Windows 7: Old cooler on new CPU

james cullen · 20 Dec 2010

Hey all,

I have a Noctura CPU cooler installed at the moment. I 'd like to use this cooler again on another CPU, so I have to take it off and remount on new.

Question is what do I do with the old cement from the original installation? Do I need to remove it and how would you do that before remounting on new CPU?

Thanks

mickey megabyte · 20 Dec 2010

i would definitely remove the old stuff - i've used a cotton bud dipped in alcohol successfully in the past.

let it dry well, or give it a good rub with something sensible.

apply a thin layer of fresh thermal paste, et voilà...

james cullen · 20 Dec 2010

thanks Mickey,

yeah I thought removing would be sensible.

Alcohol hey? Do you think Metholated spirits or Turpentine would be ok?

Cheers

thefabe · 20 Dec 2010

Quote: Originally Posted by mickey megabyte

i would definitely remove the old stuff - i've used a cotton bud dipped in alcohol successfully in the past.

let it dry well, or give it a good rub with something sensible.

apply a thin layer of fresh thermal paste, et voilà...

+1 This is good advice I just wanted to add not to over saturate the cotton ball or swab and CPU, handle with care let the alcohol do the work. It's an easy task to accomplish.
Then choose a quality thermal compound and apply a thin layer on the CPU and after cleaning off the cooler as well your good to go.
Edit I would stick to a 20% Isopropyl Rubbing Alcohol. Commonly found in most persons medicine cabinet. Works very well.
Fabe

whs · 20 Dec 2010

Have a look at this:

mickey megabyte · 20 Dec 2010

should be ok - just be careful - don't go pouring the whole bottle on!

an old toothbrush might come in handy too - depending how dry, thick and crusty it all is.

james cullen · 20 Dec 2010

thanks guys, good to go.

Great article whs

whs · 20 Dec 2010

Glad we could help.

Tepid · 20 Dec 2010

Use tissue or soft paper towel, and a high quality Rubbing Alcohol.
Polish the top as good as you can, basically, making sure there is no film or residue left behind,

Then use Arctic Silver 5 , not just any grease will do. You will be glad you did.

ignatzatsonic · 20 Dec 2010

A geek would use only something lint-free to scrub the surface of the heatsink.

True geeks seem to favor coffee filters for that purpose.

Not that it's likely to matter, but one must always be concerned with credentials and living up to the code. Har-de-har har.

Windows 7: Old cooler on new CPU

Old cooler on new CPU problems?