XrayMan
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Does it really make a difference if you use 91% vs. 99% when cleaning off the residue before putting on the thermal paste? Would 99% clean the surface any better?
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the_Scarlet_one
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Re: Isopropyl Alcohol percentage.
2014/11/01 15:18:19
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I use 70% and get very little if any residue when cleaning with a microfiber clothe. I tested it on my cpu block, as the reflection would be smudged with alcohol, and it looks as clean as using artic clean, it just takes longer to evaporate.
I know that isn't an answer to your question either, but I think the difference between 91 and 99% is going to be evaporation times.
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tucker147
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Re: Isopropyl Alcohol percentage.
2014/11/01 15:18:45
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Dosen't really matter, I use 70% and it works perfectly fine.
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bcavnaugh
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Re: Isopropyl Alcohol percentage.
2014/11/01 16:35:25
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I use 90% Plus because it dries faster.
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XrayMan
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Re: Isopropyl Alcohol percentage.
2014/11/01 17:00:31
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Thanks. I'll just keep using my 91% then.
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kougar
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Re: Isopropyl Alcohol percentage.
2014/11/02 18:46:06
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The higher % stuff dissolves the TIM faster, so it makes it quicker to clean and swap parts. Rarely I will find some OLD HP or Dell applied TIM that will only dissolve in the >91% grade stuff, with the 70% grade it just maintains the consistency of a rock untill soaked for 20 minutes.
The 70/92% versions are priced the same at local grocery stores anyway so I don't see any reason to bother with getting anything other than the high-grade stuff.
 Have water, will cool.
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XrayMan
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Re: Isopropyl Alcohol percentage.
2014/11/02 19:23:42
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kougar
The higher % stuff dissolves the TIM faster, so it makes it quicker to clean and swap parts. Rarely I will find some OLD HP or Dell applied TIM that will only dissolve in the >91% grade stuff, with the 70% grade it just maintains the consistency of a rock untill soaked for 20 minutes.
The 70/92% versions are priced the same at local grocery stores anyway so I don't see any reason to bother with getting anything other than the high-grade stuff.
Not really worth going to Frys, and getting the 99% when I have the 91%? That's really my question. I never liked the 70% stuff. ;)
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Grey_Beard
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Re: Isopropyl Alcohol percentage.
2014/11/02 22:10:56
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I always use as high as possible. It dissolves the TIM faster and dries faster. Both things help you get done faster. I agree with kougar 100%, especially if the price is relatively the same.
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Bobmitch
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Re: Isopropyl Alcohol percentage.
2014/11/03 06:38:35
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I have always kept a bottle of 91% handy. Always use it on everything. 70% is really watered down.
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the_Scarlet_one
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Re: Isopropyl Alcohol percentage.
2014/11/03 07:12:07
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I don't get the option of higher than 70%. AAFES doesn't trust us with anything good.
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bcavnaugh
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Re: Isopropyl Alcohol percentage.
2014/11/03 07:43:36
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vsg28
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Re: Isopropyl Alcohol percentage.
2014/11/03 08:02:33
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When you got it, flaunt it:  I can't use anything else after this lol
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bcavnaugh
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Re: Isopropyl Alcohol percentage.
2014/11/03 08:19:35
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vsg28
When you got it, flaunt it:
Image Removed
I can't use anything else after this lol
OK, what is it. Maybe a link or write up?
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martinch
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Re: Isopropyl Alcohol percentage.
2014/11/03 11:24:22
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bcavnaugh
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Re: Isopropyl Alcohol percentage.
2014/11/03 12:13:50
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martinch
bcavnaughOK, what is it. Maybe a link or write up?
"Pure" industrial/scientific solvent: http://www.sigmaaldrich.c.../2propanol-center.html
Got it Thanks, Also known as: isopropanol, Isopropyl alcohol, Propan-2-ol, sec-Propyl alcohol, 2-Hydroxypropane, Alkolave Molecular Formula: C 3H 8O Molecular Weight: 60.09502 g/mol InChI Key: KFZMGEQAYNKOFK-UHFFFAOYSA-N FDA UNII: ND2M416302
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XrayMan
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Re: Isopropyl Alcohol percentage.
