High Purity Isopropyl at home? AS5 vs. Ceramique?

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06-25-2008, 05:20 AM
LUCI5R

High Purity Isopropyl at home? AS5 vs. Ceramique?
Ave,

Well - I did it all wrong!! I upgraded from an E6420 (Dual-Core) to Q9450 (Quad-Core) and used the Dual Core instructions for arctic silver 5. I have to redo it now - I'll need to remove the previous goo and re-spread the thermal compound.

Just a few questions...
1. Is there any home-based product which has the 'high-purity isopropyl' which I can find at anything at home? If not, where do I go to buy it? (I don't want to order online, takes too long!)
2. They said I could use 'Dawn' dishwasher soap to clean off the goo from my CPU - is that OK? Also, I have coffee filters at home, I plan on using those (it said you can in the PDF).
3. Lastly, I have AS5 ... I can get Ceramique for $6 at my local Radio Shack. Is there any reason I should use Ceramique over AS5?
Thanks guys!!
06-25-2008, 05:29 AM
LivingL@rGe81

Why do you want to spend cash on stuff you don't need!!!

I have & always will use just toilet paper to clean TIM off stuff & cotton buds! You don't need chemical just a little bit of elbow grease:cool:

I use ceramique it general gives you a few degrees better preformance the AS5
06-25-2008, 05:31 AM
LUCI5R

Quote:

Originally Posted by LivingL@rGe81

Why do you want to spend cash on stuff you don't need!!!

I have & always will use just toilet paper to clean TIM off stuff & cotton buds! You don't need chemical just a little bit of elbow grease:cool:

Actually the only think I was planning on buying was a high-purity isopropyl alcohol - which I think is like a dollar or two at the pharmacy.

I have Q-tips, Coffee Filters, Dawn & AS5 at home. I guess I can use Toilet Paper instead of coffee filters. Didn't know I could. Some idiot here 2 years ago told me I could use Nail Polish Remover. The PDF from AS says you can't!

BTW, what is elbow grease?
06-25-2008, 05:35 AM
LivingL@rGe81

Quote:

Originally Posted by LUCI5R

BTW, what is elbow grease?

It means a bit of effort :D

Just use toilet paper & just be careful not to smear the TIM where you shouldn't :D
06-25-2008, 05:40 AM
LUCI5R

Quote:

Originally Posted by LivingL@rGe81

It means a bit of effort :D

Oh .. doh!! :rolleyes:

Quote:

Originally Posted by LivingL@rGe81

Just use toilet paper & just be careful not to smear the TIM where you shouldn't :D

Will do!
06-25-2008, 05:44 AM
WoZZeR999

You have to be careful with toilet paper, it can leave it's fibers in the cpu. You can use some nail polish, it just has to be unscented. Rubbing alcohol can be used, but it would be best to try to find some 99% Isopropyl because it will not leave residue. You can use the coffee filters as long as they are the bleached, lint free ones.
06-25-2008, 05:53 AM
LUCI5R

Quote:

Originally Posted by WoZZeR999

You have to be careful with toilet paper, it can leave it's fibers in the cpu. You can use some nail polish, it just has to be unscented. Rubbing alcohol can be used, but it would be best to try to find some 99% Isopropyl because it will not leave residue. You can use the coffee filters as long as they are the bleached, lint free ones.

I have no clue if my coffee filters are bleached or not - I guess I can check. They have a 91% Isopropyl here at CVS for $1.79 ... should I get that?
06-25-2008, 05:56 AM
WoZZeR999

91% would work. I think 85% is the cut off for how low most would go. Some people stick to only 99%, but I think 91% would be fine. Once it's done being cleaned, just let it sit for a few minutes to make sure everything evaporates.
06-25-2008, 06:06 AM
LUCI5R

Quote:

Originally Posted by WoZZeR999

91% would work. I think 85% is the cut off for how low most would go. Some people stick to only 99%, but I think 91% would be fine. Once it's done being cleaned, just let it sit for a few minutes to make sure everything evaporates.

