This question likely refers to cleaning the CPU and its cooler (heat sink) when replacing thermal paste. Here's how you do it:
Steps to Clean Your CPU and Cooler (Heat Sink)
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Gather Your Supplies: You'll need:
- Isopropyl alcohol (90% or higher is recommended)
- Lint-free cloths or coffee filters
- A well-lit workspace
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Power Down and Disconnect: Ensure your computer is completely powered off and unplugged from the power outlet. This is crucial for safety.
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Remove the Cooler: Carefully detach the CPU cooler from the CPU. Refer to your cooler's manual or online guides if you're unsure how to do this properly. Pay attention to how it's mounted for reinstallation later.
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Prepare Your Cleaning Solution: Moisten (do NOT soak) a lint-free cloth or coffee filter with isopropyl alcohol.
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Clean the CPU Surface: Gently wipe the surface of the CPU integrated heat spreader (IHS) with the alcohol-dampened cloth. Use small, circular motions to remove the old thermal paste. Avoid applying excessive pressure. Change to a clean section of the cloth or a fresh cloth as needed to avoid spreading the old paste around.
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Clean the Cooler's Contact Surface: Repeat the same cleaning process on the contact surface of the CPU cooler (the part that makes contact with the CPU). Remove all traces of the old thermal paste.
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Inspect and Repeat if Necessary: Examine both surfaces carefully to ensure all thermal paste residue is gone. If necessary, repeat steps 5 and 6 with a fresh cloth and more isopropyl alcohol.
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Allow to Dry Completely: Let both the CPU and cooler surfaces air dry completely before applying new thermal paste and reassembling. The alcohol needs to evaporate fully.
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Apply New Thermal Paste: Once dry, apply a small amount of new thermal paste to the center of the CPU. The amount depends on the type of thermal paste and the size of your CPU. Refer to the thermal paste manufacturer's instructions.
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Reinstall the Cooler: Carefully reinstall the CPU cooler, ensuring it's properly seated and secured according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Important Considerations:
- Static Electricity: Work in an area with minimal static electricity. Consider using an anti-static wrist strap if you're concerned.
- Liquid Coolers: If you have a liquid cooler, cleaning the CPU contact surface is the same as above. However, do not attempt to disassemble or clean the sealed liquid cooling unit itself unless you have specific expertise and instructions for your particular cooler. Generally, you don't "clean" the coolant in a sealed AIO (All-in-One) liquid cooler; you replace the entire unit when it fails or performance degrades.
- Avoid Spilling: Be careful not to spill isopropyl alcohol on any other components inside your computer.
- Alternative Solvents: While isopropyl alcohol is the preferred cleaning agent, some people have used acetone. However, acetone can be harsh and potentially damage certain materials, so it's best to stick with isopropyl alcohol.
In summary, cleaning CPU coolant usually involves cleaning the contact surfaces of the CPU and its cooler to remove old thermal paste using isopropyl alcohol. If you have a liquid cooler, focus on the contact plate cleaning and avoid disassembling the sealed unit.
