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how to clean thermal paste underneath the cpu

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Sep 8, 2015
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System Name my creation
Processor Intel core is 4670k
Motherboard gigabyte z97x gaming 5
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Power Supply evga g2 750watts
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Hi. I have a Intel code i5 4690k. I noticed it has some thermal paste on the bottom side. I do not know how to clean it. I need some advice of wether To take it to a shop or if it's simple do my self. I don't know if u see it but there's a blob near the bottom left edge and a dot size drop in the middle. How can I wash it?
 
How too post pics. I'm clicking on upload file sand choose file but nothing happens
 
Don't see a pic. If its on the bottom of the proc itself then get some alcohol(isopropyl) on a paper towel and wipe it off gently. If it's down in the pins on the motherboard then about the only thing I could recommend is get a soft bristle toothbrush, dab it in some isopropyl alcohol, and gentle brush it out of the pins.
 
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Don't see a pic. If its on the bottom of the proc itself then get some alcohol(isopropyl) on a paper towel and wipe it off gently. If it's down in the pins on the motherboard then about the only thing I could recommend is get a soft bristle toothbrush, dab it in some isopropyl alcohol, and gentle brush it out of the pins.

No its only on the cpu. I m switching motherboards
 
Kenkickr hit the nail on the head. Some alcohol and something to rub it off with will do. You dont have to be very gentle on the bottom of the CPU around the outside where the pads are.
 
Can I do it or do I need to go out.
Is the process easy or hard
 
Very easy. You'll most certainly want to touch something metal that's plugged in to the wall (the metal case of a running computer would be perfect) to discharge any static you might have built up. Other than that, just carefully remove the CPU, clean up the pads on the bottom as kenkickr described, let it dry, carefully mount the CPU back in place.

Edit: Use your judgement though. If all that makes you uncomfortable, you could certainly consider having someone else do it.
 
Very easy. You'll most certainly want to touch something metal that's plugged in to the wall (the metal case of a running computer would be perfect) to discharge any static you might have built up. Other than that, just carefully remove the CPU, clean up the pads on the bottom as kenkickr described, let it dry, carefully mount the CPU back in place.

Edit: Use your judgement though. If all that makes you uncomfortable, you could certainly consider having someone else do it.

Should I let it air dry ND for how long?
 
isnt this about the same situation from your last thread? why didnt you continue in there? why create another thread?

No its only on the cpu. I m switching motherboards
still stuck on the same thought even after all the wiser recommendations from forum members? go ahead then, buy a new board and be done with it
(in b4 you end up with 2 broken boards and a broken cpu)

why do people do this, ask for advice only to do what they had in mind in the 1st place...
 
isnt this about the same situation from your last thread? why didnt you continue in there? why create another thread?


still stuck on the same thought even after all the wiser recommendations from forum members? go ahead then, buy a new board and be done with it
(in b4 you end up with 2 broken boards and a broken cpu)

why do people do this, ask for advice only to do what they had in mind in the 1st place...

Thanks. Awesome answer
 
so you actually read my reply? im impressed. what about what the other members recommended, about this very same topic, on the other thread? did you read any of that? and you still felt the need to create another thread? do you want a "previously on an aasim1111 thread":
-my computer doesnt boot
-ends up being silver (conductive) thermal paste all over the socket
-members recommend to either take the computer to a proper shop or take a gander at cleaning it himself
-ignores advice and asks local friend for help
-friend backs up what members previuously said
-ignore everything and everyone and says hes gonna buy a new motherboard
what am i missing about this "awesome thread" that wasnt said in the other one? knowledgeable people already told you how to clean the socket (very carefully) in details, might i recommend you to _actually read_ the replies on the other thread again instead of ignoring it and brute forcing your way through?

stay tunned for an all new "too expensive, im gonna do it again" episode...
 
so you actually read my reply? im impressed. what about what the other members recommended, about this very same topic, on the other thread? did you read any of that? and you still felt the need to create another thread? do you want a "previously on an aasim1111 thread":
-my computer doesnt boot
-ends up being silver (conductive) thermal paste all over the socket
-members recommend to either take the computer to a proper shop or take a gander at cleaning it himself
-ignores advice and asks local friend for help
-friend backs up what members previuously said
-ignore everything and everyone and says hes gonna buy a new motherboard
what am i missing about this "awesome thread" that wasnt said in the other one? knowledgeable people already told you how to clean the socket (very carefully) in details, might i recommend you to _actually read_ the replies on the other thread again instead of ignoring it and brute forcing your way through?

stay tunned for an all new "too expensive, im gonna do it again" episode...

