PCM Removal questions!

[mbigna]

I am building a new computer for my mother. I have purchased an Athlon 1.4GHz/266MHz FSB and a Gigabyte mobo. I don't plan on pushing the CPU much, if at all. Mom isn't a technical type and just needs it to be fast and reliable.

Anyhow, I have purchased a Coolermaster EP5-6I11 aluminum heat sink. The specs are:

Heat Sink: L80 x W60 x H41 (mm)
Fan Dimensions: 60 x 60 x 10 (mm)
Rated Voltage: 12 VDC
Rated Speed:4800 RPM
Air Flow: 21.19 CFM
Noise Level: 36.5 dB(A)

What I didn't expect is that the base plate of the heat sink is already coated with this pink PCM (I assume) in a square much larger than the CPU die. I have read the suggested article at amdmb.com and understand that it is best to remove any pre-existing PCM and use a good compound like Arctic Silver II. What it doesn't explain, is HOW to get the original stuff off. I have read through the forums here and have read that a credit card could be a possible tool that won't scratch the base plate. Are there other options for getting the stuff like isopropyl alcohol or finger-nail polish remover? It doesn't look like I'm going to be able to get all the stuff off without the help of some reagent.

Otherwise, since I'm not planning to push the CPU (much), would I be OK with just using the existing PCM?

Quick responses are appreciated here. I have everything apart and want to get the computer to Mom by the end of the week.

[Thelemac]

I might try it with the PCM and see what kind of stability you get. If it's running hot, then I would remove it with some acetone and use some ASII.

There are good instructions over at the AS site (which I don't have a URL handy to...) for removing PCMs and other TIMs.

Good luck! :)

[mbigna]

If I heat up the PCM when burning in the CPU, will that complicate the process of removing the PCM afterward? Also, what about all the excess PCM? It's about 4X the surface area of the die.

[Thelemac]

Shouldn't really complicate it that much..you'll just have to get it off of the cpu as well. The PCM isn't as difficult to get up as other TIMs, or so I've heard, because they break down more easily. The extra PCM is just gonna sit there on the side not really doing much, I assume they just put it there to make absolutely certain that it would get on the cpu.

If you have concerns at all about getting the PCM off of your die once it's on it, then just get some ASII, or, come to think of it, you could run down to RadioShack and grab some of their goop. That's probably best, actually, as it isn't quite as expensive, and you don't have to wait. :)