Ensure the CPU is correctly cleaned and replace the heatsink if necessary.
Ensure the CPU is correctly cleaned and replace the heatsink if necessary.
I changed the heatsink and am checking if I did it correctly. After using a tissue to remove most of the paste from the CPU and heatsink, then an alcohol wipe for the rest, and finally drying with a tissue, the heatsink seemed okay but the CPU looked a bit smudgy. Should it be fine?
It looks good after cleaning with alcohol. Reapply thermal paste, mount the cooler, and verify temperatures. Success!
Do a quick wipe with alcohol for extra safety. Remember to avoid touching your fingers, as oils can be a problem.
Use a bit of effort with the alcohol. A coffee filter performs well. From my observations, IHS usually come out cleaner than cooler mount areas. You might still have some leftover paste.
Alcohol dries up rapidly, even in high concentrations. It might help to let it sit for a short time.