How to: Improve your XPS M1330 Cooling

Original thread where I first pitched my idea and brainstormed, not much content:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?p=3357023

Someone else beat me to the idea, but never posted any details:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=219786



Okay, so here's my writeup. I don't normally do stuff like this (the tutorial, not the hardware hacking ), I kinda just keep to myself usually. So bear with me.

The camera I used to take pictures was having a real hard time handling light, everything was either too much or too little. So lots of pictures are too bright or are fuzzy because there was not sufficient light for the camera to focus... not a huge deal, there is not TOO much too see. It looks pretty much like the normal cooling assembly.

My new idle temps are not much different honestly, but that is because my fan is now running less than it did before. What happens is my system heats up, the fan turns on, it cools off, the fan turns off. This causes my temps to fluxuate. When I force the fans to stay on high, my temps drop down to 36C (CPU) and 52C (GPU) Woo! (They might even keep dropping, I only left the fan on for ~5 minutes) With the Fan completely off, all my temps are about 10C higher, idle (48C/62C). My stressed temps also dropped, but not as significantly as I had hoped. GPU went from 90C stressed to 82C. Perhaps 3dmark06 is a bit much for a system like this, I don't know. All I want is for my games not to get laggy from an overheated GPU. I've yet to test if this is the case. Regardless, temps are lowered by this mod.

So, now on to how I did it, the part I know you all are REALLY waiting for. Let's get this little bit out of the way though.
DISCLAIMER: I AM NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR WHAT YOU DO WITH YOUR COMPUTER. THIS INFORMATION IS PROVIDED SOLEY FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES. WHAT YOU DO WITH THIS INFORMATION IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY AND YOUR RESPONSIBILITY ONLY. YOU AGREE TO THESE TERMS BY CONTINUING TO READ THIS TUTORIAL. IF YOU DO NOT AGREE, PLEASE DO NOT CONTINUE.

Now that that's out of the way, it's fairly simple. I think anyone can do this within about an hour, from start to finish.

Materials:
Arctic Silver 5
.04 Aluminum Sheet (get a few square inches just in case - If you're wondering about the letters on mine - I scrapped an old sign for my material. It used to say "Under Contract" or something.) That .04 is INCHES.
XPS M1330. I guess this works with 1530's as well, I am not sure, just what I've gathered seems they use the same type of cooling assembly. My XPS has a Core 2 Duo T7300, an 8400M GS, 2GB DDR2 667. I am using BIOS revision A10, the latest version.

Tools:
Two files, varying from fine to very fine
Small screwdriver
Sledgehammer (Just kidding, if you try to use a sledgehammer on your laptop I'm not responsible)
Hacksaw (I used a band saw, but I doubt most people have bandsaws available to them. A hacksaw should do just fine)
Pencil
Ruler
Vice (not required) with felt (to prevent scratching)

Take out your battery and unplug your laptop. Close the display, turn it over, open the panel on the back that has your Windows Liscense sticker on it. It has four screws, one in the middle labeled with "M" and three along one edge. The three on the edge are captive, the one in the middle is not. Be careful not to lose that one.

Take off your cooling assembly and disconnect your fan. Use Acetone or Isopropyl alcohol (or your thermal grease cleaning chemical of choice) and clean off all the goop on the CPU. Also clean off the GPU. The CPU is obvious, it's in a pink socket. The GPU is on the opposite end, it's the smallest chip, and once clean, it reads NVidia (or something).

Now take a look at your cooling assembly. If you're taking the dive, peel off the blue thermal pad that corresponds with your GPU. It's the one on the end. Under this, the surface is not perfectly flat. The reason for this is that dell uses those two little L's (visible in my picture of the cooling assembly) to mark where to place that terrible little cooling pad.