I'll do that! Plus the other reason I want to get Isopropyl rather then using a home-based alternate is, not only is this not going to be the 'last' time I'll be doing this cleaning off TIM and stuff - but also in just about every guide, instructions, forum etcetera - Isopropyl seems to be the top choice. I just never realized it's one of those things in the first aid kits you use to clean bruises. I didn't want to order it online. I just checked CVS has those (@ 91%).

I'm quite positive the coffee filters I have should be the lint free kind.

If I have these two things - I'm assuming I'm not going to need anything else.
06-25-2008, 06:11 AM
WoZZeR999

You don't need anything else, but while you are at CVS, you may want to see if they have any microfiber cleaners. They are the kind used for the glasses, that won't cause scratches. You use the coffee filter for the majority of the goop, then do a final wipe with a microfiber cloth.

BTW, while you are there, you should ask the pharm. if they have 99%. There may be some stock behind the counter.
06-25-2008, 06:16 AM
LUCI5R

Quote:

Originally Posted by WoZZeR999

You don't need anything else, but while you are at CVS, you may want to see if they have any microfiber cleaners. They are the kind used for the glasses, that won't cause scratches. You use the coffee filter for the majority of the goop, then do a final wipe with a microfiber cloth.

BTW, while you are there, you should ask the pharm. if they have 99%. There may be some stock behind the counter.

You know, you're right - I'll ask them if they have 99%. If not, I'll just get the 91%.

I'm 100% sure I have microfiber cleaner at home. I had one that I got in a kit to clean CD-ROM Surface - and another that my wife got with her PDA Cellphone to clean its' screen - and I'm confident it's the same thing that you use for cleaning glasses.
06-25-2008, 07:23 AM
Nate P.

You can also use 100% acetone (nail polish remover).
06-25-2008, 07:28 AM
LUCI5R

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nate P.

You can also use 100% acetone (nail polish remover).

There was a lot of discussion on the nail polish remover - believe it or not - although a lot of people still use it and I had been as well for my previous builds. I guess it had something to do with the 'fragrance' and 'other' chemicals used. I personally am not so knowledgeable to know the difference - I know in the latest 'AS5 Installation on 45nm Quad Core' pdf released by Arctic Silver, they have specifically mentioned "not" using nail polish remover. I guess I'm just sticking to the books this time.

Went to CVS and bought 91% isopropyl alcohol 16 oz. bottle for $1.99 ... they didn't have 99%, and I'm sure this will be fine.
06-25-2008, 07:29 AM
Eldonko

http://www.insuremeblog.com/agent/BL...w%20grease.jpg

Cleans quite well. :D
06-25-2008, 07:32 AM
Nate P.

Quote:

Originally Posted by LUCI5R

There was a lot of discussion on the nail polish remover - believe it or not - although a lot of people still use it and I had been as well for my previous builds. I guess it had something to do with the 'fragrance' and 'other' chemicals used. I personally am not so knowledgeable to know the difference - I know in the latest 'AS5 Installation on 45nm Quad Core' pdf released by Arctic Silver, they have specifically mentioned "not" using nail polish remover. I guess I'm just sticking to the books this time.

Went to CVS and bought 91% isopropyl alcohol 16 oz. bottle for $1.99 ... they didn't have 99%, and I'm sure this will be fine.

Ah, I see... it's the only thing that seems to be able to remove the ICD7 I use though, so I use it.
06-25-2008, 07:59 AM
LUCI5R

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eldonko

Cleans quite well. :D

:rofl: :ROTF:
06-25-2008, 08:04 AM
WoZZeR999

As long as there are no fragrances or other added chemicals, it will work. I use Goof Off (irc), not Goo Gone. It's not the orangey one, The primary ingredients of Goof Off are xylene, and 2-ethanol. I use some 99% Isopropyl (Microcenter has it) to make sure everything after using Goof-off.

http://www.valsparglobal.com/val/res...F%20LINEUP.jpg
06-25-2008, 08:07 AM
LUCI5R

Quote:

Originally Posted by WoZZeR999

As long as there are no fragrances or other added chemicals, it will work. I use Goof Off (irc), not Goo Gone. It's not the orangey one, The primary ingredients of Goof Off are xylene, and 2-ethanol. I use some 99% Isopropyl (Microcenter has it) to make sure everything after using Goof-off.

