Can we talk about how I used to handle old thermal paste?

For years, I'd just scrape it off with whatever plastic tool was handy, which sometimes left a real mess on the CPU. Last month, I finally started using a proper cleaning kit with isopropyl alcohol and lint-free wipes, and the difference in clean-up time and reapplication is huge. What's your go-to method for getting a CPU spotless before a repaste?

2 comments

2 Comments

emma_young1d ago

Scrape it off with a credit card, that's my first move. Then I hit it with a paper towel and some 70% isopropyl I got from the pharmacy. It's not the fancy stuff but it gets the job done. I just rub in little circles until the heat spreader looks like new. The key is to not rush it and make sure the old paste is totally gone. A clean surface makes the new paste spread so much better.

uma_patel191d ago

Okay but has anyone ever tried using a microfiber cloth instead of paper towels? I switched a while back because paper towels can leave those tiny little fibers behind that you don't even see. The microfiber grabs all the paste and alcohol residue without any lint. It made a HUGE difference in getting that mirror finish.