-= Project: Cleaning Dirty GPU (Gross!)

[coolnezz]

---

So I won this used MSI HD5850 Twin Frozer II on eBay auction. The previous owner didn't bother cleaning it. The amount of dirt in there was pretty disgusting.





BEFORE:
It was pretty dang filthy. Almost puked when I saw this!






This isn't even half of the grime I removed from the heatsink and heatpipes. Had to wash it in the sink to remove most of the filth in there. Then used 97% Isopropyl alcohol to clean the fans and heatsink some more.





AFTER:
Sparkling clean. Almost like new again! lol.






Put some fresh thermal paste.




Will be selling the other GPU on eBay.




Looking cozy in its new home. lol.





Was kinda disappointed because I was expecting at least 5C-10C degree cooler temp, but I didn't get that from this thermal paste. So I order a Noctua NT-H1 and will be replacing the paste when it arrives.

[monoxide.jebz]

every pila ka months ka mag limpyo sa imong VCard TS? when ang Advisable time mag limpyo?

[noze]

Did you use a blower first?

[coolnezz]

every pila ka months ka mag limpyo sa imong VCard TS? when ang Advisable time mag limpyo?

the previous owner never bothered cleaning it for god knows how many months/years.
i would never let my gpu ridiculously get this dirty. i clean my system with compressed air usually every
3-4 months. as for the gpu, this is my first time disassembling and cleaning one. so i don't know how often you should disassemble, clean, then put new thermal compound.
i never had to disassemble a gpu before because i do regular cleaning like blowing compressed air, so dirt never gets a chance to accumulate and get stuck in there.

- - - Updated - - -

Did you use a blower first?

compressed air didn't work. dirt is stuck in there like some kind of mud.

[coolnezz]

got the Noctua NT-H1





D@mn this thing is awesome. It's 10C-15C degrees cooler than the Arctic Alumina during gameplay.
You do get what you pay for. Pay premium, expect exceptional results!
I'll be putting some fresh thermal paste on my laptop and desktop soon.