A Few Quick Repasting Questions

So I've had my M15x for about 9 months now, and its started hitting some high temps, by it I mean the GPU, up to 90C sometimes when the GPU isn't even at full load. I'm still using stock paste so I guess its time to repaste.

I just have a few questions before I do, I have repasted only one laptop before (and nothing near as expensive as the M15X) and am not the most tech-adept person so please bear with me.

1. Are all the screws the same size? I ask because the compaq I took apart required me to take out about 50+ screws of about 7 different sizes which was a nightmare.

2. What kind of cloth should I use to wipe off the stock paste? Just regular paper towels or what?

3. Where can I buy some solvent? I've checked around some local computer stores but they don't seem to have what I'm looking for.

4. I've watched a few teardown videos but one thing still scares me a bit, its the removal of the cover below the screen, but above the media keys (the part where the power button is) there seems to be quite a bit of force involved in removing this, so any tips on how to do it without breaking something?

5. The paste I'm looking at using is this one MSY Online, good choice?

6. Lastly I obviously don't want to kill anything, but I don't have an ESD mat or strap, is touching a metal pole enough? If not I can buy some although I'm not sure how expensive they are. I may be able to get one my engineering friends to get into a lab, I assume they must have this kinda stuff at University.

I think these are all my initial concerns, again sorry if they seem like straightforward questions, I just want to be sure.

edit: Also I live in Australia so if you are going to link product suggestions make sure they either ship internationally, or sell from Aus.

 

First of all make sure your system is clean inside, that there isn't dust between the copper fins and the vent etc. This can make your temps jump as well.


1. Yes, all the screw you need to remove for repasting are the same.

2. I use cotton cloths, ripped apart an old t-shirt, lol.

3. To clean the die and the heatsink, some rubbing alcohol will work perfectly, e.g. isopropyl alcohol, which you can buy very cheap in every drugstore or wherever.

4. Just make sure to remove the screws below the battery first. Then you simply need to be a bit careful, but it works. It needs a bit force to release it. Start with the corner of one side.

5. Arctic Silver is a very good paste, should work fine. Alternatively, MX-4 is also excellent, but easier to apply (imo).

6. No need for this, since you never have to touch ESD sensitive parts. You only have to clean the die, no need to touch every other component of the GPU

 

Thanks for the fast reply!

I'll be using inap's guide to repasting ( http://www.sendspace.com/file/09h9ef), I just noticed that he does not remove the RAM and leaves the heatsink for the CPU sitting on top, is this really okay to do? And what does he mean when he refers to "removing the grills?"

And also regarding the ESD, I suppose I wasn't clear in my OP, but I'll be repasting my CPU as well in the process (might as well) does that need an ESD mat?

 

Yes, that's a nice guide. I used it myself when repasting for the first time. Can't remember everything from the guide anymore though, I guess he means the black metal pieces at the back of the system, just behind the fans, where the air gets blown out.

With ESD it's exactly the same when you repaste the CPU. You don't need to touch anything sensitive, you only have to clean the die and heatsink. Nothing you can kill there.
Exchanging the GPU/CPU is a different story of course.

 

if you havn't opened your laptop since you bought it 9 months ago, it would also be pretty dusty. i would recommend getting a can of compressed air, you can buy one from smith or jaycar for around $15. well worth the money.

just keep the can vertical when using. tilting it horizontal to spray towards the floor tends to spray water. keeping it vertical will ensure only air comes out. try it out on your hand first to see what i mean.

oh and with AS5, it should be fine.
good old msy, gotta love that place.

 

Hmmm, not a bad idea. I think I have some compressed air somewhere, I think mine is still under warranty+complete care or whatever that is, im assuming that will void it?

Have a minor issue with my left USB port not giving power when burning a CD and sometimes blue screening afterwards. Any chance I could get one of the dell people to repaste for me so as not the void the warranty? If not I don't really mind opening it up myself, but wouldn't hurt.

 

I know this is an old post but I was wondering if you knew where the smaller screws go. This was a repast / swap optical drive situation.