How to Clean & Apply Thermal Grease

Computers are a part of most people's everyday life.

A computer has many running components that generate an excessive amount of heat. If this heat is not vented properly, it can cause irreversible damage to your computer. The CPU chip -- central processing unit -- produces a great amount of heat and the thermal grease that is present on the chip transfers the heat away from the CPU and toward the computer's fan. However, the thermal grease can become baked on the chip of gradually wear off. Either way, you must remove the old grease and apply a new layer.

Things You'll Need

• Paper towels
• Screwdriver
• Small container
• Isopropyl alcohol
• Cotton swabs

Instructions

1. Unplug all cables from your computer, if applicable. Place the computer in your work area. Take this time to remove any dust that has collected by wiping with several paper towels.

2. Detach the case from your computer to gain access to the CPU chip. You will need to remove several screws that secure the case. However, each make and model of computer is different and you may have to remove the motherboard to gain access to the CPU chip.

3. Remove the CPU chip gently from the heat sink. Unplug the wires that run from the heat sink to the motherboard. Carefully lift the CPU chip off the heat sink.

4. Fill a small container with 1/4 cup isopropyl alcohol. Isopropyl alcohol comes in various percentages and the higher the percentage you use, the quicker it will evaporate, leaving little to no residue. When removing the old thermal grease, it is best to use isopropyl alcohol with the highest percentage you can find -- such as 70 to 90 percent.

5. Dip a cotton swab tip into the isopropyl alcohol. White holding the CPU by its sides, carefully rub the old thermal grease with the saturated cotton swab. Wipe the CPU chip clean with an unused, dry cotton swab. Repeat this process until you have removed all traces of the old thermal grease.

6. Let the CPU chip dry for several minutes. Add a thin layer of thermal grease directly on the CPU chip. Place the chip back on the heat sink and into the computer. Reattach the wires from the motherboard to the heat sink. Secure your computer's case back and place in its original location. Plug the computer cables back in, if applicable.

Tips & Warnings

• Only attempt computer repairs if you have prior knowledge of computer hardware.

• Do not place wet or damp CPU chip or heat sink into your computer.

References

• TechPowerUp: Thermal Paste and How to Use It
• Hardware Secrets: How to Correctly Apply Thermal Grease
• Wilsons Electronics: How To Change Your Computer's Heat Sink