Arctic Silver ArctiClean

[W1zzard]

[page=Introduction]
Introduction
How many times have you tried to get a thermal pad off a heatsink base because you want to use your own thermal paste? How many times did you try to get residues from cleaning your cooler base off? Enter: Arctic Silver ArctiClean.

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ArcticSilver/ArctiClean/images/bottles_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ArcticSilver/ArctiClean/images/bottles.jpg)

ArctiClean comes in two bottles, which both have to be used on a heatsink.
There is a 60ml Kit and a bigger 240ml Kit. After all testing there we did, there is about a third gone of our 60ml kit, unless you work in a heatsink base cleaning shop, 60ml should be fine for you.

ArctiClean 1: Thermal Material Remover
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ArcticSilver/ArctiClean/images/clean1_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ArcticSilver/ArctiClean/images/clean1.jpg)
This is used to emulsify thermal pads and compounds, so that they can be easily removed. This is achieved using non-toxic biodegradable solvents which are based on citrus and soy.
If I think of "solvent" I think of bad fumes, toxic, do not use in enclosed areas and do not use near fire. Not ArctiClean- it's inflammable, non hazardous and has a citrus aroma.

ArctiClean 2: Thermal Surface Purifier
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ArcticSilver/ArctiClean/images/clean2_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ArcticSilver/ArctiClean/images/clean2.jpg)
After all thermal material remains are removed using ArctiClean 1, you have to clean the surface of all residue using ArctiClean 2. ArctiClean 2 also contains corrosion inhibitors.

[page=Testing 1]
Testing

The first test I did, was to taste a few drops it. At first, there is not much of taste, after a few seconds, a taste like lemon peel comes up and stays for quite some time, even if you drink something.
I can only confirm what ArcticSilver writes in the Instructions "Do not put ArctiClean products in your mouth." - It's not worth it.

Intel Pentium 3 Heatsink
This aged heatsink base will be used to test how well ArctiClean can dissolve a thermal pad.

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ArcticSilver/ArctiClean/images/intel_1_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ArcticSilver/ArctiClean/images/intel_1.jpg)
This is the heatsink as I found it in my junk, dust wiped off with a cloth.

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ArcticSilver/ArctiClean/images/intel_2_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ArcticSilver/ArctiClean/images/intel_2.jpg)
Add a good amount of ArctiClean 1. Actually not that much is needed, but this was the first test I did, so I wanted to be sure.

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ArcticSilver/ArctiClean/images/intel_3_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ArcticSilver/ArctiClean/images/intel_3.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ArcticSilver/ArctiClean/images/intel_4_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ArcticSilver/ArctiClean/images/intel_4.jpg)
After 30 seconds, the dissolved pad can be wiped off really easy.

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ArcticSilver/ArctiClean/images/intel_5_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ArcticSilver/ArctiClean/images/intel_5.jpg)
After an application of ArctiClean 2, the heatsink base is really shiny and clean.

Now you think, that this thermal pad is easy to get off. That is not the case. Let's try the other side, without ArctiClean.

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ArcticSilver/ArctiClean/images/intel_6_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ArcticSilver/ArctiClean/images/intel_6.jpg)
First we tried with pure water. Absolutely no go.

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ArcticSilver/ArctiClean/images/intel_7_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ArcticSilver/ArctiClean/images/intel_7.jpg)
When using dish washing fluid nothing changes.

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ArcticSilver/ArctiClean/images/intel_8_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ArcticSilver/ArctiClean/images/intel_8.jpg)
Next we used some more brutal methods. With a knife the thermal pad could be scraped off.

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ArcticSilver/ArctiClean/images/intel_9_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ArcticSilver/ArctiClean/images/intel_9.jpg)
This is the best result I could achieve with a knife and other cleaning fluids. Please note that the base is very scratched now. If the scratches were where the CPU makes contact with the heatsink, thermal transfer would certainly be considerably reduced.

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ArcticSilver/ArctiClean/images/intel_10_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ArcticSilver/ArctiClean/images/intel_10.jpg)
We used ArctiClean 1 in the same spot, the results speak for themselves.

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ArcticSilver/ArctiClean/images/intel_11_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ArcticSilver/ArctiClean/images/intel_11.jpg)
This is the final heatsink base after cleaning with ArcticClean.

[pagE=Testing 2]
1U Socket 478 Copper Heatsink
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ArcticSilver/ArctiClean/images/copper_1_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ArcticSilver/ArctiClean/images/copper_1.jpg)
This is the heatsink base as I received it from an Ebay seller.

