Removing CPU fan

I'm about to replace the stock cooler for the CPU but it's pretty glued on. I don't want to force anything either and bend the pins on the CPU. Any recommendations on getting this off smoothly?

Nevermind, got the fan off. What do you recommend for removing the thermal paste?

A kleenex is fine... if it is stuck on and dry then a pencil eraser works quite well :P A damp paper tower also works well.

Well I do have cotton swabs. Isopropyl safe?

Well I do have cotton swabs. Isopropyl safe?

Ross_the_Boss6

Yep,it's safe...

Also,the higher the % of the isopropyl,the better.Will leave less residue,and evaporate faster,providing better cleaning...

Well I do have cotton swabs. Isopropyl safe?

Ross_the_Boss6

I've never had to use alcohol but it is safe. And as the other guy said, higher % is a little better.

isopropyl + satin is a little better.. thats jsut an opinion though

A kleenex is fine... if it is stuck on and dry then a pencil eraser works quite well :P A damp paper tower also works well.

Tezcatlipoca666