Lighten up. He asks a lot of questions and makes a lot of threads. We have already talked about this.

aasim1111, youtube is your friend
 
He asks a lot of questions and makes a lot of threads. We have already talked about this.
although ive picked on his "multithread", the thing that really grinds my gears is asking for help, ignoring it, do the oposite and then ask for help again only to ignore it again. im sure everyone knows someone that acts this way, and i hate to see that he was taking that path too.
there is no shame or problem in asking for help/advice, or even to ignore that advice and take another course of action, just dont come asking for help again on the same subject only to ignore it again

besides, there is plenty of instructions on that thread on how to clean the socket without damaging it, the punch line being be gently with it: remove backplate, remove front enclosure, rinse multiple times the socket area with a fast-drying non-corrosive very-low-conductive liquid like 95+% alchool, making sure to tilt the board during the rinse to avoid liquid (caring traces of thermal paste) to sweep under other connectors/smds (like the ram, io ports), allow some hours for it to dry at room temperature in a ventilated area, dont touch the socket pins during all this and it should be fine (hopefully). or visit a professional and let them figure things out
 
Ya it can be frustrating. But it reminds me of a quote a mentor said to me one time. "The more you charge someone the more they respect your opinion" Dude was a genus too a Wozniak if you will
 
i feel sorry for OP... was better to pay 10-20 € to a PC service guy to assemble all...anyway much cheaper than a new MB...

i would go with that MB to a car wash and clean all paste from socket and nearby using a pressure washer... and than dry it....
 
Just wipe it off
 
It is not in the socket. Only the back of the CPU
But ya I get it . U don't want to help further cuz I don't listen. This thread is going off topic so if I can ask a mod to delete it
 
FFS if there is a bit of paste on the back of the cpu get a cottom bud and clean it off carefully it is that bloody simple its not rocket science.

As long as you get the gold pads clean there should be no other issues, all you really need to be carefull of is them little transister things or what ever they are. Oh and don't over rub the gold pad bits.
 
those that want to help will post offers of help
BUT you seem to ignore their suggestions and same or similar problem is posted by you in a new thread
that does exasperate members that have tried to help you

You seem reluctant to accept the advice given and to act upon said advice

Nuff Said hope you sort it out this Time
 
I have decided to go to a shop for cleaning
 
Last edited:
Just use a piece of toilet paper with some Contact Cleaner if needed , could use Q20 Or WD40 but will leave a residue on the chip , then might accumulate dust sticking to it over time , other than that should not cause any harm.
Contact cleaner Or electronic cleaner available at hardware stores .
contact cleaner's dry nearly instantly with not much residue.
 
sh*ts you might need....
Toilet paper, coffee filters, or whatever you could use for cleaning, must be lint free, coffee filters is the cheapest thing in this world for this ...
Plenty isopropyl alcohol, also is pretty easy and cheap to get,
Patience

how to:

1-Power off your computer, unplug power from psu,
2-Remove CPU cooler,
3-Remove processor from socket tray,
4-Take the processor pretty carefully to a table, take a seat
5-Wash the processor with isopropyl alcohol, no maters how much you will use, processor is not gonna drown, take the cofffee fileters and use to clean the processor, take out every single TIM leftover, no matter how much you take, be patient, isopropyl alcohol will dissipate pretty fast so you wont damage the processor, just take care about al the contacts it has downside, be careful
6-When done... leave the processor getting dry alone, put it over a couple of coffee filters or a plastic case / older [if you have the supplied plastic container that comes with the processor will be great!]
when new, retail or OEM processor cames in the followgin pastic tray
just the plastic tray:
CPU-Clam-Shells-Blister-Packaging-Tray-CPU.jpg_200x200.jpg

This a OEM processor with plastic tray:
917w3CpHPTL._SX522_.jpg

This is a full package or reail processor incluiding the plastic tray:
i7_2600K_box.jpg
7-the when the processor is 100% dried, put it back in to the desired motherboard socket tray [you said you are switching motherboards]
8-properly tighten CPU cooler following manufacturer's directions,
9-plug your PSU
10-turn of your PC
11-watch porn ....

is a pretty simple process, if you are able to repaste your processor, you should be able to clean the processor,


Take a watch ... is not complicated, even girls are able to doit!
 
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