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ArcticSilver/ArctiClean/images/copper_2_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ArcticSilver/ArctiClean/images/copper_2.jpg)
After ArctiClean 1, with ArctiClean 2 applied.

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ArcticSilver/ArctiClean/images/copper_3_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ArcticSilver/ArctiClean/images/copper_3.jpg)
After ArctiClean 2.

Intel Pentium 4 Socket 775 CPU
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ArcticSilver/ArctiClean/images/p4_1_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ArcticSilver/ArctiClean/images/p4_1.jpg)
The CPU was brand new, the original Intel cooler was put on it once, then removed. To clean we used ArctiClean.

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ArcticSilver/ArctiClean/images/p4_2_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ArcticSilver/ArctiClean/images/p4_2.jpg)
After ArctiClean 1.

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ArcticSilver/ArctiClean/images/p4_3_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ArcticSilver/ArctiClean/images/p4_3.jpg)
After ArctiClean 2. The CPU looks exactly like it looked when it came out of the box. The darker parts were already visible on the unused CPU.

[page=Testing 3]
ATI X800 GPU Cooler
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ArcticSilver/ArctiClean/images/ati_1_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ArcticSilver/ArctiClean/images/ati_1.jpg)
Original, with ATI Thermal Paste.

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ArcticSilver/ArctiClean/images/ati_2_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ArcticSilver/ArctiClean/images/ati_2.jpg)
After cleaning with ArctiClean 1.

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ArcticSilver/ArctiClean/images/ati_3_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ArcticSilver/ArctiClean/images/ati_3.jpg)
After cleaning with ArtiClean 2.

ATI R420 GPU
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ArcticSilver/ArctiClean/images/r420_1_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ArcticSilver/ArctiClean/images/r420_1.jpg)
After removing the cooler.

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ArcticSilver/ArctiClean/images/r420_2_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ArcticSilver/ArctiClean/images/r420_2.jpg)
After cleaning with ArctiClean 1.

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ArcticSilver/ArctiClean/images/r420_3_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ArcticSilver/ArctiClean/images/r420_3.jpg)
After cleaning with ArtiClean 2.

ArcticCooling ATI Silencer 4
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ArcticSilver/ArctiClean/images/silencer1_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ArcticSilver/ArctiClean/images/silencer1.jpg)
Thermal pasted wiped away with a cloth.

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ArcticSilver/ArctiClean/images/silencer2_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ArcticSilver/ArctiClean/images/silencer2.jpg)
Add ArctiClean.

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ArcticSilver/ArctiClean/images/silencer3_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ArcticSilver/ArctiClean/images/silencer3.jpg)
After ArctiClean 1 & 2. Please note that the cleaned area actually looks cleaner than the surrounding area which is like it came out of the factory.

[page=Testing 4]
Northbridge Cooler
I pulled this cooler off a dead Dell P4 motherboard.

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ArcticSilver/ArctiClean/images/nb1_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ArcticSilver/ArctiClean/images/nb1.jpg)
If you look close, you can see that the pad uses some kind of mesh.

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ArcticSilver/ArctiClean/images/nb2_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ArcticSilver/ArctiClean/images/nb2.jpg)
First, I used ArtiClean only on the right side. As you can see it removed a good amount of the pad, but not all. Just apply ArctiClean again, this time on the whole pad.

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ArcticSilver/ArctiClean/images/nb3_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ArcticSilver/ArctiClean/images/nb3.jpg)
Looks like we're getting there.

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ArcticSilver/ArctiClean/images/nb4_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ArcticSilver/ArctiClean/images/nb4.jpg)
After three applications of ArctiClean 1 and one application of ArctiClean 2, the heatsink looks like this. Impressive.

Burn-In Test
After all these great results, I wanted to find out where the limits of ArctiClean are.

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ArcticSilver/ArctiClean/images/block_1_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ArcticSilver/ArctiClean/images/block_1.jpg)
I took this slab of copper and put different thermal paste on it.
From left to right: Silicone paste, Arctic Silver Ceramique, Arctic Silver 3.

Now the copper was "burnt-in" at 250°C for about an hour.

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ArcticSilver/ArctiClean/images/block_2_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ArcticSilver/ArctiClean/images/block_2.jpg)
Even after using ArctiClean, which does a great job at getting the dried thermal paste off, the oxidation on the copper is still there.
Arctic Silver does not say that ArctiClean can remove oxidation, so this result is fine, I still had to try.

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ArcticSilver/ArctiClean/images/block_3_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ArcticSilver/ArctiClean/images/block_3.jpg)
After lapping with 400 grit sandpaper, all oxidation is gone - because some copper is gone. Now is an ideal time to apply ArctiClean 2 to prevent new corrosion to form.

