Cleaning Cpu Pins

[TYTEX]

Hey guys, as the title says I'm trying to clean my cpu pins because I accidentally got some artic silver on my i5 3570k. I think I'm going to use 70% isopropyl rubbing alcohol and q tips. Any suggestions or tips?

[LinusTech]

You mean the pads on the bottom of the chip itself or the pins in the socket? If it's the pads on the CPU then yeah go for it.

[TYTEX]

Ok its the pads, thanks Linus (:

[nishank93]

Oh pins is trouble! I hope it isn't pins.

[FireFox]

Oh pins is trouble! I hope it isn't pins.

 

Apart from being messy, the thermal paste shouldn't be conductive anyway so it in theory shouldn't hurt anything.

[nishank93]

Apart from being messy, the thermal paste shouldn't be conductive anyway so it in theory shouldn't hurt anything.

I meant trouble getting it out. Not trouble as in functional damage.

[nickpc]

I would clean the cpu pads off and try it good luck

[FireFox]

I meant trouble getting it out. Not trouble as in functional damage.

 

Ahh makes sense:)

[TYTEX]

Ok I tried cleaning it but the pads are a little darker where the paste was. So is it not fully cleaned?

[Gdog96]

Have you tried to see if it works? (Make sure the thermal material is non conductive though)

[Art Vandelay]

If there's TIM on the pads, just clean it off with a microfibre cloth or a coffee filter. If it's on the pins, then you're pretty much screwed. Trying to clean out a socket will just bend the pins.

[Spannerhands]

http://www.arcticsilver.com/arcticlean.htm

 

That and a microfibre cloth :-)

[Located]

Ok I tried cleaning it but the pads are a little darker where the paste was. So is it not fully cleaned?

Had the same problem, my pads are little darker aswell, doesnt seem to affect anything cause its still working for me.

 

 

Also in respond to firefox: It shouldnt be conductive and it isnt with the arctic silver 5, But read this:

Not Electrically Conductive:

Arctic Silver 5 was formulated to conduct heat, not electricity.

(While much safer than electrically conductive silver and copper greases, Arctic Silver 5 should be kept away from electrical traces, pins, and leads. While it is not electrically conductive, the compound is very slightly capacitive and could potentially cause problems if it bridges two close-proximity electrical paths.)

 

So still watch out with it :) 

[TYTEX]

Had the same problem, my pads are little darker aswell, doesnt seem to affect anything cause its still working for me.

 

 

Also in respond to firefox: It shouldnt be conductive and it isnt with the arctic silver 5, But read this:

Not Electrically Conductive:Arctic Silver 5 was formulated to conduct heat, not electricity.(While much safer than electrically conductive silver and copper greases, Arctic Silver 5 should be kept away from electrical traces, pins, and leads. While it is not electrically conductive, the compound is very slightly capacitive and could potentially cause problems if it bridges two close-proximity electrical paths.)

 

So still watch out with it :)

Ok what did you use to wipe off the compound Located?

[Located]

Ok what did you use to wipe off the compound Located?

 

I used a piece of toiletpaper but i suggest you use lint free cloth

[TYTEX]

I used a piece of toiletpaper but i suggest you use lint free cloth

Ok what are the exact steps you followed? Sorry I'm just nervous

[Art Vandelay]

Ok what are the exact steps you followed? Sorry I'm just nervous

Take the a lint free cloth, and then wipe the bottom of the CPU. There's not much that can go wrong. Use a little alcohol on the cloth and wipe the spot afterward, to make sure its very clean.