Best/Safest way to clean thermal paste from a delidded/exposed CPUs

[MoonlightSylv]

I want to replace the thermal paste on my MBP 2013, what would be the safest way to clean the existing paste off? Somebody recommended just using 99% Isopropyl alcohol but I want some more recommendations.

[Enderman]

I usually use water on a paper towel if I don't have alcohol around.

Works fine. There is no temp difference if you get most vs all of the old paste off.

[T3Kgamer]

I don't recommend this but it worked for me I used 70% Isopropyl and there was no issue
what i do recommend is a soft cloth if you have one

[bgibbz]

Isopropanol is your best bet. It doesn't necessarily have to be 99%, just get the highest % that is easily affordable. if you get 90%, then the 10% would be de-ionized water which wouldn't harm electronics either.

[MoonlightSylv]

1 minute ago, Enderman said:

I usually use water on a paper towel if I don't have alcohol around.

Works fine. There is no temp difference if you get most vs all of the old paste off.

Would alcohol be better though? Isn't it non-conductive. I'm worrying about that because I'm not cleaning the IHS I'm cleaning the actual CPU die.

[bgibbz]

2 minutes ago, ShadowTechXTS said:

Would alcohol be better though? Isn't it non-conductive. I'm worrying about that because I'm not cleaning the IHS I'm cleaning the actual CPU die.

Its important to understand that water is non conductive. However, water has a tendency to collect ions, which DO conduct electricity. Distilled water would work fine. As i said, alcohol would be preferable but not necessarily required.

[Enderman]

2 minutes ago, ShadowTechXTS said:

Would alcohol be better though? Isn't it non-conductive. I'm worrying about that because I'm not cleaning the IHS I'm cleaning the actual CPU die.

The die is completely sealed...

You can stick it in a cup of water and it will work perfectly fine as long as it is dry before being powered on in the PC.

[MoonlightSylv]

1 minute ago, bgibbz said:

Its important to understand that water is non conductive. However, water has a tendency to collect ion, which DO conduct electricity. Distilled water would work fine. As i said, alcohol would be preferable but not necessarily required.

I'll use alcohol then, I don't want to take any chances.

[Space Reptile]

2 minutes ago, bgibbz said:

Its important to understand that water is non conductive. However, water has a tendency to collect ions, which DO conduct electricity. Distilled water would work fine. As i said, alcohol would be preferable but not necessarily required.

alcohol also evaporates ALOT faster and w/ no residue compared to water 

[SlipAngle]

Personally I use IPA Cleaning wipes. IPA and DI water blend all on a low linting cloth. The brand I use is Techspray SMT Stencil Wipes.

[SlipAngle]

4 minutes ago, Julian2000nl said:

Isopropyl Alcohol + Paper towel 

Personally think paper towels are too abrasive.