[pagE=Value & Conclusion]
Value and Conclusion

<table width="100%" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" id="result">
<tr><th>http://www.techpowerup.com/images/dollar.gif</th>
<td>
The 60ml Kit of ArctiClean is sold for about $6.
</td>
</tr><tr>
<th>http://www.techpowerup.com/images/thumbup.gif</th>
<td>
Gets any thermal pad off
Cleans with the power of lemon!
Non-hazardous
Prevents oxidation
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>http://www.techpowerup.com/images/thumbdown.gif</th>
<td>
Not that useful for one-time users.
</td></tr>
<tr><th>9.0</th>
<td>Cleaning heatsinks has never been so much fun. If you are regularly cleaning heatsinks you MUST get this product. It will save you so much trouble when swapping coolers. The low price also makes it an ideal filler item to get above a certain order amount.<br />
If you are only changing heatsinks once, think twice before buying it, there might be other ways to clean your heatsink. On the other hand, a kit could certainly be shared among friends.</td></tr>
<tr><th></th><td>http://www.techpowerup.com/images/editorschoice.gif</td></tr>
</table>

[Mussels]

Good review w1zz, i was going to do one myself on this stuff.

as you tried near the end, the trick is to do 2 tries with solution 1, then another with solution 2... some of yours werent as clean as i've got out of my kit here.

oh and kiddies, use a lint free cloth to wipe it up. tissues and toilet paper work fine, but if they're too rough they scratch the CPU/GPU/Mobo Chipset/Heatisnk

[Unregistered]

This product is a stupid waste of money. This is my first time at this site and this review alone will ensure that I never come back.

[Dippyskoodlez]

This product is a stupid waste of money. This is my first time at this site and this review alone will ensure that I never come back.


mmm.. then you obviously haven't had to deal with a bunch of dumb thermal pads... :rolleyes:

Come back when you have a real opinion and xsomething to backup your accusations, please.

Btw, w1z, try using "goof off" it may not be available in europe.. it works fantasticly.. its basicly paint thinner tho.. lol (acetone like) :)

[wazzledoozle]

mmm.. then you obviously haven't had to deal with a bunch of dumb thermal pads... :rolleyes:

Come back when you have a real opinion and xsomething to backup your accusations, please.

Btw, w1z, try using "goof off" it may not be available in europe.. it works fantasticly.. its basicly paint thinner tho.. lol (acetone like) :)
Goof off is the best remover of gunk. I had a radeon 9200SE where the heatsink was factory glued to the chip, and I almost tore the chip off the card trying to get the heatsink off. Dabbed a sheet of paper in some goof off and slid it between the heatsink and chip. It was like slicing butter.

[bikr692002]

Great review w1zz I think I'm going to get some for my new build

[PVTCaboose1337]

Good review... Lots of examples. Why in the world did you taste it? LOLOL

[Steevo]

Yar, goof off. Then a final cleaning with Xylene.

Or I get some electrical cleaner at work that leaves no reidue, but smells terrible and is highly explosive.

[HookeyStreet]

This product is a stupid waste of money. This is my first time at this site and this review alone will ensure that I never come back.

What a total loser! IMHO this forum is the best tech forum on the net and the reviews are outstanding.

[MZ3692]

Unregistered, you are a total fool. As for techpowerup... :respect: :respect: :respect:

[W1zzard]

if you have doubts about arcticlean, go buy a package, try it, and if it cant get off your thermal pads/paste (proof please), i'll paypal you the price.

[Frogger]

This product is a stupid waste of money. This is my first time at this site and this review alone will ensure that I never come back.
:nutkick: :nutkick: :nutkick: :slap: :slap:
this JERK prob never had to spend mega time lapping sinks back to mirror finish after some fool scraped off pad with a knife..the fact is it's user friendlly and work for $6 bucks and don't damage the PCB makes it worth the $$:) :)

[Snakey]

Hello,

I'm new to this forum and I was doing some research about this ArtiClean.
I just bought the kit and I used to clean my Heatsink and CPU. The Heatsink was rather easy, looks very clean!

To clean the CPU, I removed it off the socket, put a few drops and waited. The whole liquid thing started going around the sides (I have a Intel 775 processor, e.g. X6800). Eventually it actually went around and to the bottom of the processor. Not to the actual little chips under, but to the "golden" connectors all around those little chips. I eventually dried it up, final touched it with the 2nd bottle and it looks pretty good. I just have very little residue of paste on the little vains around where you're supposed to put all the paste but I don't think that will affect any contact with my new heatsink.