2014/11/03 19:42:22
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bcavnaugh
martinch
bcavnaughOK, what is it. Maybe a link or write up?
"Pure" industrial/scientific solvent: http://www.sigmaaldrich.c.../2propanol-center.html
Got it Thanks,
Also known as: isopropanol, Isopropyl alcohol, Propan-2-ol, sec-Propyl alcohol, 2-Hydroxypropane, Alkolave
Molecular Formula: C3H8O
Molecular Weight: 60.09502 g/mol
InChI Key: KFZMGEQAYNKOFK-UHFFFAOYSA-N
FDA UNII: ND2M416302
Wow! Nice! 
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Sajin
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Re: Isopropyl Alcohol percentage.
2014/11/03 19:50:24
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I use these for cleaning thermal paste off my hardware.
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kougar
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Re: Isopropyl Alcohol percentage.
2014/11/04 10:01:45
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XrayMan
Not really worth going to Frys, and getting the 99% when I have the 91%? That's really my question. I never liked the 70% stuff. ;)
Oh, well context matters! 70% is the most common stuff by far, I've even seen ~60% grade stuff in stores.  In the context of 91% vs 99% I don't think it matters. 92% grade is the highest I've used and I have never found anything it had trouble breaking down. Does Fry's charge a premium for the 99% stuff? It takes forever before I need another bottle but I'll make a note to snag the next one at a Frys if the cost is the same. When I first started out I also used Arctic Clean, the stuff also would dissolve anything I tried it on. But I don't think it's worth the cost versus $2-3 for a giant 32oz bottle of >90% iso alcohol anymore, both will clean even 6+ year old OEM goop off chips with just 1-2 cotton balls.
Have water, will cool.
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XrayMan
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Re: Isopropyl Alcohol percentage.
2014/11/04 19:14:45
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kougar
XrayMan
Not really worth going to Frys, and getting the 99% when I have the 91%? That's really my question. I never liked the 70% stuff. ;)
Oh, well context matters! 70% is the most common stuff by far, I've even seen ~60% grade stuff in stores. In the context of 91% vs 99% I don't think it matters. 92% grade is the highest I've used and I have never found anything it had trouble breaking down.
Does Fry's charge a premium for the 99% stuff? It takes forever before I need another bottle but I'll make a note to snag the next one at a Frys if the cost is the same.
When I first started out I also used Arctic Clean, the stuff also would dissolve anything I tried it on. But I don't think it's worth the cost versus $2-3 for a giant 32oz bottle of >90% iso alcohol anymore, both will clean even 6+ year old OEM goop off chips with just 1-2 cotton balls.
Fry's sells the 99% for $6.99. Also, I did see plenty of them on the shelf when I was there recently. http://www.frys.com/product/3936318?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG
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new2019
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Re: Isopropyl Alcohol percentage.
2014/11/05 06:51:34
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I use 91% iso propyl . But sometimes I use Cologne/aftershave ,lol . My friend use this , but he doesn't recommend it to anyone else  .
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CSPlayer089
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Re: Isopropyl Alcohol percentage.
2014/11/05 07:37:27
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I use whatever it is we buy from the grocery store. Works fine.
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Burke888
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Re: Isopropyl Alcohol percentage.
2014/11/11 19:12:34
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I don't think there will be a difference in how well one cleans. The higher percentage stuff will evaporate faster so that's a nice feature to have in my opinion. If you can find the higher percentage stuff go for it! Artic Silver makes a kit that can be used to remove thermal compound. It works VERY well, but the alcohol is much cheaper and still does a great job if you take your time.
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Caroline91
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Re: Isopropyl Alcohol percentage.
2015/05/27 02:01:03
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Hi, this is Caroline from . I'm a new comer to this site. Hope I can make friends with you guys. BYW, I think there's no difference.
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Caroline91
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Re: Isopropyl Alcohol percentage.
2015/05/27 02:02:10
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Hi, this is Caroline from Creative BioMart() . I'm a new comer to this site. Hope I can make friends with you guys. BYW, I think there's no difference.
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