Can't get paste off Mac Pro CPU's!

[matty1551]

I tore down a 2008 MP with the x5365 CPU's. I want to clean the CPU and heatsink but I am struggling in a major way to clean the old paste off. I've done this before and this amount of struggle definitely isn't normal. I've tried rubbing alcohol up to 91% using both cue tips and paper towels. I also recruited a tooth brush and he wasn't up to the task either. Heck I even ran the edge of my nail along the surface and most of that crap wouldn't dislodge.

My thought is letting them soak in a rubbing alcohol bath but is that doable with processors?

Any other ideas?

Here's a pic:

 

[Gav2k]

A razor blade or brand new Stanley blade will do the trick.

 

[flehman]

Arctic Silver makes a solvent and purifier that cut through old paste nicely, but it may not be much different from the alcohol. Worth a shot. The razor blade is also an excellent suggestion.

 

[DEMinSoCAL]

I've used THIS STUFF for years and years, and it literally dissolves thermal paste and cleans the heatspreader LIKE NEW! You can get it other places, I've just referenced frys.com so you can see the actual product.

 

[theSeb]

What about WD 40?

 

[bax2003]

That is not MP 2008.

Intel Xeon X5365s are Clowertown CPUs for MP1.1 (2006) or 2.1 (2007).

 

[Butchie-T]

I tore down a 2008 MP with the x5365 CPU's. I want to clean the CPU and heatsink but I am struggling in a major way to clean the old paste off. I've done this before and this amount of struggle definitely isn't normal. I've tried rubbing alcohol up to 91% using both cue tips and paper towels. I also recruited a tooth brush and he wasn't up to the task either. Heck I even ran the edge of my nail along the surface and most of that crap wouldn't dislodge.

My thought is letting them soak in a rubbing alcohol bath but is that doable with processors?

Any other ideas?

Here's a pic:
Image

Goo Gone. I've had good luck over the years with it.

http://googone.com/Home.aspx