The big question is if the material on those 2 bottles would affect in any way the connectors (golden ones..) under the processor. I haven't put it on my new motherboard yet because I wanted to make sure it's completely dried out, but is the processor OK still even after a little bit of the solution got to it?

The reason I ask before even trying is because I'm installing the CoolIT Freezone and I don't want to be removing the heatsink again once it's in its place... So just wondering if that affects the processor in any way..

[Wile E]

Hello,

I'm new to this forum and I was doing some research about this ArtiClean.
I just bought the kit and I used to clean my Heatsink and CPU. The Heatsink was rather easy, looks very clean!

To clean the CPU, I removed it off the socket, put a few drops and waited. The whole liquid thing started going around the sides (I have a Intel 775 processor, e.g. X6800). Eventually it actually went around and to the bottom of the processor. Not to the actual little chips under, but to the "golden" connectors all around those little chips. I eventually dried it up, final touched it with the 2nd bottle and it looks pretty good. I just have very little residue of paste on the little vains around where you're supposed to put all the paste but I don't think that will affect any contact with my new heatsink.

The big question is if the material on those 2 bottles would affect in any way the connectors (golden ones..) under the processor. I haven't put it on my new motherboard yet because I wanted to make sure it's completely dried out, but is the processor OK still even after a little bit of the solution got to it?

The reason I ask before even trying is because I'm installing the CoolIT Freezone and I don't want to be removing the heatsink again once it's in its place... So just wondering if that affects the processor in any way..I had the same thing happen to me. I put the first compound directly on the area of the spill-over on the under side of the processor, let it sit for a second, then blew it off with pressurized air. All the leftover thermal grease residue came out. I then used the second solution to make sure the residue from the first solution was gone, blew it off again, let it dry, and Presto! Good as new.


@W1z - Great review. I use this stuff religiously.

[Snakey]

I had the same thing happen to me. I put the first compound directly on the area of the spill-over on the under side of the processor, let it sit for a second, then blew it off with pressurized air. All the leftover thermal grease residue came out. I then used the second solution to make sure the residue from the first solution was gone, blew it off again, let it dry, and Presto! Good as new.


@W1z - Great review. I use this stuff religiously.

Sounds awesome! I figured the solution wouldn't damage or the processor or not many people would talk about it. I like the idea of pressurized air. I'm gonna give the processor another run with both solutions to make sure I can get the grease off the sides of the processor.

Thanks!

[Lazzer408]

Use brake-cleaner. $1.99 for a 19oz bottle. "articlean" :shadedshu

[Wile E]

Use brake-cleaner. $1.99 for a 19oz bottle. "articlean" :shadedshu
Brake cleaner is far more dangerous to use than ArtiClean. Brake cleaner will happily eat anything in your computer that contains plastic.

[Lazzer408]

Dont use chlorinated brake-cleaner. :rolleyes:

Try putting some articlean on plastic and lets see what happens. I've literally hosed down cpus and motherboards with brake-cleaner (or electronic parts cleaner works also) with no ill effects.

[Wile E]

Dont use chlorinated brake-cleaner. :rolleyes:

Try putting some articlean on plastic and lets see what happens. I've literally hosed down cpus and motherboards with brake-cleaner (or electronic parts cleaner works also) with no ill effects.OK, fair enough on the non-chlorinated brake cleaner.

As far as ArtiClean getting on plastic, it doesn't do damage, so long as you clean it off fairly quickly. I have spilled it on plastic(clear plastic tablecloth), and it sat for about a min while I went to get a paper towel. Absolutely no damage. Although I'm sure letting it sit would've done something eventually.

There's also another advantage Articlean has over brake/electronic cleaners, the fumes. One whiff of brake or electronic cleaner and I have an instant asthma attack. Not so with the articlean.

[ktr]

Make sure you wash your hands if you acceditly get the cleaner on your hand...that stuff is slightly corrosive.

[tkpenalty]

Good review w1zz, i was going to do one myself on this stuff.

as you tried near the end, the trick is to do 2 tries with solution 1, then another with solution 2... some of yours werent as clean as i've got out of my kit here.

oh and kiddies, use a lint free cloth to wipe it up. tissues and toilet paper work fine, but if they're too rough they scratch the CPU/GPU/Mobo Chipset/Heatisnk

.... :cry:

[W1zzard]

Make sure you wash your hands if you acceditly get the cleaner on your hand...that stuff is slightly corrosive.

what information is this based on? i was told it is perfectly safe, i even tasted it ^^

[ARTOSOFT]

what information is this based on? i was told it is perfectly safe, i even tasted it ^^
Is it vanilla or chocolate taste :roll: ?

Regards,
Arto.