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    M17x R4 Heatsink questions

    Discussion in 'Alienware 17 and M17x' started by deadsmiley, Jun 9, 2016.

  1. deadsmiley

    deadsmiley Notebook Deity

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    I have an M17x R4 with a 980M. I took off the heatsink and was going to repaste, repad it with new pads.

    The heatsink does not seem to fit the 980M very well as there are a couple of steps in gap between some of the components that make pad installation a challenge.

    My current heatsink has some copper parts on it for some of the components and there is conciderable flex on these copper parts. Is there a better heatsink for this card? I have seen at least two variations of heatsinks for the M17x R4 (including this one) on eBay.

    This is the one I have:

    [​IMG]
     
    deadsmiley, Jun 9, 2016
    #1
  2. kosti

    kosti Notebook Virtuoso

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    To cover those bigger gaps you can always use thicker pads, or you can even stack thinner pads on top of each other. Another thing I've seen done is people applying pads over the shorter components while the same pad attaches to the taller components that thenmake contact with the heatsink. This way the shorter components may have a gap but because the pads are connected to the components that make contact with the heatsink, the heat should still transfer, but not sure how effectively. I tried to find a pic of what I mean but can't seem to find one atm.

    I also recommend, as an alternative to pads, to try K5-Pro thermal pad replacement paste, although it can't cover gaps taller than 3mm.

    EDIT: Here's what I was talking about:
    [​IMG]
     
    kosti, Jun 10, 2016
    #2
  3. deadsmiley

    deadsmiley Notebook Deity

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    I have some of that paste. Makes one hell of a mess.

    Thanks for the input man!

    Sent from my overpriced Galaxy S6 Edge +
     
    deadsmiley, Jun 10, 2016
    #3
  4. senso

    senso Notebook Deity

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    Dear robot jesus, DONT put a thermal pad on the GPU die, it will die a quick and hot death!
     
    senso, Jun 13, 2016
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  5. deadsmiley

    deadsmiley Notebook Deity

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    I don't think kosti is suggesting that anyone should use a thermal pad in place of paste for the GPU die. That picture is just showing where the there pads go on the other components. :D

    Sent from my overpriced Galaxy S6 Edge +
     
    deadsmiley, Jun 13, 2016
    #4
    kosti likes this.
  6. Mobius 1

    Mobius 1 Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    @deadsmiley - have a picture of how the 980M and your heatsink fit?

    I might get a M17x R4 if I can get the M15x sold.
     
    Mobius 1, Jun 14, 2016
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  7. deadsmiley

    deadsmiley Notebook Deity

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    I don't have pictures. I can possibly take some tomorrow.

    Sent from my overpriced Galaxy S6 Edge +
     
    deadsmiley, Jun 14, 2016
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  8. Mobius 1

    Mobius 1 Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    oh thanks
     
    Mobius 1, Jun 14, 2016
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  9. deadsmiley

    deadsmiley Notebook Deity

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    Bleh... out of town on business.

    Sent from my overpriced Galaxy S6 Edge +
     
    deadsmiley, Jun 16, 2016
    #8