Windows 10: What can I use instead of rubbing alcohol to remove thermal paste?

Is it absolutely necessary to use rubbing (isopropyl alcohol)? Can't I just use a wipe/napkin or something else? Is there any harm in just applying the new paste without removing the old one?

:)

 

N91-8GB temperature test

Indra,

Preferably, use denatured alcohol or a 95% alcohol solution. Denatured alcohol may be purchased at any hardware store and is used to clean electronics because it evaporates quickly and leaves no residue.It will not harm a mobile phone.Distilled water also displaces
water and is a viable alternative because it is non-conductive. Prolonged exposure to other liquids will cause corrosion of the copper traces within the mobile phone, and will most likely cease its operation.

NOTE:You should check to see what the alcohol is denatured with. If it is anything other than methanol (some are denatured with very hazardous chemicals such as methyl ethelyne ketone [MEK]) you should not use it, as some denaturants can melt plastics. Most
drugstores or larger retailers carry 91% rubbing alcohol. Regular rubbing alcohol is only 70% and is not recommended.

SOURCE : WiKiHoW

 

Windows 10 sticker with serial key damaged when scratched to reveal it.

This did not resolve my issue. When I tried to remove this ridiculous sticker which covers the dot matrix ink printed code, the adhesive was so difficult to overcome that it took most of the number with it. When I tried cleaning it with water first, mild
(rubbing) alcohol next, what was left of the damaged numbers rubbed off with the alcohol. You'd think Microsoft would calculate that the purchaser holding the original packaging in his hands is likely to be the one scratching off the protective patch, why
then is there a need for this goofy patch!??! The Chat process just referred me back to the store with no resolution. Thanks for trying, use caution with this unnecessary patch, and hey Microsoft...lose the stupid patch !

Robert

Corona, CA

 

You can wipe with a lint free cloth, but to really clean the surface, you need Alcohol to get the cleanest surface. A bottle can be found at any Drug store for $1 or less.

 

What about just putting new thermal paste without removing the old one? I guess it's not a good idea, I've never heard of anybody doing it but just curious.

 

Go to YouTube and search for: remove thermal paste

I found this video that has a bunch of useful info: Removing Thermal Compound - The BEST Way? - YouTube
Watch at (4:30 to 6:10) He has a list of items that worked & not worked as good on the left side. I see a check mark near hand sanitizer, which is probably the cheapest (cost-wise)

 

Why? I have bought one spray 10 years ago and I do not think I will waste it all before I die.

If you do not care much about the temperature, then no, no harm done.

Cleaning and applying the new paste should give you a noticeable decrease in the temperature.

 

What is your aversion to alcohol?

I use at least 91% and coffee filters as they don't leave lint.

 

When alcohol fails I try naptha (lighter fluid).