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    need help removing heatsink from gpu

    Discussion in 'Alienware M15x' started by ettehbrute, Jul 7, 2011.

  1. ettehbrute

    ettehbrute Notebook Consultant

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    as it says, its like glued on or something, if it involves removing the plastic from keyboard area then i should forget it lol.
     
  2. widezu69

    widezu69 Goodbye Alienware

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    No no, just needs a bit of gradual force.
     
  3. The Revelator

    The Revelator Notebook Prophet

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    If by "plastic from keyboard area" you mean the touch panel/hinge assembly located just above the keyboard, then yes, it has to be removed in order to get access to two screws partially securing the GPU side rear vents. The rear vents need to be removed in order to free up the radiator and heat pipes attached to the heatsink to allow it to be separated and removed from the GPU. Removing the touch panel/hinge assembly can be a bit nerve racking the first few times, but it is tougher than it looks and can absorb the flexing necessary for its removal without damage. Inap's guides are very helpful in illustrating the process. Download THERMAL PASTE GUIDE.rar from Sendspace.com - send big files the easy way and Download M15x GPU.rar from Sendspace.com - send big files the easy way. This video may also be helpful. YouTube - ‪Accessing the Graphics card on the M15X‬‏.
     
  4. ettehbrute

    ettehbrute Notebook Consultant

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    allright got it!
     
  5. The Revelator

    The Revelator Notebook Prophet

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    Good luck. Firm but gentle with the touch panel.
     
  6. ettehbrute

    ettehbrute Notebook Consultant

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    ok just finished removing and cleaned the heatsink on both cards. one problem tho.
    as i was cleaning the CPU heatsink there was (what looked like) arching. there was small holes in the copper and i was then "oh $%#$%#" i looked at the cpu and there was compound everywhere but in a small area. there too was small holes.
    what should i do? or more or less what can i do while in Israel?
     
  7. The Revelator

    The Revelator Notebook Prophet

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    Small imperfections in the copper portion of the heatsink and/or the top of the CPU die are not uncommon, but "holes" sounds a bit ominous. Ordinarily, the paste fills and smooths out those imperfections to maximize the heat diffusion and dispersal. In an extreme situation you can lap (essentially grind down the surface(s) to remove the imperfections) the CPU or heatsink, but that process is best left to experts with the necessary equipment because it can result in permanent damage to the CPU. I would recommend that you just clean everything up as thoroughly as possible and apply new paste. In most cases, that is all that is required.
     
  8. ettehbrute

    ettehbrute Notebook Consultant

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    allright, i re pasted the GPU and now im getting some mad temps mostly 95
     
  9. The Revelator

    The Revelator Notebook Prophet

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    Don't mean to be a smartass, but it didn't take. It's part of the learning process, and all you can do is try again. It happens to all of us and will happen to you again. Stay the course. Good luck.
     
  10. ettehbrute

    ettehbrute Notebook Consultant

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    allright, will redo it again :(