Help cleaning thermal paste out of CPU socket

[400plo87]

So a few days ago I was putting my CPU into my new motherboard. I accidentally applied to much silver thermal compound(conductive) and I ended up having it dribble down the sides. I decided it would be easier to clean my CPU if I took it out. When I pulled my CPU out of it's socket some of the thermal compound fell onto the socket. I went to the store and go some 91% isopropyl alcohol l. I used that and some Cotten swabs and toothpicks to try to clean out those tiny holes. I had most of it out but there was a little still in the bottoms of the holes. I wanted to make sure it was all out so I went and bought some precision electronics cleaner. All that did was spread the mess from a few holes on the side to random holes over the entire socket. What should I do to get rid of this stuff?


Here is a picture.
imgur.com/hUmnwaP

 

[400plo87]

Does anyone know of anything that will dissolve the thermal compound so I can absorb it with a q-tip?

 

[BigTabs]

Intel or amd

 

[400plo87]

It's an amd

 

[BigTabs]

Use alcohol 91%,very smalll amounts at a time on a fine bristle #1 or even #0 paint brush(usually found in a hobbie shop or art store).

You will need a couple of these brushes, and also some Q-tip brand cotton q-tips, the reasoning behind this is because other brands shread to much once wet. You will use this to absorb (gently) the dirty alcohol once applied to the thermal grease.

Gently direct the thermal grease out of the pins with the brushes first and swab it up with the Q-tips. Never spray anything into your board, as the forced moisture may find it's way inside of a crevice that it won't be allowed to dry quickly.

This is a tedious process, and must be performed gently and very cleanly done. Do not turn on your board until after you have looked at the socket with a magnifying glass and have certified that it is completely clean and dry.

 

[BigTabs]

Hope that helps

 

[400plo87]

Thanks, and nice copy and paste. But I was wondering if anyone knew of something that would dissolve the silver thermal compound so I could easily soak it up. I think this would be safer because I could more easily make sure I get all of the thermal compound.

 

[BigTabs]

I would not have a clue mate

 

[BigTabs]

Have you got a picture of the problem

 

[TVeblen]

An easy experiment. Apply a small smear of thermal paste to the bottom of a small glass or porcelain container, add enough of whatever solvent you are trying out, wait a few minutes and see if it dissolves without agitation. If not, pour the liquid out and see how easily the smear cleans up without residue. Choose the best performer.

This is how you will clean the socket: apply just enough solvent to fill the holes, perhaps agitate with the toothpick, flip the motherboard over and pour the solvent out. Pat dry immediately. Repeat.

Unfortunately, silicone only dissolves in harsh chemicals like lacquer thinner and acetone. Very special care will need to be used when using these chemicals (to not damage the plastic) and they are very flammable. Not for indoor use.

 

[400plo87]

Does anyone have any ideas what liquids I should try? Should I just go to a computer store and buy a few cleaners. Should I order the arctic silver remover? What should I be trying?

 

[400plo87]

I also have no way of taking any good pictures. You can't see anything with my phone camera. Basically there is just some paste around the base of a few holes. I can't get it out with a paint brush or a tooth brush or a tooth pic or anything. I got most of the stuff with 91% isopropyl and an air compressor, but the last of this stuff just won't come out.

 

[derekimo]

Just attaching your pic...

 

[400plo87]

Sorry guys but I can't get anything better than that ^

 

[TVeblen]

If you used Artic Silver, and they make a remover, than yes, use that!

Keep in mind that you are just trying to avoid two problems:

• Short circuit: the conductive compound forming an electrical bridge from one pin socket to another. As long as the surface of the socket table is clean this will be avoided.
• Electrical contact fault: if the non-conductive part of the compound forms a barrier that does not allow the ball to make good electrical contact to the socket surface. You just need to get enough of it off to allow metal to metal contact.

 

[ICIT2LOL]

Mate for my two cents worth try Arctic Silver cleaning solution and I know it sounds daft but apply a fair bit then let have time to dissolve the compound and then apply some high vacuum to the area.

A Dyson /cyclone type cleaner would do.

Any excess a tiny piece of cotton around the end of a toothpick or just push the cotton into the pin holes - tedious but can work..

Arctic Silver Incorporated - ArctiClean we do use some solvents in health work to remove sticking plaster etc but unless you know someone with access to some.....