Replacing thermal paste in a laptop of all models: step by step instructions

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Replacing thermal paste in a laptop of all models: step by step instructions
Replacing thermal paste in a laptop of all models: step by step instructions
Anonim

Comfortable in all respects, a portable device - a laptop - still has a number of disadvantages. A kind of Achilles' heel of compact computers is considered to be a far from perfect cooling system, the efficiency of which over time is limited by another unfavorable factor - the impact of the external environment. In particular, the gratings and filters of the laptop air intakes are inevitably clogged with dust particles, which, in turn, adversely affects the favorable heat dissipation. Replacing thermal paste in a laptop is an inevitability, due only to the time frame and the quality of the substance used. However, let's take a closer look at such an important and responsible maintenance process, and also understand the main operational issues.

Replacing thermal paste in a laptop
Replacing thermal paste in a laptop

The art of foreseeing, or When is it necessary to replace the thermal paste in a laptop?

Yes, it is precisely the timely noticed deviation from the norm (meaning the general moment of using the laptop) and the steps taken immediately to resolve the problem situation will help you avoid all sorts of computer troubles. In order to understand that a laptop needs maintenance, it is not necessary to be a specialist. However, the main symptoms of a malfunction should be known, so to speak, "in person".

Diagnostics and monitoring: your assistants

Even those users who know how to change the thermal paste in a laptop will not rush to disassemble without a thorough analysis. Unfortunately, the Windows operating system in all its editions does not have integrated tools for high-quality monitoring of system temperature indicators. Viewing the actual degrees generated by some system components via BIOS can be considered the only solution.

  • CPU temperature is considered normal if it fluctuates between 30-45°C while idle. Work under load - 50-65°С.
  • GPU in passive mode - 50-55°С, in active state - up to 85°С.

Install the free PC Wizard program and you will always be able to control the temperature of the "hot" components of the system.

Alarm list

So here's a price list of unpleasant surprises that most users encounter so often and rarely get fixed. It is likely that you have already encountered something similar in practice. Nevertheless, for a beginner, this is invaluable information, familiarization with which may lead him to the question of how to replace thermal paste in a laptop.

How to change thermal paste in a laptop?
How to change thermal paste in a laptop?
  • Dust buildup in the device's vents prevents air from flowing in both directions.
  • Audible noise from the cooling fan, as well as an incessant cycle of intensive rotation in any mode of operation of the laptop.
  • Some body parts of the device get very hot even with short-term use.
  • Spontaneous shutdown.

Of course, this list can be significantly expanded. However, the last of the danger signals requires your immediate attention.

How to change the thermal paste in a laptop: a direct process

Before you start practical steps, you need to prepare a simple tool: thin Phillips and flat screwdrivers, an unnecessary bank card, an ordinary paint brush, alcohol and a small piece of cloth. Definitely get some thermal paste. Yes, and remember: don't skimp on quality.

Planned retreat

Replacing thermal paste in an Acer laptop
Replacing thermal paste in an Acer laptop

It doesn't really matter what modification your laptop is. The only thing you should pay attention to during the dismantling process is the design features of the product. In other words, be careful during disassembly, as the mounting screws and various clamps may differ slightly in their location from the models that will be discussed below. In order for the replacement of thermal paste in a laptop to go without negative consequences, it is worth studying in more detail the issue of the features of your device.

Step 1. Removing the battery

As a rule, the battery in laptops is fastened with the help of special latches that open with a slight effort on the locking element: pressing or shifting to the side. Usually there are two locks.

Step 2. Dismantling of body segments

To get to the laptop cooling system, it is often necessary to disassemble almost the entire device, as they say, down to the last screw. However, replacing thermal paste in a Lenovo laptop can be done in a completely different scenario. It is enough to unscrew just one protective cover, and access to the radiator is open. It is worth noting that most modifications of laptops hide the cooling system deep enough in their body depths, so the universal plan of action will look like this:

  • The back of the laptop has several compartments that are closed with plastic or metal casings.
  • Unscrew the screws carefully, as there is a risk of breaking the thread.
  • In some cases, the optical disc drive can be easily removed by unscrewing just one bolt. By the way, you can change the thermal paste in MSI laptop without removing the DVD/CD recorder.
  • Ultimately, you need to remove all the hinged components of the system: RAM, hard drive, wireless modules.
  • The final step is to loosen all the screws. Be careful, as a missing bolt may be fixing a removable laptop component, which will be discussed in the next paragraph.

