Cleaning a CPU/heatsink

[Kitsune Sniper]

How do I do this? I've got an old Athlon XP, and I think it's time to reseat the heatsink and apply more thermal paste. Thing is, I don't know if I have to clean the CPU and heatsink - or how to do so. What do I use? Any suggestions?
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[Deleted member 147]

rubbing alcohol should do it
<P ID="signature">Chris

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[coolie]

what he said, but make sure you use a high percentage rubbing alcohol, as close to 100% pure as you can (cheaper shit has more water in it, which can damage your CPU)
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[Kitsune Sniper]

> what he said, but make sure you use a high percentage
> rubbing alcohol, as close to 100% pure as you can (cheaper
> shit has more water in it, which can damage your CPU)

I have a bottle of 91% rubbing alcohol in my room. I use it to clean game pads and cart contacts. Will that work?

Also, what do I use? I don't think using cotton swabs would be, well, smart.
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[CEpeep]

> I have a bottle of 91% rubbing alcohol in my room. I use it
> to clean game pads and cart contacts. Will that work?

Should be fine. I use an 80% solution that was made for cleaning CDs and DVDs and I've never had a problem.
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