http://www.valsparglobal.com/val/res...F%20LINEUP.jpg

Yeah, they had this thing (Goof Off) also all over the PDF as one of the things recommended to use.
06-25-2008, 08:07 AM
gurusan

i use 91% isopropyl alcohol. Almost 2 years now and I've still got a little over 1/2 the bottle left. I change heatsinks and hardware all the time as well.
06-25-2008, 08:08 AM
YukonTrooper

Go to your local drug store to pick up isopropyl.
06-25-2008, 08:09 AM
LUCI5R

Quote:

Originally Posted by gurusan

i use 91% isopropyl alcohol. Almost 2 years now and I've still got a little over 1/2 the bottle left. I change heatsinks and hardware all the time as well.

Awesome! That's the one I got.
06-25-2008, 09:00 AM
ExodusC

Huh... I've been using 70% I think...

Does it even really matter that much?
06-25-2008, 09:26 AM
YukonTrooper

Quote:

Originally Posted by ExodusC

Huh... I've been using 70% I think...

Does it even really matter that much?

The purer the alcohol the less residue left behind. You can get 99% grade isopropyl/isopropynol at many major drug stores, at least here in Canada you can.
06-25-2008, 09:47 AM
LUCI5R

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yukon Trooper

The purer the alcohol the less residue left behind. You can get 99% grade isopropyl/isopropynol at many major drug stores, at least here in Canada you can.

True. Like someone else stated above - I think the norm is at least above 80%. Again, I personally do not know the difference, but going by what is usually used .. most actually do use 99%.

They didn't have 99% at my local CVS so I just got 91%.
06-25-2008, 11:01 AM
Adam217

Cotton gun cleaning patches work great, hold/absorb a lot more liquid than coffee filters and won't leave anything behind.
06-25-2008, 11:04 AM
Eldonko

I use methanol, it's 99% and is about $2.50 a jug at home depot.
06-25-2008, 11:06 AM
LUCI5R

Definitely a variety of solutions, it appears!
06-25-2008, 01:52 PM
Bobsama

Meh--I used to use "normal" isopropyl alcohol--but it was 70%. Lemme tell ya--using that to clean was a real b***h. I've not used anything higher-purity, though with my last build (Dec '07) I decided to get some Arctic Silver ArctiClean. Easy to use stuff--plenty of it too. Cleans like a charm. On NewEgg it was only $6 or so. I used primarily paper towels actually--they're handy. I usually covered the heatsink or processor with each part, soaked for anywhere from 30 seconds to 30 minutes (depending on what I was doing), and then wiped it all off by a single swipe of the paper towel. After that there's a surface purifier that seems to work pretty well.
06-25-2008, 11:57 PM
Bad213Boy

I use MX-2, it's the best stuff, non-conductive. Should improve your CPU and GPU by 5 degrees. Works just as good as Ceramique but without the wait.
06-26-2008, 01:12 AM
MasterOfTheReal

If you ask in your local pharmacy they will usually have 99%. Alternativly local hospitals will have it too.
Be nice and get some distilled water from them while your there :P

Also I use AS5 on Above ambient stuff. And ceramique on sub ambient (Dont really know why just has always seemed right)
06-26-2008, 05:14 AM
003

I use MEK -- it was the only solvent capable of taking off the stock TIM from the Rampage Formula NB. It's expensive though, cost $8+ for not even a half gallon.

Also get some of this:
http://www.amazon.com/CRC-5102-QD-El.../dp/B000BXOGNI

This is the ONLY solvent I have found that evaporates almost instantly, does not react badly with anything, and leaves ZERO deposits or streaks on heatsink bases when wiping them clean with it.
06-26-2008, 05:36 AM
Brave758

Quote:

Originally Posted by 003

I use MEK -- it was the only solvent capable of taking off the stock TIM from the Rampage Formula NB. It's expensive though, cost $8+ for not even a half gallon.

Also get some of this:
http://www.amazon.com/CRC-5102-QD-El.../dp/B000BXOGNI

This is the ONLY solvent I have found that evaporates almost instantly, does not react badly with anything, and leaves ZERO deposits or streaks on heatsink bases when wiping them clean with it.

