for me, I just use tissue and wipe many many times..... but thats NOT a good/proper way to remove it..

I always just use tissue paper

But I might consider ArcticClean... maybe it might improve performance.. haih.. budget budget..

Actually how does Arctic Cleaner help? I mean... when i remove by tissue, i can see its quite clean. But of course, I'm sure there are old particles in between the rough surface of the heatsink

Arctic Cleaner still the best I would believe. I mean the kit cost RM25. But its the proper solution as to complete removal. Yes its expensive but you must understand, the heatsink is connected by two parts : heatsink n processor.

For the heatsink its okay la u wipe with cotton or tissue n stuff. Its just a piece of cooling metal anyway. But your processor is the more important one. The CPU itself might get damaged without proper handling.

I apply the whole square a very thin layer but completely covering the whole thing.

The difference would not be a great as you are expecting... but here's the deal, for a mere RM15 difference, you might be able to get like 3~4°C.... which is considered a lot! And anyway, for most people thermal paste is only applied once for years! so why hesitate to go for the better?

But the small tubes are not worth it. Its cheaper to buy the bigger tube leh... get more worth for what ur paying.

ntg ar... just the cpu hotter by 2~3°C only...