how to remove thermal pad

i'm getting this fan for my new c2d:



http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835186134



what is the safest and best way to get the stock thermal pad off?

If it not been used you can probable just take a clean cloth and just wipe it off.

it will be new. i thought it's stuck to the heatsink? won't i need to pry it off somehow?



also, a side question. how should i mount that thing in the case...i will have a ds3 mobo and am not sure if i mount it with the fan of the cooler pointing down towards the ground or pointing towards the front of the case?

Its probable not a pad but just pre applied Thermal paste. The fan mounts toward the front of the case, its a intake fan with the fins toward the back case fan to suck the heat out.

Just scrape it off with a credit card, then wipe away any left-over residue.

I scrap it off with a card. Then wipe it clean with high purity alcohol.

rubbing alcohol and hydrogen peroxide both work well... i heard carbonated drinks work but id take this with a grain of salt. make sure its off 100% and let it dry before reapplying

carbonated drinks end up leaving residue. Best to use some sort of high purity alcohol.