Boardsort.com

Howdy,

Boardsort's new CPU buying program got me to look at my salvaging of the CPU in a new light.

Normally, I can wipe the silver paste goo on the metal side clean with a dry paper towel. But, occasionally I get one where the paste has been hardened. I've tried a paper towel slightly wet with isopropyl alcohol without much luck. I don't want to do any mechanical scrapping for fear of permanent scratches. I used a dry cotton swab on the rear/gold side and removed some paste but also left smears.

Any suggestions on cleaning the front and rears sides of the CPU without damaging the goods?

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If it doesn't come off easily it's solidified. There's special cleansers to remove it from most computer stores.
Getting it on the pads is very very bad though. At this point I'd simply stop and send it as is.
I'm not sure yet what their testing methodology will be but any further attempt at removal without the proper cleaners, especially from the pads, will likely damage it. If it doesn't come right off I'd simply leave the thermal paste on the cpu.

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This can't help when the processor is out but I found if I use paper towel and wipe the paste off while the processor is still locked in the metal frame on the board the processor is firmly held and the gold connections are protected from damage. If you have a board you may try putting the processors you have out, back and try wiping them down.