How do I clean the thermal pad greese off my processor?

[Saint]

I have recently purchased a new heatsink for my processor and I need to clean the paste that is on the top of it. What should I use to clean it off. Some type of alcohol maybe?

 

[digital_exhaust]

90% isopropyl alcohol will do fine.

 

[Adrnshw6]

90% isopropyl alcohol will do fine.

Ya, make sure you use 90% alcohol though. I accidentally used 70% to clean off my video card and thought it dried and I ended up frying my card.

 

[Cowboy420]

Any alcohol is fine..as long as its dry when you are done.

 

[allen1090]

Any alcohol is fine..as long as its dry when you are done.

vodka

 

[[21CW]killerofall]

Don't forget to use Q-tips and remember that the CPU paste isn't all gone until the Q-tip (soaked in at least 90% isopropyl alcohol) is white after rubbing the HS.

 

[Duro]

These guys pretty much hit the nail on the head. For the first run-over I usually like to use a coffee filter dipped in 90+% isopropyl alcohol to get most of it off, and then move down to Q-tips to thoroughly clean it.

 

[alexik01]

Just curious how many people use Acetone? I tried alcohol years ago (probably 70%) and quickly grew frustrated. Grabbed some Acetone and never looked back. It's like liquid Jesus.

 

[Gaiden133]

Just used some 91% alcohol today and cleaned up the q6600 core & tuniq tower 120 heatsink. Worked well.

 

[jellysandwich]

i use arcticlean1+2, works pretty well. lot easier than when i used 70%
alcohol.