how to clean the motherboard...if needed?

bigblockmatt · Post by **bigblockmatt** » Wed Jan 25, 2006 10:48 am

I have an ABIT IS7 that the northbridge heatsink fan went dead on... so i put on a new aftermarket one. Here is a picture of my mobo (without the HSF)

So, after the HSF died, i put this one on http://www.sidewindercomputers.com/swmcchco.html

well, odly enough, one of the pins that holds the heatsink on popped off and got lost in the case (that sucked). I finally found the pin when i switched cases and got a new mobo.

Anyways, I want to use the old mobo again but the northbridge is all nasty looking and want to knwo the proper way to clean it off. This is what it looks like.

Im not sure where those little pads are suppose to go or what not. So, how do i clean all that crap off? Thanks for the help!

Post by **Apoptosis** » Wed Jan 25, 2006 10:54 am

The simple way is to use a tissue to wipe off the thermal compound and use a paint brush to brush the dust off the entire board. Some people will tell you that is bad, but I've done it for years without an issue. To really clean the chipset and heatsink i would suggest Arctic Silver Articlean

bigblockmatt · Post by **bigblockmatt** » Wed Jan 25, 2006 11:14 am

what about those little pad things... are those ok? should i move them? is it ok if they touch those little transistorish looking things?

T-Shirt · Post by **T-Shirt** » Thu Jan 26, 2006 4:57 am

The pads are there to keep the heatsink level/evenly seated.
they are none condutive so it doesn't hurt it they touch the resistors (don't put them on top of the or you'll be out of level/ heatsink won't seat right) They don't need the thermal paste so careful cleaning would be a good thing.

Post by **Apoptosis** » Thu Jan 26, 2006 7:41 am

yeah just whip it up with a tissue gently and don't break off the little brown boxes and you will be good to go.

kenc51 · Post by **kenc51** » Thu Jan 26, 2006 8:43 am

Arctic Silver Articlean is prob the easiest to use....it desolves the stuff away......If you can't get that, try get alcohol...(not gin

)

Basically a bit of wet tissue will do, just be carefull not to break anything off.....and when your done, make sure it's dry B4 reapplying AS5....

I personally use arctic ceramique for stuff like GFX cards and the northbridge heatsinks.....it lasts longer....I don't want to haveto reapply AS5 every 6-8mths (It dries up)

AS5 for me, only goes on the CPU

bigblockmatt · Post by **bigblockmatt** » Mon Jan 30, 2006 3:33 pm

What about those little pads? is it ok if they touch those little things (dont know what they are called) or should i clean and move them?

kenc51 · Post by **kenc51** » Mon Jan 30, 2006 3:58 pm

the pads are there, just to make sure it sits even on the chip.....they are not essential, but if you can keep them...do..