My Duron 1200 is very very dirty, I used too much ArcticSilver paste and it spreaded around the core, I tried to clean it with a tissue but there's still a lot of AS. heh and I get sometimes,(usually when I turn PSU for the first time since it was completely turned off) I get this words form my a7v333 mobo: "No CPU Installed", but then it boots normally and works fine. Is the amount of thermal paste a reason of this communicate from mobo? And the most important question: what can I use to clean the CPU?? water? alcohol? I have some foam to clean the screen of monitor, could I use this foam to clean the CPU? and how long should I wait with reinstalling the CPU to mobo??

you can clean the cpu with a SOFT cloth and 99% rubbing alcohol, however, too much AS wouldn't cause the problem you're having. AS doesn't conduct elecricity unless under intense pressure. The CPU communicates with the mobo by the pins underneath, not by the heatsink

Hey 666!! I know that CPU communicates with mobo by the pins underneath, but it reminded me something. One pin of my Duron was once a little inclined (it has fallen down on the floor one day before installation), I straighted it with a help of a screwdriver, is this a reason why sometimes my mobo says: No CPU installed? but still it works fine!

Ok I'll say it. WTF are you doing to that CPU?!? BE CAREFUL!!!! And use alchol, thats rubbing alchol or white spirits, not Jack Daniels of Shnapps. and a lint free cloth to clean CPU. Yes you bending the pin probably causing your MOBO problem. I would think that the CPU won't last much longer if it isn't getting more damaged by the day.

I had the same trouble then when i went to the computer store they just dabed a bitof mineral turps on a cloth and wiped it of. :)