How to Clean a Processor / CPU / Heatsink

This video shows how to properly clean and prep a processor before a heatsink is applied to it.

Steps:
1) Get materials, 70% alcohol, Goo Gone, coffee filters, cpu package.
2)Place the cpu on a safe, anti-static surface, preferably the pad the cpu came in.
3)Tear off a piece of filter and dip it lightly in the alcohol. Clean off the top of the cpu, repeat.
4)Get a little Goo Gone on a piece of filter and clean off used thermal paste on cpu, repeat as necessary.
5)Repeat step #3.

To clean a heatsink, just follow all steps (if you can, take the fan off the heatsink)

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• how-to
• how
• to
• cpu
• processor
• clean
• cleaning
• heatsink
• heat
• sink
• thermal
• compound
• paste

[jlavasser]

What are the advantages of cleaning your processor? And how often should do clean it? Is it necessary to clean the processor?

[Jetskier1616]

@jlavasser

The adavtages are your CPU will run cooler which mean better perfornece. As far as how offten you HAVE to do this when you change your heat sink. Or you should do this every two years or so i would say.

[ANGELO13111]

@Jetskier1616 if i take off my heatsync to clean it, will i have to reapply the thermal paste again when i reattach it?

[Jetskier1616]

@ANGELO13111

Yes, and clean both the CPU and the heatsink

[7Sul7]

@Jetskier1616 Need help please. My cpu has some thermal compund left on it, mainly around the centre. I have no alcohol and neither am I permitted to buy it (parents....). How can I remove this compound without any "fancy" equipment??? Also, if I am going to apply new thermal grease, is it necessary to clean the old compund off?

[Jetskier1616]

@7Sul7

You sort of need the alcohol. Most people keep some in the bathroom as it is used to clean wounds (if you tried drinking 70% alcohol you would go blind) Also the whole point of this is to get the old compound off.

[jerryjoe88]

Will Old Spice work?

[LinkMyBoy]

@ashrocks87 The Dishwasher is my computer cleaning tool

[dpate]

91% alcohol is better and don't use fucking goo gone wtf. coffee filter or Q-tips work either is good.

[JamesHaycraft2]

what about wd40 or white spirit?

[bisono64]

after that is necessary to add new thermal paste?

[5133937C311]

Cool video. Straight to the point. Covered every aspect of cleaning the processor. Finally, should one be wearing an ESD while cleaning the processor?

[nickolasyt]

i use isopropyl swab before it worked perfectly. but i wonder can i just use any whisky alcohol to clean it instead? feedback please

[TejasM14]

@jerryjoe88 After shave tends to be abrasive. Use isopropyl alcohol

[jokujunahi]

@Jetskier1616

In Finland 70% alcohol is just a normal weekend....

[gino2240]

wow I'm impressed good job :)

[CrASYmUZIk]

How do i cool off my IOH? it's pretty hot D: