When cleaning electronics in your computer, it is important to use solvents that are safe for silicon and leave no residue behind. Chemical residue can have a significant negative effect on computer performance. Buying a special cleaner for your CPU takes the guesswork out of determining whether it'll be safe, but DIYers have been doing very well on simple household chemicals.
Isopropyl Alcohol
Isopropyl alcohol, a chemical frequently included in rubbing alcohol, is a quick-evaporating cleaner that leaves next-to-no residue behind. Solutions of 90 percent isopropanol to 10 percent water are the most effective for cleaning CPUs safely. Many CPU cleaners also include isopropyl alcohol as the primary active ingredient. Isopropyl alcohol is sold in drugstores and some electronics stores.
Commercial CPU Cleaners
There are many commercial cleaning solutions tailored to CPU application. Dtek's ArtiClean line is one. The kit comes in several components including one solvent to remove grease and sticker goo and other material, and another to remove any clinging oils and dust. Akasa's Tim Clean is another popular solution. The citrus-based solution removes thermal grease from the heatsink and CPU.
Ethanol
Though less frequently found in commercial cleaners, ethanol -- also called drinking alcohol or grain alcohol -- works just as well for cleaning your motherboard if it is pure enough. High-quality vodka makes a good impromptu, if expensive, cleaning solution.
Applicators for Cleaning Solutions
When applying cleaning solutions to your CPU, use a soft cotton cloth. Avoid cotton swabs or tissues as they leave individual fibers behind. Many electronics stores sell lint-free cloths that don't leave behind fibers, but any cloth will do in a pinch. It is better to use a stiff cloth -- modern CPUs are more durable than other electronics such as CD players and hard drives -- than something that breaks apart in the middle.
Tags: cleaning solutions, electronics stores, residue behind