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    Help with Upgrading GPU on m15x to ATI 3870

    Discussion in 'Alienware' started by chr15g, Sep 7, 2009.

  1. chr15g

    chr15g Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hi everyone,

    So I decided too upgrade from the 8700mGT to the 3870 on the basis of cost (quoted 388pounds for the 8800).

    They sent me the graphics card and I took out the old one, then realised the heatsink didnt fit, and had to re-install the 8700mGT. To be fair to AW CS who I've just got off the phone with, and they are sending me the heatsink at no additional cost within 48hrs.

    After I'd got the two graphics cards out, and realised the heatsink didnt fit, I realised that on the ATI graphics card there was a yellow/orange plastic film surrounding the really shiney bit (not sure how else to describe it - see picture), whereas on the 8700 there was not. So I am not sure if I am supposed to remove it, or leave it on?

    Also, should thermal paste be applied to only the shiney bit, or all over the raised black chip around the shiney bit?

    Thanks!
     

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    chr15g, Sep 7, 2009
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  2. EviLCorsaiR

    EviLCorsaiR Asura

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    Can't remember what that orange plastic is for, I think it's to stop the heat getting out any other part of the chip. I'd leave it on-don't think you're meant to take it off.

    Paste should be applied to the black chip in the middle of the orange plastic (that's the GPU). The entire black chip should be covered in thermal paste-although there are several methods of doing this (spreading it before putting the heatsink on, applying a blob in the middle to be squashed and spread by the heatsink, etc.)
     
    EviLCorsaiR, Sep 7, 2009
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  3. sleey0

    sleey0 R.I.P. AW Side Topics

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    The yellow plastic can come off (or stay -- whichever you prefer).

    Thermal past is applied to the area not covered by the yellow plastic. Just spread a THIN layer (like paper-thin) to the die (black area with ATI logo). Then apply another THIN layer to the underside of the heatsink.

    If there is any thermal tape or whatever, just remove it and clean the heatsink before applying.
     
    sleey0, Sep 7, 2009
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  4. simonmpoulton

    simonmpoulton Notebook Deity

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    Leave the plastic on, it's there to prevent conductive thermal pastes from causing shorts on the chip should it leak past where it should be applied
     
    simonmpoulton, Sep 7, 2009
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  5. sleey0

    sleey0 R.I.P. AW Side Topics

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    I'd take it off as I know what I'm doing :)
     
    sleey0, Sep 7, 2009
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  6. simonmpoulton

    simonmpoulton Notebook Deity

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    Even the most careful people still end up getting a little bit leaking over the sides when the heatsink gets compressed onto the chip :)
     
    simonmpoulton, Sep 7, 2009
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  7. sleey0

    sleey0 R.I.P. AW Side Topics

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    I have been using thermal paste long before they started putting plastic stickers over the chip.

    If anything, it might actually cause heat to be trapped and build under there.

    As I said, using a paper thin layer will prevent any excess from dripping (as there won't be any excess).
     
    sleey0, Sep 7, 2009
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  8. chr15g

    chr15g Notebook Enthusiast

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    Brilliant! Thanks for all the help :).
    As it was my first time openeing up a laptop and I'm not so great at spreading the thermal paste so evenly - had an epic fail when trying to reseat the 8700 - will probrably leave it on so long as it doesnt melt/burn.

    Another random question, as I'm running an almost archaic BIOS version (x27), could I flash the bios using a DVD or would it only work by burning it onto a CD?

    Cheers
     
    chr15g, Sep 7, 2009
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