Clean thermal paste off of AMD 754

How delicate are the 754's when it comes to cleaning thermal paste off ? Are they lidded water tight (so to speak). Like could you soak the whole CPU in alcohol, or can you only wipe the top with alcohol and go that route.

Sincere noob, StratMan23

 

I've only dealt with intels, but i've never used a cleaner, just a clean piece of rag, never had a prob

 

Well... after cleaning your Athlon 64 CPU (with whatever chemical you are using), if it comes out looking like a Sempron then I'd say the chemical was a bit too strong!!
I kid...I kid!

If you have to use one then use special liquid cleaners designed to be used on electronic components, they vaporize real fast and do not leave and kind of residue behind. You should be able to find it (usually a little spray bottle) in electronics stores/computer shops.

 

or you can go to your nearest drug store and get 91% isopropyl alcohol works good for me would use Qtips just to clean the top.

 

I wouldn't use q-tips, I'd use the lint-free swab (I can't remember their exact name). 91% should be fine but 100% is best, just don't use it in a non-ventlated area...whoops... that was a mistake. Remember, the fans in a fiber trailer are there for a reason.

 

Unless you have abused the chip it should be sealed.
I have often used WD40 and sprayed the CPU, scrubbed with soft soap and a small stiff artist paintbrush, rinsed in warm water and dried with a hair drier. Even Arctic Silver 5 is easily removed this way. As long as the CPU is dry when you are done things work fine. Drying takes much longer than you might think so when you think it is dry you are 1/2 way done.
I do not like the smell of Alcohol.