to get in tough! Read More, Gaming Accessories Gaming Hardware Gaming Peripherals Gaming Laptops PC Gaming Benchmarks How-to Guides, About cliffyB.com Gaming Blog Contact Us Advertise Affiliate Disclosure Terms & Conditions Privacy Policy. Anytime the heatsink becomes loose (or whenever you remove it) - If the heatsink gets dislodged either mistakenly or through regular wear-and-tear, you must remove the remnants from the old application and replace it. Scotch tape seems to work well after removing the majority of the stuff using cotton swabs. If you boot up the computer, hear the fan spin, but then turns off quickly, this means your CPU is detecting a cooling or overheating problem. How to Remove Thermal Paste | Our Guide In 12 Simple Steps, Optional - Leave blank to comment anonymously. How do you clean thermal paste off a CPU without alcohol? It isn’t … Check if the heatsink is clean and dust-free. To secure the heatsink, look for the latch and lock it in place. While you have your computer apart, you should apply a new thermal paste right away. Most of the time, this latch would be under pressure. Slowly lower it directly onto your CPU. Isopropyl alcohol (basic rubbing alcohol can work too) A cleaning cloth; Thermal paste (only needed if you want to clean and/or reseat your CPU) Once you’re ready to start cleaning your PC, unplug it from its power source and, just to be safe, flip the power switch off. Avoid using rubbing alcohol, which is just 70% IPA. If you're not careful enough, you could accidentally damage the pins, or worse, pull the CPU out. The CPU cooler you have installed on top of the processor vents out the heat and keeps it cool. Last time I cleaned thermal paste off a CPU I used Vanilla Fridge Wipe due to the alcohol based cleaning agents and a piece of paper towel. You don't need to be a computer repair technician to know that something is wrong with your CPU if you're trying to turn it on, but it keeps on shutting off right away without warning. Removing thermal paste from the CPU pins isn’t easy, and it requires the right tool. Just wiping leaves like 30% on … First off you’re going to notice that the thermal paste may have dried up quite a bit, leaving behind small solid chunks. I usually keep the heatsink as level as possible when i put it back on and tighten the screws little by little in a star pattern, like lugnuts on a car (However, if you run into trouble, you can use a spudger or something flat that won’t scratch the surface to clean it off. You're building your own computer - Thermal paste is not a requirement for everyone building a gaming PC, but you will use it. Help cleaning thermal paste off motherboard I got my new Asrock 990fx extreme3 motherboard today. When choosing thermal paste, be careful with brands that are metal-based since they could damage hardware like your motherboard. Thermal paste does not go on the motherboard’s CPU … As I was applying thermal paste to my CPU I accidentally got some on my motherboard. cliffyB.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Off the thermal paste might look easy at first glance sides and lower it downward slowly it... Prevent bended pins and an anti-static bracelet would be ideal but isn ’ t affected free to in... Within 2 minutes behind small hairs or fibers are still there seems to be a %. Need to go a second run for both the CPU although you 're going to be 70. With 95 % alcohol to the heatsink cloth, and it requires right... Underlying reason why the CPU on two sides and lower it downward laying. 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