Step 3: Detach the keyboard

Replacing thermal paste in an Asus laptop
Replacing thermal paste in an Asus laptop

At this stage, you should be more than careful, since the button module is connected to the laptop's motherboard using a cable. The risk of damage to this connector is incredibly high if care is not taken.

Usually, the keyboard unit is attached using latches located around the perimeter of the module. However, the location of the latches for each modification is individual. Gently "sinking" the screwdriver in the area of the top edge of the keyboard, at the same time pry it up until it comes out.

Step 4. Disabling internal device connectors

When you need to replace the thermal paste in an Acer laptop, you need to completely disassemble the laptop. Therefore, after dismantling the keyboard in the opened area, disconnect all contact cables and unscrew the fixing screws.

Step 5. Separation of the main body parts

Replacing thermal paste in an Msi laptop
Replacing thermal paste in an Msi laptop

When all the bolts are removed, you need to carefully (prying a credit card) separate the upper part of the plastic frame from the lower one. Next, you need to remove the system board for the next steps.

Step 6. Removing the cooler and heatsink from the motherboard

Replacing thermal paste in an HP laptop is only possible if the cooling block is completely removed from the motherboard. However, this condition is relevant for the vast majority of laptop modifications.

  • To remove the heatsink and heat pipes from the motherboard, you usually need to remove four screws in the area of the CPU and two in the area of the graphics chip. Depending on the manufacturer and model of the laptop, the locking scheme may be completely different.
  • At the same time, there is a certain mandatory algorithm for screwing and tightening the bolts with which the cooling system is fixed. The manufacturer marks the removable part with numbers that indicate the sequence and order of unscrewing.

Step 7. Cleaning and lubricating the fan

Using a brush, free the part from dust layers. A drop of machine oil on the inside of the rotating element will soften the movement of the fan blades and save you from extraneous noise in the future.

Step 8. Blowing the radiator and removing residual traces of thermal paste

Replacing thermal paste in an HP laptop
Replacing thermal paste in an HP laptop

Remove the tape from the side ribs of the cooling segment and use a vacuum cleaner to clean the internal compartments of the “refrigerator”. The contact areas of the heatsink with the CPU and GPU must be carefully wiped first with alcohol, then with a dry cloth. Replacing thermal paste in a Samsung laptop can then be considered high-quality when the silicon surface of the component reflects a mirror-like purity.

Step 9. Correct layer and putting the radiator back in place

Don't think that the more you put "bonding" substance on the parts, the better. This is a delusion, moreover dangerous (in terms of implementation)! Squeeze a little thermal paste onto the surface of the cleaned part and use a credit card to stretch it in a thin layer over the entire surface.

Fix the cooling system segments on the motherboard according to the marked scenario. Do not disregard this recommendation, because when skewed (fixing two bolts on one side, and then on the other), there is a high risk of damaging the silicon surface of the processor. Yes, and the paste will lie unevenly. The result is inevitable overheating.

Step 10. Reverse process - mounting

How to replace thermal paste in a laptop?
How to replace thermal paste in a laptop?

Replacing thermal paste in an Asus laptop is done in the same way - according to the instructions above. Nevertheless, this brand of laptops is incredibly demanding at the time of assembly. Therefore, before disassembling a portable device, do not be too lazy to sketch out a schematic drawing of your laptop (the screws fit into the corresponding place graphically displayed as they are disassembled). This is necessary so that the reverse assembly process does not cause any difficulties, since often during installation the screws do not correspond to the place of screwing. By the way, some manufacturers put markings on the fixation points that identify the type of fastener.

Some useful tips

As you can see, replacing thermal paste in a laptop is, in general, not a difficult maintenance process at all, but nevertheless incredibly responsible and requiring considerable attention from the user.

How much easier everything would be if the owners of portable computing equipment followed a few simple rules:

  • Do not use the laptop in a humid environment.
  • Cold environments or hot weather are also detrimental to the laptop, especially under prolonged exposure.
  • During the operation of the compact device, make sure that the outlet openings of the air intakes are not blocked by third-party objects.
  • Perform preventive maintenance on your laptop in a timely manner.

Depending on how much you use your laptop, you may need to replace the thermal paste after a year. However, now you know exactly when it is necessary to resort to such a radical maintenance method. Good luck!

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