Cleaning CPU for new heatsink

[malcore]

I have a P4 2.26. My idle temps are great, system around 25 C and CPU at 30C. Under load though, my CPU jumps to about 45 C. I think that's too much of a gap. Suspect maybe contact between CPU and heatsink may not be optimal.

So, if I'm going to remove the heatsink, I figure I'll replace it with a better one. Picked up a CoolerMaster Everest all copper heatsink and some Arctic Silver 3.

My question is, what's the best way and the best material to use to clean all the garbage from the stock heatsink pad off of the CPU?

And does anyone have any knowledge of the CoolerMaster Everest IHC-H71 for P4 up to 2.8 GHz?

thanks

[mjc]

If the old heatsink had a pad on it and it is stuck to the heatsink, then your job is easy, just use a lint free cloth and clean the CPU with either acetone (nail polish remover) followed by isopropyl alcohol or just use straight alcohol . If it had paste then several applications of the acetone may be needed.....

If the pad stuck to the CPU use something plastic (like a credit card) to scrape most of it off......

If you want the best out of the new heat sink then you will need to lap it.....there have been several threads about that lately.......