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If “polishing paste” means ordinary thermal paste, clean it from both the CPU’s heat spreader and the cooler’s cold plate, let both surfaces dry, then apply fresh thermal paste before reinstalling the cooler. If it means a separate metal polish or an unidentified product, do not assume the same cleaning method is safe: identify the product and follow its label and the cooler maker’s instructions.
First, identify the residue
Thermal interface material transfers heat from the processor’s heat spreader to the cooler’s base plate or water block, as Intel explains. The cleaning steps below apply to ordinary CPU thermal compound. They do not establish how to remove a separate metal-polishing product. For an unknown film, check the product label and cooler manufacturer’s guidance before using a solvent or applying new paste.
Clean and repaste the CPU and cold plate
- Shut down the PC and remove the cooler carefully. Follow the cooler’s installation or removal instructions. Hardened thermal grease can make removal difficult; AMD warns that pulling a stuck cooler carelessly could damage the CPU. See AMD’s cooler-removal guidance.
- Wipe both mating surfaces. Remove the old compound from the CPU heat spreader and the cooler contact plate. Intel recommends isopropyl alcohol (IPA) with a microfiber or non-shedding towel; AMD recommends IPA and a lint-free cloth. Noctua says its compounds may be wiped away with dry lint-free tissue, with IPA or its cleaning wipes as alternatives. Follow the instructions for your specific paste where available: Intel, AMD, and Noctua.
- Take extra care with hardened residue. For solidified thermal compound, iFixit’s repair procedure describes gently removing the solid material, then wiping the remaining residue with a coffee filter or lint-free cloth and IPA at 90% concentration or greater. Avoid metal blades and abrasive scrubbing, which can scratch a contact surface. See iFixit’s thermal-paste guide.
- Let both surfaces dry completely. Before repasting, make sure the CPU and cooler base are clean, dry, and free of compound residue and grease, as Noctua specifies.
- Apply fresh compound and reinstall the cooler. Use the paste maker’s instructions, then mount the cooler according to its instructions. Intel’s general guidance describes a pea- or rice-sized amount and letting cooler pressure spread it; the recommended amount can vary by product. If a new cooler already has paste pre-applied, Intel says not to add more. See Intel’s guidance.
Choosing a cleaner for thermal paste
For ordinary thermal grease, use a method supported by the paste or cooler maker that leaves the contact surfaces clean and dry. A lint-free cloth and IPA are commonly recommended, but IPA is not mandatory for every compound: Noctua permits dry wiping for its own pastes, while iFixit specifies IPA of 90% or greater for its hardened-residue procedure. These instructions are product- and procedure-specific; they do not prove that every solvent is safe for every paste, cooler, or polish.
Arctic Silver describes ArctiClean as a two-step cleaner for thermal grease or pads and for surface preparation. It is an optional specialty product, not a requirement for routine repasting; check its current directions before use.
The Tool Desk
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#1 Best Overall
Elebase USB to USB C Adapter for iPhone 18 Pro Max,USBC Car Charger Adapter
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Why the old paste should not be reused
Removing the cooler disturbs the thermal compound layer between the CPU and cold plate. Intel’s guidance calls for cleaning and applying new compound when reinstalling a cooler. Do not simply put the cooler back onto disturbed paste or spread fresh paste over residue.
Quick Recap
Bestseller No. 5
Best Value
Anker USB C Hub, 5-in-1 USBC to HDMI Splitter with 4K Display
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
Sale
UGREEN USB to USB C Adapter Combo 4-Pack, 10Gbps USB C Converter Space Gray
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Rank #3
Sale
Anker USB C Hub, 7in1 Multi-Port USB Adapter, 4K@60Hz USBC to HDMI Splitter
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Rank #2
Anker USB-C Hub, 5-in-1 USB Hub for Laptops, 4K HDMI Multiport Adapter
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
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