

An alternative to alcohol is a specific cleaner Opens a new window, but alcohol works just as good.Īpply a small amount of thermal paste Opens a new window as directed (generally this is a dime sized amount spread to the thickness of a playing card across the surface of the processor that meets the heatsink). (you should have no issues doing this on the processor, however I wouldn't suggest it, and more commonly thermal paste sticks to the heatsink instead of the processor. If you're having a hard time getting the paste up because it's dried, use a very small amount of Rubbing Alcohol or Everclear Opens a new window on the heatsink to wet the paste and try again, let the heatsink sit in air for an hour or more before continuing. Use an old credit card (or drivers license, or gift card, or any other small piece of plastic that is flexible) to scrape as much thermal compound off of the heatsink and processor as you can (be sure not to bend the processor pins) In addition to the instructions for removal do the following:

The service manual also contains instructions on how to remove the HSF so you can re-apply thermal paste if needed. Here's the full service manual Opens a new window(direct PDF link) Pop the bottom cover off and dust it out with compressed air.

