Thermal paste removal

[cluthz]

So, I'm gonna reapply thermal paste on my sisters aging macbook pro and my old iMac G5 since they are starting to heat up quite a bit.

My question is if I really have to buy things like arctiClean or can I just use alcohol, like MEK (methyl-ethyl-keton / butanone) which I already have.

 

[mikeo007]

I used my finger to wipe it off the processor on my old Compaq laptop. Re-applied the new paste and the thing runs like a charm 7 years later

 

[johnnymg]

So, I'm gonna reapply thermal paste on my sisters aging macbook pro and my old iMac G5 since they are starting to heat up quite a bit.

My question is if I really have to buy things like arctiClean or can I just use alcohol, like MEK (methyl-ethyl-keton / butanone) which I already have.

Have you cleaned the fan(s)?

 

[cluthz]

Have you cleaned the fan(s)?

Yeah I have, at least on the iMacG5, the thermal paste there is probably almost dry.
I promised to fix up my sisters macbook, cleaning it, upgrading HD and such, and since it's running pretty hot with fans pretty much spinning quite a lot even with moderate tasks I'd replace the thermal paste too while I'm on it.

I just got a tube with arctic ceramique and it's 2g so that should be enough for about twenty CPUs so I'd figure I'll take both the mbp, iMac and my two P4s

 

[grapes911]

I usually use a little rubbing alcohol on a paper towel, but your finger probably would suffice.

 

[iaymnu]

If it is the first time removing then probably alcohol would be enough.
Articsilver takes a few wipes after applying if you want to remove, but alcohol still works.

So, I'm gonna reapply thermal paste on my sisters aging macbook pro and my old iMac G5 since they are starting to heat up quite a bit.

My question is if I really have to buy things like arctiClean or can I just use alcohol, like MEK (methyl-ethyl-keton / butanone) which I already have.

 

[wordoflife]

You don't need anything fancy.
I just use an alcohol swab (yes from the first aid kit) and that works fine for me.
I'm sure Windex will work just fine too.

 

[ouimetnick]

I use a CC to remove the solid chunks of thermal paste from the heat sink, but cotton pads and rubbing alcohol to get it off the fragile CPU die. then I clean the remainder thermal paste off the heatsink with rubbing alcohol. I make sure there are no dust particles or thermal paste, then I apply some Arctic Silver 5 to the exposed CPU core, and pop the heatsink on, and screw it down. I let the heatsink spread it for me. DO NOT touch the CPU or Heatsink mating areas with a finger, as the oils from your finger will ruin the heat transfer.

 

[Bill Gates]

Use isopropyl alcohol to clean up the residue after removing the majority with a cloth.

 

[Rodimus Prime]

I use a CC to remove the solid chunks of thermal paste from the heat sink, but cotton pads and rubbing alcohol to get it off the fragile CPU die. then I clean the remainder thermal paste off the heatsink with rubbing alcohol. I make sure there are no dust particles or thermal paste, then I apply some Arctic Silver 5 to the exposed CPU core, and pop the heatsink on, and screw it down. I let the heatsink spread it for me. DO NOT touch the CPU or Heatsink mating areas with a finger, as the oils from your finger will ruin the heat transfer.

That is the best way to do it. That how I cleaned off the thermal paste off the PC I built 6 years ago when I had to replace a bad MOBO and then used AS5. Since then I have pulled the heat sink to test parts for a friend. Same meathod as list above every time.

Do take note on AS5 it takes a little while before the temp will drop all the way. It has to burn in paste so to speak.