My old way of cleaning thermal paste was a total mess

I used to just wipe it with a dry paper towel and leave streaks. Now I keep a bottle of 91% isopropyl and coffee filters in my kit, works way cleaner. Anyone got a better method for those really old, crusty CPUs?

3 comments

3 Comments

the_robert1mo ago

Wait, lighter fluid? That sounds like a great way to start a small fire near your motherboard. I'm with @lisa_grant on this, just let the alcohol do its thing for a bit on the tough stuff. What do you wipe with after it soaks, just more coffee filters?

alex8092mo ago

Heard a dab of lighter fluid works?

lisa_grant2mo ago

For really crusty paste, I let the alcohol soak in for a minute before wiping.