Help with Heatsink PCM..........

[ahelbling]

I recently purchased a VOLCANO 6CU+ fan for my Athlon 1500+ XP. I pulled the old factory fan off of it and noticed that there was some sticky lookin cr*p all over my new processor from the "PCM" on the bottom of the heatsink. I am afraid to just start cleaning it off with water and a towel. Is there a certain way to get the surface of the processor clean of this PCM without damaging it. I am going to use heatsink grease with the new Fan, how should I apply that?? Thanks Fellas!!

[13oots2]

Use Isopropyl alcohol this will dry leaving no reside. Clean the bulk of the TIM (Thermal Interface Material) off with your thumb nail or something not likely to mark the base of the HSF. Also use a lint free cloth to remove the "gunge" it won't leave fluff everywhere.
Apply the new paste to the CPU core in a thin even layer. I find an old credit card is ideal for this purpose. You might want to read this link http://www.overclockers.com/topiclist/index26.asp#THERMAL GREASE

[Thelemac]

*Moved to "Cooling"*

Fixed your link, too, 13oots2

[13oots2]

Thanks Thelemac, missed that:rolleyes: The moral being Preview b4 posting.