"How to Remove the TIM form a Stock AMD Heatsink and CPU"

his is a guide for those that installed the stock heatsink and fan assembly with the included TIM (Thermal Interface Material or called Phase Change Material Pads), who wish to get the most out of the stock heat sink or use an aftermarket unit.

Here is the step-by-step guide:

What you will need:

• Solvent, I used Carburetor Cleaner ($5 Canadian) or a similar solvent such as Acetone or Xylene

  * Warning * Acetone that is highly concentrated will eat the PCB, so if you are using acetone, be very careful. Nail polish remover is something many people use, as it is cheap and readily available. If you use nail polish remover, make sure there are no oils or fragrances added to it. Before using a solvent, make sure there are no additives, such as fragrance or minerals, to it. Also, read the warning labels on the solvent you are using as some of them are rather dangerous and special precautions must be used.

• Lint Free cloth (cloths used for cleaning glasses are ideal and they are inexpensive)
• Q-Tips
• Razor blades or credit card for applying a quality thermal paste
• A good quality thermal paste - I used Arctic Silver 5 ($10 Canadian)
• Plastic scraper (I used a plastic ruler)
• Heatsink, either an aftermarket heatsink or the stock one you will be removing (I used a Vantec Areoflow)
• Screw driver for screws and helping to get the heatsink off
• Freezer
• Lapping Kit

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