Tip to clean up those Heat Sinks

[flounder43]

I have the worst time cleaning up the bottom of HSF's, especially those thermal pads that come with some of the more inexpensive models. I have tried nail polish remover, alchohol, a hair dryer to heat it up, and have tried to scrape it off with a credit card. It is important that you do not use anything that will scratch the metal, and nothing seemed to work.

However, today I went to my local hardware store and bought a product called "Oops", an all purpose remover, designed to remove everything from grease to tar to adhesive residue.

I tried it, and it literally melted the pad away. It cleaned it with hardly any rubbing. It also works to clean off Artctic Silver.

[plague]

cool, how much did you pay for that can, and does it evaporate real quick like alcohol?

[flounder43]

Yes, it seems to be made of mineral spirits or the like, so it evaporates pretty quickly.

$2.19, it is a pretty small can (4.5oz), but enough for to clean HSF's for the rest of your life...

[plague]

seems like a good buy, ill probably check it out.

[Blue Jester_2112]

Lighter fluid works wonders for cleaning thermal pads and grease off of heatsinks. Just a little on a cloth does the trick. It evaporstes quick as hell too, faster than alcohol.

[flounder43]

Originally posted by Blue Jester_2112
Lighter fluid works wonders for cleaning thermal pads and grease off of heatsinks. Just a little on a cloth does the trick. It evaporstes quick as hell too, faster than alcohol.

I think this stuff is similar, but it is MUCH more desirable with regard to odor. It also might come in handy for some other things around the house...

[ButcherUK]

I just use alcohol :)

[Mike K]

I' ve had that stuff ever since I can remember. Or maybe I have Goof Off. I think I have both. They both work just as well for me.
I think it was like $5 for around 10 ounces.:D

[Gandalf]

Thank you for the tip! :)