Is there a way to clean thermal grease from the cpu SOCKET?

Question

Not the actual CPU but the socket. Some TIM got onto the pins in the socket. Now it won't POST, is there a way to clean it off without making it worse?

Answer 1

thats really bad if the tim is the type thats electriclly conductive things are fried ... if its not then it shouldnt hurt anything and its probably somthing else ...

Answer 2

dze is right. If you were using the high performance goop w/ silver, you may have short circuited some pin connections.

However, if you were just using the generic paste made of silicone, you are still lucky. It is non-conductive and could just be insulating some pins from the socket.

I suggest you clean first the processor pins w/ rubbing alcohol and kleenex then test it in another motherboard. If the processor is dead, there is no point in cleaning its old socket. Be sure to discharge yourself of static electricity when handling this electrically fragile thing.

If it tests ok, clean your mobo. Some pointers here might be of help.

http://www.duxcw.com/dcforum/DCForumID5/428.html
http://duxcw.com/digest/Howto/cpu/socka/4.html

Answer 3

Neither you, the business enterprise or i know if the motherboard is functionally broken. in spite of the undeniable fact that curiously as though that is been badly dealt with with warmth sink compound interior the incorrect place and in a very confusing place to scrub. The business enterprise would would desire to return it for fix and testing and would not have the skill to sell it as new. below those circumstances, why do you think of you ought to get your money back?

Answer 4

Try isopropyl alcohol and Q-tips.