Dam you know how bad that stuff is.... Its paint stripper, can't use it on composites, perspex, causes entitlement in titanium and not to mention what it does to you. Its banned in the military and civil aviation just using last of stock.

But is is the best dam degreaser out there and ill miss it when its gone
06-26-2008, 05:44 AM
WoZZeR999

All the ArticClean really is, is Goo Gone. I don't like putting greasy oils on my cpu, and their cleaner (number 2) doesn't really get rid of the left over oils all that well. After cleaning the processor, it should not still have a strong orange odor.
06-26-2008, 06:04 AM
003

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brave758

Dam you know how bad that stuff is.... Its paint stripper, can't use it on composites, perspex, causes entitlement in titanium and not to mention what it does to you. Its banned in the military and civil aviation just using last of stock.

But is is the best dam degreaser out there and ill miss it when its gone

Which are you referring to? MEK or the second thing I posted? You can get both in great quantities at all my local hardware stores :)
06-26-2008, 06:58 AM
Brave758

Quote:

Originally Posted by 003

Which are you referring to? MEK or the second thing I posted? You can get both in great quantities at all my local hardware stores :)

MEK mate, Methyl Ethyl Ketone that stuff is bad mojo, used a load to strip blades when i was younger was coughing up blood for a week needless to say don't go near the stuff unless ive got a ressy now.

http://www.jtbaker.com/msds/englishhtml/m4628.htm
06-26-2008, 04:25 PM
sdsdv10

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brave758

MEK mate, Methyl Ethyl Ketone that stuff is bad mojo, used a load to strip blades when i was younger was coughing up blood for a week needless to say don't go near the stuff unless ive got a ressy now.

http://www.jtbaker.com/msds/englishhtml/m4628.htm

MEK isn't all that bad. It is a close chemical relative of acetone (otherwise know as nail polish remover). Using the methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) nomenclature, acetone would just be dimethyl ketone. Thus MEK is just a one carbon higher homologue of acetone. Here is the MSDS for acetone.

http://www.jtbaker.com/msds/englishhtml/A0446.htm

While OSHA exposure limits are lower for MEK compared to acetone, you can see many of the biological effects are very similar (the lethal ED50 for acetone is about twice that of MEK). Neither is very good for you. The key is to limit exposure by using this type of material in a well ventilated area. When I use these chemicals it is in a proper fume hood with a face velocity of ~100 ft/min. People seem to forget that just because you can do and purchase something at the drugstore, that if you don't use it correctly it can injure or kill you.

As illustration, look at the MSDS for isopropyl alcohol (the material purchased by the OP).

http://www.jtbaker.com/msds/englishhtml/I8840.htm

The SAF-T-DATA(tm) Ratings are worse than MEK, OSHA exposure ratings similar to MEK and an LD50 in rat somewhere between acetone and MEK. Again, just because you can purchase this chemical over the counter at a drug store doesn't mean it can't do you harm. Just remember to use any type of solvent like these in a well ventilated area (open garage, outside if possible, or room with open windows). I'll get off my chemical soap box now.
06-27-2008, 03:28 AM
LUCI5R

Man, you guys are so knowledgeable about things, makes some of us discussing using toilet paper & running to the local CVS to get that thing that you find in the first aid kits look like 'dorks'.

Anyhow - much variant information acquired in this thread - a whole lot more then I expected. And this forum is like that in many ways. There are times a crucial question or yelp for help goes unnoticed, unanswered & gets buried in the sands of time. And sometimes when I'm least expecting any response, the whole brotherhood jumps in to give a hand!

Well my re-seating the CPU/Heatsink went rather well. I used toilet paper to remove off all the AS5 that was already there on the heatsink & CPU heat spreader, and then used Coffee Filter (Lint Free) and the 91% Isopropyl I got to clean it off properly. Seemed nice & shiny by the time I was done. Let them both sit for a few before applying fresh AS5 on the CPU (This time following the 45nm Quad-Core Instructions) and reinstalled everything.

Haven't been able to mess with the system much (home issues) but temperatures already looked better when I had booted back into the system to test if everything was works. Seems effort was successful.

Thanks guys!