How to clean the CPU and the heatsink?

[batman3009]

I want to know if i can use ethyl alcohol instead of isopropyl alcohol for cleaning the CPU and the heatsink.another question,what is the best way to apply thermal paste to i7 3770k.

 

[newtekie1]

I believe as long as the alcohol content is over 70% it should be fine(preferably over 80% and as close to 100% as possible). When I was in college I used to use 190 proof Everclear alcohol which is 95% alcohol and never had a problem.

The best way to apply the paste technically depends on the paste you are using. Though I tend to always just use a half rice grain sized drop in the middle of the processor/GPU and then apply the heatsink and let the heatsink spread the paste. That method has worked fine with every paste I've ever used.

 

[Jetster]

The answer is yes ethyl alcohol is fine. Just use a small amount and don't get it on the MB
Apply a grain of rice size in the middle. Let the HS spread it

 

[mediasorcerer]

The way i do it is to use say a credit card , put the drop in the middle of chip, and use the flat edge to wipe across in all directions until there is a relatively even thin film across the whole of the chip, using the least amount as possible. I always seem to get good results doing that, i just did my new cpu & gpu, and the temps dropped 2 degrees roundabouts on both chips.


With cleaning, i use cotton buds and alcohol swabs to remove and clean.

dont git it on your hands, its toxic , and be very careful, take your time and try to keep it dust free if possible.

 

[adulaamin]

I used 95% ethyl alcohol before. It dries up quickly and leaves no residue. As for applying thermal paste I use the pea-sized-drop-in-the-middle-of-the-cpu proces and let the heatsink spread the paste.

 

[Solaris17]

i usually put some 70% on a paper towels and clean the IHS like that. i use a q-tip around the edges if im feeling centimental

 

[micropage7]

yep alcohol, but if the thermal paste not much just wipe it by using paper towel.
just make sure your heatsink clean before you put thermal paste on that