Thermal paste is a great component to keep the CPU cool and unleash the system’s entire performance. Reapplying thermal paste after a certain period is a recommended task to do.
But, things get messy when the thermal paste you applied to the CPU spills on the CPU socket. Being scared, upset, and worried is very obvious. You might be thinking your system is gone for good.
But don’t worry. Nothing will happen, trust me! The guide that I’m about to share will save your PC from dying and you from misery.
I did also spill thermal paste on the CPU socket once. Luckily I cleaned the thermal paste, and my PC works just fine to date. In this article, I’ll share my steps to clean the thermal paste from the CPU socket.
Let’s get started.
Can Thermal Paste Damage Your System?
Yes, a conductive thermal paste can damage your system. Only metal-based thermal paste can conduct electricity and short-circuit the motherboard. On the other hand, any conductive and non-conductive thermal pastes can prevent physical contact between the CPU and the Motherboard.
If the thermal paste gets in the middle of the CPU and motherboard, it can substantially prevent the pins from contacting the socket. In that case, your computer may not boot, can crush unexpectedly, or may not even work correctly.
Carbon-based thermal paste has extremely low electrical conductivity. So short-circuits won’t happen using this thermal paste. However, you should read the specification to avoid the chance of short-circuiting.
Ceramic-based thermal paste is not electrically conductive. So you don’t have to worry about the paste short-circuiting adjacent pins of the CPU or other motherboard components.
But, you need to be careful while using metal-based thermal paste. It is electrically conductive and can short-circuit CPU pins and motherboard components. So it is better not to power up the system until you clean up the unwanted thermal paste.
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How to Clean Thermal Paste from the CPU Pins and Motherboard
The only place to apply thermal paste is between the CPU cooler and the CPU. You should remove any unwanted paste as soon as possible. If any small amount of thermal paste is left on the socket, your computer will not function properly.
Cleaning Stuff You Need
Before starting the cleaning process, you will need some tools and cleaning agents. The first thing that you need is isopropyl alcohol. 70% to 99% is suitable for thermal paste cleaning. 99% is the absolute best, but availability is very thin.
Nail polish remover is also an alternative when isopropyl alcohol stays out of reach. However, it is not recommended to use nail polish remover as it contains oils that can cause harmful damage to the system.
There are 100% acetone-labeled nail polish removers out there. But it is not worth taking the risk. As long as you need acetone, get the pure one.
Other tools that you need:
- Q-tips
- Extra-thin toothpicks
- Magnifying glass
Types of CPU Sockets
There are two types of CPU sockets available in the market. One is an LGA socket, and another one is a PGA socket. Both Intel and AMD once used the PGA socket, but Intel shifted from PGA to LGA. AMD is the only company that uses the PGA socket now.
Here are the methods to clean both CPU sockets type:
1. Clean LGA Sockets or CPU
You need a cleaning agent like isopropyl alcohol, acetone, or Arcticlean 1, Q-tips, and magnifying glass. The goal is to use the cleaner and remove the thermal paste delicately using the Q-tips. You need to be extra careful as the pins are delicate and can bend or break easily.
In addition, the pins are at approximately a 45-degree angle. So you may need a magnifying glass to see which way the pins are tilting. It is crucial to remember the direction of the pins’ tilt because you will move the Q-tips in that direction. If you go against the grain of the pins, they can break or bend instantly.
First, start applying a small amount of cleaner to the socket or CPU, where you can see thermal paste. If you use Arcticlean, just squeeze a few drops. Use an eyedropper while using the isopropyl alcohol or acetone.
Wait around 5 minutes after applying the cleaner to thin the thermal paste.
Now, take the Q-tip and place it at the tip of a pin. Leave the Q-tip there for a moment as the cleaning fluid will get absorbed into it.
Repeat this method till any cleaning fluid is left on the socket. Don’t forget to change the Q-tip after it becomes soaked.
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2. Clean PGA Sockets or CPU
The cleaning procedure of PGA sockets or CPUs is similar to the LGA sockets. Here you need to extract the paste from the holes instead of rubbing the paste off. You will need extra-thin and extra-fine toothpicks for this method.
Apply the cleaning agents to the socket or the CPU first. Wait around 5 minutes after applying the cleaner to thin the thermal paste.
Now, take a toothpick and insert it into a hole gently until you feel any resistance. Stop and slowly remove the toothpick when you feel any resistance. While performing this method, some paste comes out with the stick, and some are pushed back.
Now use a Q-tip to clean any emulsified paste from the hole.
Continue this method way through all the holes. Change the toothpicks and change the Q-tip when necessary.
Make sure to wipe and clean all the extra fluid from the socket or CPU.
3. Purify the Surfaces
For Arcticlean kit users, this is a crucial step. Before hopping into this step, make sure to let the surface dry for at least 24 hours after cleaning.
For LGA sockets or CPU, apply a few drops of Arcticlean 2 to a Q-tip and run it gently in the direction of the pins. Repeat the cleaning process again if you see any remaining paste. If there isn’t any paste left, continue your purification process. Finally, run a fresh Q-tip to soak any remaining fluids.
The method is the same as LGA for PGA sockets or CPU holes. Using a Q-tip, carefully run a few drops of Arcticlean 2 in holes. If there is any residual paste, repeat the cleaning process. Continue your purifying procedure as long as there isn’t any paste left. Finally, soak any residual fluids with a new Q-tip.
Let the socket or CPU dry for the next 24 hours.
Other Areas of the Motherboard
Thermal paste can get spilled on the other components of the motherboard. You can clean them in the same manner as described above. Use a few drops of cleaning agents on the surface and wipe with a clean fabric or Q-tip.
Quickly check out our epic guide on how to fix motherboard can’t detect hard drive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use sanitizer to clean thermal paste?
No, please don’t use hand sanitizer to clean the thermal paste. It will leave a film from the extra elements of sanitizer. So, avoid using hand sanitizer to clean the thermal paste.
Can thermal paste ruin a CPU?
No thermal paste won’t damage your CPU. However, your CPU can get overrated when you use an excessive amount of thermal paste. Too much paste is doubtful to kill a modern CPU.
Should you clean off old thermal paste?
Yes, it is crucial to clean the old thermal paste after a certain period. When the paste gets dried out, your CPU will get heated, and you will see thermal throttling. So you should apply a new thermal paste when you think it is time to change it.
Conclusion
That’s about it. Hopefully, this guide helps you clean the thermal paste from the CPU and motherboard socket. So clean the thermal paste and re-apply the paste to get enhanced performance.
Thanks for reading this article. Feel free to leave comments if you have any questions in your mind.
Signing out.
