Methods for cleaning thermal goop from cpu?

[netarc]

Wanted to get your thoughts on "approved" methods of cleaning thermal grease & Arctic Silver II from the cpu die.

I've heard that Acetone (nail polish remover) works pretty well ... what about Isopropyl Alcohol ... would itwork/be recommended?

Other suggestions for "getting the goop off" ?

[Sony]

yea Isopropl alchohol is a good solution just get the goop of using q-tips that should work fine.

[TT120]

I use Zippo lighter fluid

[Da Whip]

Here is the official Artic silver instructions;
http://www.arcticsilver.com/arctic_silver_instructions.htm

[William]

nail polish remover(acetone) is a better solvent that isopropyl alcohol(rubbing alcohol). Lighter fluid should do a good job too. WD-40 works well too!

[Hoot]

Be wary of solutions that leave their own residue, like WD-40. I have tried, literally dozens and my pick goes with GC Electronics Extra Strength Flux Solv. It works on both ionic and non-ionic substances. It is some mean stuff, but very effective. GC P/N 19-270. You can get it from several Electronics Supply Houses. A 16oz can last quite a long time.

Hoot

[TT120]

Hey Hoot, what about Acetone, would that be ok to use?

[William]

TT120, acetone is fine, it will disolve tons of stuff, polar and nonpolar, and will not leave a residue because it evaporates.

[Hoot]

Acetone is an excellent solvent choice also. Here's the key. If it does not remove AS entirely in the first wipe, it isn't worth having. I have tried anhydrous isopropyl and methyl alcohol. They don't remove AS in the first wipe.

Hoot

[el]

Acetone works well and gets even those stupid pads that come with heatsink off in a couple wipes after the razor blade takes the bulk off. TT120 do you need acetone?