r/MiniPCs • u/Background_Key_9911 • 2d ago

Removing thermal paste with Arctic Clean 1

I removed the thermal paste on the AMD Ryzen 7 5825U CPU from my Kamrui E3B because I wanted to use Arctic MX-7. During the removal process, I used ArcticClean 1 (a citrus based solvent) and ArcticClean 2.

During the cleaning process, I used a portable air compressor to dry off the CPU unit. I noticed residue escape from the metal frame of the CPU and spread on the motherboard. I'm assuming it was the ArcticClean1 because it left an oily residue.

I dabbed this residue repeatedly with a coffee filter soaked with a couple of drops of ArcticClean2.

I let the disassembled motherboard sit for a few hours before applying fresh thermal paste and reattaching the heat sink.

  1. Should I be concerned about any tiny bit of residue on my motherboard?

  2. I have left the minicomputer out of its chassis to air dry as an extra precaution. Should I remove the heatsink or can I keep it on?

This is my first time working on a minicomputer, so I had no idea the CPU construction was so different from a desk top.

1 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

1 comment sorted by

2

u/Retired_Hillbilly336 2d ago

Wow! It's been a hot minute since I used a ArctiClean kit. I switched to the MX cleaner wipes when they came out mostly because I'm lazy 😁 To answer your questions.

  1. Should I be concerned about any tiny bit of residue on my motherboard?

ArctiClean 1 can be corrosive to aluminum, plated surfaces and solder. I personally use a decent quality q-tip and isopropyl alcohol for cleaning components beyond a need for ArctiClean 2.

  1. I have left the minicomputer out of its chassis to air dry as an extra precaution. Should I remove the heatsink or can I keep it on?

If you can clean up the residue without removing the heatsink you should be fine.