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Do i need to buy Arctic Silver cleaner to clean off the thermal paste of the cpu? Can i remove it with a cleaning alcohol or even antistatic cleaner?
csandreas1
Posted 2017-07-02T14:34:23.917
Reputation: 184
Can i use cleaning alcohol 90% to remove thermal paste on the cpu?
Answers
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Regular 'rubbing' alcohol, often shown as 71% or less, doesn't remove thermal paste very well, it also contains other items, such as water, which could cause corrosion if not completely cleaned up.
Rubbing alcohol designated 90% or higher can be used.
Like @cody-gray I use isopropanol, mine is 99%.
Daniël W. Crompton
Posted 2017-07-02T14:34:23.917
Reputation: 1 716
299% isopropanol isn't available where I live, and though I can get 90%, I don't always have it on hand. I've used 70% many times and never had a problem. Water is the only concern (no "other items"), but the alcohol ensures that it evaporates quickly enough, especially since you're rubbing it with a cloth to get the thermal grease off. – Cody Gray – 2017-07-02T14:57:28.803
@CodyGray in denatured alcohol, also called methylated spirits, they add bad smelling chemicals, dye and other junk. This can still be 96% alcohol, just really foul smelling. – Daniël W. Crompton – 2017-07-02T15:12:17.840
1They don't denature isopropanol. That's only ethanol, to discourage people from drinking it and to get a lower tax rate. – Cody Gray – 2017-07-02T15:14:18.520
Apologies, I thought you were commenting on my answer. I get my isopropanol from a medical wholesaler, so getting 99% is pretty easy. – Daniël W. Crompton – 2017-07-02T15:18:56.540
1i wanted to put a new tag "chemistry" but i require to have 300 reputation – csandreas1 – 2017-07-02T15:27:01.563
1I was commenting on your answer. It says "rubbing" alcohol. "Rubbing" is the layperson term for isopropanol. – Cody Gray – 2017-07-03T10:11:34.203
@CodyGray didn't know that, thanks! – Daniël W. Crompton – 2017-07-03T10:52:13.043
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As long as there isn't a significant amount of water content in the alcohol, you can use it. Although, it is preferable to use the highest percentage that you can get your hands on.
user744613
Posted 2017-07-02T14:34:23.917
Reputation: 11
2I don't know what "normal" alcohol is, but yes, 90% isopropanol works just fine. If by "normal", you mean "the stuff I guzzle on weekends", then no. – Cody Gray – 2017-07-02T14:36:50.173