I want to remove the dust that caked in the heatsink in the 2 months since I built the machine without removing the fan. I have a Xigmatek Gaia with one intake fan on the heatsink intaking from the front of the case.
There are a number of ways the two i would recommend would be with the products below.
http://www.arcticsilver.com/arcticlean.htm
http://www.mgchemicals.com/products/cleaners/electronic-cleaners/isopropyl-alcohol-824/
You can use any general alchol though ( ideally at least 91% and greater ). Apply that to cloth, coffe filter, paper towel and let sit for generally a period of 2 to 3 minutes and then wipe away. You may need to redo the process multiple times to maximze built up of compound that has settled into the base of the heatsink.
Hope this helps.
Please enjoy the rest of your day.
Just get a can of air and blow dat sht outta there, but if you're blowing at the fan, make sure to hold the fan in place, you mgiht screw up the fan's bearings (i thin kthats the right word)
Canned air, or remove the heatsink and go use a compressor, just dont use a compressor in your Tower as small particles/moisture could damage some components.
use a compressor and dont use too high air pressure, thats what i do
For the fan heatsink I would also recommend you get a good brush with good bristles. many times when it is caked on you will need more than compressed air. You will of course need to unseat the fan/heatsink assembly. Once removed as others have noted compressed air with a brush will allow you to get at everything. You can also use a vaccum cleaner brush in a pinch. All of these I would advise once you have removed the heatsink. As BeyondNight noted doing it inside your chassis can have debris get everywhere.
If you do have a compressor that is a great choice also.
Hope this helps. Enjoy the rest of your day.
sulphoric acid is always good