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Salamidealer Aug 29, 2017 @ 1:06pm
Is there a safe way to clean my cpu without using alcohol?
I bought a new cooler for it but I was too stupid to remember that there was thermal paste on the cpu. Now I already searched around the house for some high percentage alcohol products, but I could not find any. Is there any way I could clean it without alcohol?
Thanks in advance.

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Showing 1-15 of 21 comments
Omega Aug 29, 2017 @ 1:10pm 
Then go to a supermarket and pick up some isopropyl.
#1
⛧EyMi Mayhem⛧ Aug 29, 2017 @ 1:14pm 
use a small rag and wipe firmly but carefully, will take a bit longer.
But don't use toilet paper. Use a Q-tip, the cotton will shred the paste.
But if possible try to get some alc.
#2
just.kamk /idle Aug 29, 2017 @ 1:22pm 
Originally posted by Schwuppel:
I bought a new cooler for it but I was too stupid to remember that there was thermal paste on the cpu. Now I already searched around the house for some high percentage alcohol products, but I could not find any. Is there any way I could clean it without alcohol?
Thanks in advance.
Some kitchen towel, moist not wet, and carefully rub.

Btw.: pharmacies usually have isopropyl alcohol around for a few bucks.
#3
ericcui1 Aug 29, 2017 @ 1:50pm 
It's OK, you can clean the CPU surface with anything form handkerchief to toilet paper, even with water, just make sure it's dry before you put it back to your rig.
#4
Squirrell Aug 29, 2017 @ 4:10pm 
Alcohol might seep inside the cpu. I wouldn't use it.
#5
Omega Aug 29, 2017 @ 4:16pm 
Originally posted by Squirrell:
Alcohol might seep inside the cpu. I wouldn't use it.
The CPU die is protected by the soldered on heatsink and alcohol evaporates. Even if you somehow manage to get alcohol on the CPU die (which is impossible) it will be fine.

You are not supposed to submerge the entire CPU in alcohol.. but if you do it will be fine.
Last edited by Omega; Aug 29, 2017 @ 4:22pm
#6
Mossy Snake Aug 29, 2017 @ 4:23pm 
Just use Clorox wipes. That's what I did when I accidentally used too much thermal paste.

Works for me.
Last edited by Mossy Snake; Aug 29, 2017 @ 4:23pm
#7
Eisenfaust™ Aug 29, 2017 @ 8:22pm 
Don't use water ever.... It takes to long to dry. Q-Tips is the only thing i use to clean ppl CPU. Make sure 90% alcohol. Clorox wipes is good. Just remember to goto YouTube if needed cuz u mess this up you will be mad at yourself. You also may want someone who knows how to do it. Happy gaming
#8
FeilDOW Aug 30, 2017 @ 10:00am 
This is what I use, https://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIAA5K5MZ1477&cm_re=Thermal_cleaner-_-9SIAA5K5MZ1477-_-Product and a microfiber cloth.
#9
tacoshy Aug 30, 2017 @ 2:30pm 
Originally posted by kamk /idle:
Originally posted by Schwuppel:
I bought a new cooler for it but I was too stupid to remember that there was thermal paste on the cpu. Now I already searched around the house for some high percentage alcohol products, but I could not find any. Is there any way I could clean it without alcohol?
Thanks in advance.
Some kitchen towel, moist not wet, and carefully rub.

Btw.: pharmacies usually have isopropyl alcohol around for a few bucks.

yes but make sure to get desinfection spray and not handdesinfection bottles. The hand desinfection has oil added.
#10
Samadhi Aug 31, 2017 @ 12:07am 
Originally posted by ericcui1:
It's OK, you can clean the CPU surface with anything form handkerchief to toilet paper, even with water, just make sure it's dry before you put it back to your rig.

10/10 worst advice given to anyone, ever.
#11
Samadhi Aug 31, 2017 @ 12:07am 
Originally posted by Omega:
Originally posted by Squirrell:
Alcohol might seep inside the cpu. I wouldn't use it.
The CPU die is protected by the soldered on heatsink and alcohol evaporates. Even if you somehow manage to get alcohol on the CPU die (which is impossible) it will be fine.

You are not supposed to submerge the entire CPU in alcohol.. but if you do it will be fine.

+1
#12
Samadhi Aug 31, 2017 @ 12:08am 
Originally posted by Schwuppel:
Is there a safe way to clean my cpu without using alcohol?

No there isn't.

/thread.
#13
pasa Aug 31, 2017 @ 1:25pm 
Kinda hohhohistic topic. O,O

On heatsink replacement you LEAVE the CPU in the socket. And only clean its top, not touching anything else. Just moist a small piece of kitchen paper with window-clean, in lack whatever mild (non-concentrated) cleaning liquid and rub just the outside, then rub vith just clean paper, then apply the new paste.

Having actual alcohol is opitional.
#14
Samadhi Aug 31, 2017 @ 1:56pm 
Originally posted by pasa:
Kinda hohhohistic topic. O,O

On heatsink replacement you LEAVE the CPU in the socket. And only clean its top, not touching anything else. Just moist a small piece of kitchen paper with window-clean, in lack whatever mild (non-concentrated) cleaning liquid and rub just the outside, then rub vith just clean paper, then apply the new paste.

Having actual alcohol is opitional.

As is having half a brain when it comes to cleaning CPUs apparently.
#15
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Date Posted: Aug 29, 2017 @ 1:06pm
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