First time clearning PC / Thermal Compound question

[DaelpixPhotos]

Going to clean my pc next weeekend for the first time since getting it in November 2013. (Been putting it off because it's my first pc and I haven't cleaned any other pc before).

I'm thinking about getting Cooler Master IS Essential E1 Grey Edition High Performance Thermal Compound to use on the CPU. Could I use the same for the GPU?

 

[jerpers]

I use Gelid Solutions GC extreme. The paste is fine to use both on the CPU and GPU.

 

[DaelpixPhotos]

If I cannot obtain any rubbing alcohol what could I use?

 

[jerpers]

You really need some rubbing alcohol. Isopropyl alcohol is generally quite easy to get hold of. Some acetone free nail varnish removers contain this.

 

[DaelpixPhotos]

So what can I use instead of it?

 

[jerpers]

Worst case you could use some alcohol such as vodka or rum

 

[DaelpixPhotos]

How about Boots Surgical Spirit?
Active ingredients: Methyl Salicylate, Diethyl Phthalate, Castor Oil.
Other ingredients: Ethanol 90%. Methanol 5% w/w.

Or

Methylated Spirits?

 

[Oussebon]

If using things like surgical spirit and/or meths you'll need to make sure you get the residue off afterwards (the oil in the case of surgical spirit, meths leaves something but I'm not sure what)

I was lazy (and couldn't find any isopropyl alcohol) and just got this: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Arctic-Silver-ArctiClean-Material-Purifier-x/dp/B000BKP306

Which is far more expensive per ml than just a bottle of isopropyl alcohol but unless you're planning on doing this literally dozens of times it will be enough. I've done multiple CPU repastes and still have most of it left.

 

[jerpers]

I use this too and have done multiple repastes

 

[Amethyst]

Dumb Question, but how are you cleaning the computer other than dusting the case?

 

[Oussebon]

Processors like the CPU and GPU have heatsinks to dissipate the heat. There is a thermal compound that helps conduct the heat from the chip to the heatsink. In an ideal world, one would periodically repaste the CPU as the paste may degrade (e.g. harden/dry out/go flaky) over time. You can google videos of repasting heatsinks to see what's involved.

But it's not something you particularly need to worry about. It's good practice, but not usually essential. Some CPU coolers can be a bit fiddly to remount, and it's easy to apply too much paste(too much acts as an insulations, and could risk going over the sides into places you don't want it to) or other things like that. So I'd if one is a novice (I include myself in this) it's best not doing it when you don't have to.

If you're not overclocking or doing really CPU intensive stuff, your CPU temps are unlikely to be a sufficient concern to warrant the effort of repasting, at least for a couple of years after you've bought it (or possibly even its whole lifespan).