How to remove heatpad from CPU???

b182tm · Jan 15, 2006, 01:36 AM

Hey, to make a long story short, I have wax build up on my CPU, which effects the cooling. How do I get it off? So far I have tried Isopropyl alcohol (70%) and mineral spirits. There is still a very thin layer on there. Any ideas? Can I scrub the CPU? Can I sand it using fine grit sandpaper? Any help would be great.

Derek

Matth · Jan 15, 2006, 10:15 AM

Open core or capped?

You CANNOT be at all aggressive in treating an open core CPU.

You could attempt to lap a metal capped CPU, but it needs far more care than lapping a heatsink - if you do resort to abrasive, you need to remove the CPU, protect the pins, then apply the CPU to the abrasive on a very flat surface (such as a sheet of glass). Spot use of abrasive may result in hollowes or scratches, so you'd have to think about doing a full lapping, though starting rather finer than you'd do on a heatsink.

Practice on a spare heatsink, before even thinking about CPU lapping!

H3X4D3C1M4L · Jan 15, 2006, 01:59 PM

I wouldn't even bother with CPU lapping, I mean thermal paste is there for a reason....

As for heatpads, if you're really brave take a brand new razor blade and scrape it backwards accross very gently and try and get it off, I had to do that once.

But I take no responsibility if you have an Athlon XP for example or a P3 and totally mess it up by slipping.

Other than that, careful soaking with isopropyl rubbing alcohol can work

b182tm · Jan 15, 2006, 06:02 PM

I have a P4 3.0GHz, 530J. It does have the metal cap. Maybe I'll try with a razor blade and some heat (to melt the wax).

Thanks,
Derek

**dj_stick** · Jan 15, 2006, 06:14 PM

check the review i did on the artic silver arcticlean, it worked wonders on my 640's headpad

EDIT: although the review focuesed on removed heat paste, the stuff worked equally well on a heat pad

swimtech · Jan 15, 2006, 07:37 PM

Use your fingernails gently - soft enough not to scratch but it takes time...

Other than that I would try Hex's suggestion about the backward single edged razor (with the top angled toward you pull it toward you with gentle downward pressure and evenly...).

H3X4D3C1M4L · Jan 16, 2006, 11:29 AM

Oh its got the heatspreader.... use the razor method, that'll work for sure. I razored off heatpad crap on an Athlon XP and it lived only to die a hot fiery death under 1.9 volts of OC'ing madness....some kids...

BWX · Jan 16, 2006, 12:02 PM

Acetone- 5 bucks at home Depot. Go get some and be careful with it.

**Grace** · Jan 16, 2006, 01:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BWX

Acetone- 5 bucks at home Depot. Go get some and be careful with it.

I second that. It does solve most of your problems. Just get pure acetone, not the one with oil that girls use to clean their nails!

Also, you can get Isopropylic alcohol from a pharmacy. That thing is strong and completely evaporates. That's what I use.

H3X4D3C1M4L · Jan 16, 2006, 03:16 PM

Acetone is corrosive on some materials though and if you get it on your skin it can burn like a minor bastard.

b182tm · Jan 16, 2006, 03:49 PM

Hey, what a coincidence. I just got a huge can of pure acetone at Lowe's. I will use that along with the razor, and hopefully that does it. The way I see it, the wax is stuck in there, and the heat trys to escape, but not all of it does because the wax is kind of holding it in the CPU. That's just my theory, dunno if it is right. I am also going to sand down the Heatsink, because it has a bunch of scratches and such in it.

Thanks a lot guys,
Derek

Do you think the acetone could hurt the plastic and pins on the CPU?

BWX · Jan 16, 2006, 05:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by b182tm

Hey, what a coincidence. I just got a huge can of pure acetone at Lowe's. I will use that along with the razor, and hopefully that does it. The way I see it, the wax is stuck in there, and the heat trys to escape, but not all of it does because the wax is kind of holding it in the CPU. That's just my theory, dunno if it is right. I am also going to sand down the Heatsink, because it has a bunch of scratches and such in it.

Thanks a lot guys,
Derek

Do you think the acetone could hurt the plastic and pins on the CPU?

Just don't leave it on or use too much.. It evaporates just about instantly anyway.. I doubt you will need a razor. I have had stuff that I have tried to clean with Alcohol that would not budge, and then came off instantly with just a tiny bit of acetone on a cloth. The stuff is powerful, so don't use it on plastic like a monitor, it will eat right through it.

I got the Isopropyl Alcohol in the same can from Home Depot too- but it is the 99.9% pure stuff. Those cans should last me the rest of my life.

LifeStealer · Jan 22, 2006, 06:52 PM

Use aircraft paint remover, it'l get off ANYTHING. Of course it could eat through the aluminum :P Love that stuff... Anyway, if you have a credit card handy and no razors, you can use it. Gives it a little play too.