Introduction: How to Clean Thermal Paste Off CPU
If you already have a working machine that needs thermal paste to be reapplied, you’ll first need to clean off the old thermal paste. Here's a simple guide on how to do that.
What you will need:
- Paper/Kitchen towels
- Cotton swabs
- Rubbing alcohol (90% or higher)
- CPU thermal paste
Before you start:
- Shut down the computer.
- Unplug all of the cables from the back of the computer.
- Take proper electrostatic discharge (ESD) precautions.
Step 1: Removing the CPU Cooler
1 - Turn the push pins counterclockwise 90 degrees to release
them.
2 - Pull up the push pins.
3 - Remove the fan connector from the fan header.
4 - Remove the fan.
Step 2: Removing the CPU
1 - Push the lever down to unclip it and lift it
2 - Lift the CPU carefully.
Step 3: Cleaning the CPU
1 - Dip a paper towel into the isopropyl alcohol (90% or 90%+).
2 - Carefully remove the old paste.
3 - wipe the processor’s edges, with cotton swab soaked in isopropyl alcohol, to remove remaining old paste.
4 - Remove the paste on the load plate as well.
Step 4: Cleaning the CPU Cooler
Repeat it to the underside of the cooler.
Step 5: Applying Thermal Paste
Apply thermal paste onto the center of the CPU
Step 6: Installing the CPU
1 - Lower the processor straight down,
2 - making sure that it is seated correctly in the socket.
3 - Press down on the load plate,
4 - close, and engage the socket lever.
Step 7: Installing the Cooler
1 - Turn the push pins clockwise 90 degrees to reset them.
2 - Reinsert the fan and find the push pins
3 - Press the push pins in the order shown to secure them.
4 - Plug the fan connector from the fan header.
5 - Plug its power connector back into the computer, and you’re good to go.