Opening Asus laptop to remove dust

Hi there,

I have an Asus N55SL. I was wondering if anyone has any references/ guides on what's the best way to open it up and blow out the dust. It seems to be a pretty unheard of laptop, I couldn't find much info on it.

Admittedly I don't hoover my room much, so dust build up becomes a problem quickly with laptops. My previous laptop (Dell XPS M1530) had a panel that gave easy access to the fan, which this laptop unfortunately does not.

Many thanks in advance.

 

Before dissecting it have you tried using a can of compressed air?

 

Just looked up your model. Ouch, I hate those PITA constructions.
I think this should be close to yours:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/asus/548277-i-love-my-new-n53jf-xe1-but-i-got-bored-disassembly.html

 

@Meaker - Blowing a can of air into the vent would most likely just blow dust further into the chassis. Also risk making the motor spin too fast (I am not certain that this would happen, but I don't want to be the person who finds out!)

@killkenny1 - That does look a bit similar. I suspected I'd have to go down this route. Thanks for the post, much appreciated!

If I get round to doing it, I'll post pictures. Having said that, it's a nice cold winter, so the laptop isn't getting too hot. I probably won't get round to doing this for a few months.

I'd also like to mention that this laptop isn't overheating and not giving any problems of the sort, but as I said, I live in a dusty environment and I believe it'll be an issue eventually (like most high spec laptops)

 

No guides handy, but the best advice I can offer is that when/if you decide to take it apart, then be sure to keep track of your screws (make any markings that help you correlate screws of different threads to the correct holes), and use a pill sorter to keep track of your screws. I like to use each day of the week as a layer; i.e., all the screws that hold the backing in place, I put in Sunday (I like to go by layer, but how you sort your screws is totally your prerogative).

Have fun (if you haven't already)!

 

Re keeping track of screws

A good tip I read somewhere and use myself, is to print out a scan or photo of the bottom of the laptop, and another when the plastic case comes off etc.

As you take the screws out, poke them through the paper prints in the correct place.

Stops them getting lost and mixed up, and speeds up re-assembly

Hope this tip helps someone....

 

Def post pictures, as it might help others too, or you might have some questions.

As for screws, I personally put them around the laptop, some I put in the small box (from match sticks or similar), but I doubt it's very wise to do so, although in my all experience it has been the thing that worked for me just fine.

 

That sounds meticulous, but a very interesting method. I've lost screws in the past when I first started learning how to take the units apart.

I'll have to try that next time. Thanks!

 

its a reason why i dont buy asus laptops anymore. older models gives you access to most of the important components

 

If you ever need to blow air through a vent and are worried about the fan then if the vent allows put a plasic thin but sturdy object though to stop the fins spinning.

 

The only problem with using compressed/forced air directly at the vent(s) is that it forces some dust further into the unit. The idea to insert a tool to prevent the fan from spinning is smart; the only way to ensure you don't blow dust further into the system though - and to make sure you get the blades completely clean - is to disassemble it when you clean it.