This is a potential problem, be sure that your metal piece does not overlap this anywhere. This will mess up your contact bad, hinder thermal transfer, and possibly destroy your GPU, and effectively, your laptop. The square these little L's form is 1.5cm by 1.5cm. So the metal we cut needs to fit within this without being smaller than the GPU die (the shiny thing that sticks up on your GPU) What I did was take a ruler, measure out a square 1.5cm by 1.5cm, pencil in the lines, and cut it with a bandsaw. Don't try using tin snips like I originally did, the metal comes out really bent up. You need it to stay perfect if you don't want to mess up your laptop. I have a picture of the square, but again, pictures suck. I then put it in a vice with felt to protect the surface, and filed the edges to make the square more perfect. It doesn't have to be perfect, as long as 1) The edges are not rough (no little barbs sticking up and down, which will definately happen from cutting. You should be able to run your finger along it without and discomfort.) 2) The piece fits between the "L's" without touching them, ie, is flush against the cooling assembly, and 3) the piece covers the entire GPU die when put between the L's and the cooling assembly is replaced.

Once you've got your smoothed out aluminum, clean this off with acetone/alcohol/whatever, then dry it off. Coat an even layer of AS5 on one side, and place it neatly between the "L's." If you don't know how to apply thermal grease, you shouldn't be doing this mod, but just google it, it's real easy, as I'm not going into any more detail on the subject. Set the assembly aside. Put a layer of AS5 on both your CPU and your GPU dies. Replace the cooling assembly. DON'T FORGET TO ATTACH THE FAN. I CANNOT STRESS THAT ENOUGH. THE FAN IS SO IMPORTANT IN THIS COOLING ASSEMBLY. I reassembled it and accidentally left it unplugged when running my first stress test. Luckily I fixed my mistake quickly before any of my temps got too high.

When testing, I leave the back panel off. This is because I want to feel the cooling assembly to see how things are going, if the whole deal feels too hot, I can shut down the operation. Likewise, if the cooling assembly is too cool, then I assume not enough heat is coming out of my GPU and into the heatsink. Also bad. I keep speedfan running in the background during the tests to watch where my temperatures go (it shows the desktop briefly between tests so I can get a glimpse of my temps)

Since metals expand when heated, there's *potentially* a risk of it getting hot, expanding, and putting too much pressure on your GPU, which can cause the die to crack. I've done a bit of research on this issue. 1) Aluminum expands very very little. Like, 10 feet of aluminum would expand something like an inch at 80C. Even so, this tiny bit COULD be detrimental. Though you'll likely have stability issues before permaant damage. If your screen goes black during a game or anything like that, I'd check and make sure it's not putting pressure on your GPU. Not quite sure how to measure that, I'd just take off the cooling assembly and check for any signs of damage. Other things could cause a screen to go black, especially if you're overclocking. Don't panic if it happens.

I also leave out the battery and use only AC. The reason for this is that if there is some disasterous black screen or whatever, I can just yank the power cord and not have to fiddle with a power button or battery to turn off the system.

Once you're satisfied that everything is in order, you can close everything up. And that's it. Like I said, pretty simple and straight forward. Happy modding!


Pictures:
1) Everything laid out.
http://img341.imageshack.us/my.php?image=picture001tc8.jpg

2) Closeup on GPU/Chipset/CPU without cooling assembly. GPU on left, CPU on right.
http://img513.imageshack.us/my.php?image=picture003vh7.jpg

3) Closeup of my screwdriver and files
http://img263.imageshack.us/my.php?image=picture004sf0.jpg

4) Picture of some really bent metal. This is why we don't use tin snips.
http://img258.imageshack.us/my.php?image=picture008uo7.jpg

5) My 1.5x1.5cm square
http://img526.imageshack.us/my.php?image=picture010jk4.jpg

6) Closeup of cooling assembly. You can see the two "L's" here.
http://img526.imageshack.us/my.php?image=picture015td9.jpg

7) The new metal shim next to the old thermal pad, for size comparison.
http://img410.imageshack.us/img410/7357/picture026li3.jpg

I kinda gave up on pics at this point since none were turning out too well. The finished assembly looks just like the original when you put it on though.




Feel free to ask me any questions about this mod or anything else.

 

Put some results stressing the system!

 

What kind of benchmarks would you like to see?

 

Run some programs like 3dmark, and post peak temps for CPU and GPU. Oh yeah, and post idle temp difference also (like before the mod and after)

I use I8kfan to monitor since it records temps well but the program needs to be tweaked to show correct GPU temp.

 

3D Mark! Great guide and tutorial, though I would like to know for sure whether it is a problem on the M1530 before I do it. Due to the size of the M1530, I'm guessing it will probably be more spaced out, have a larger cooling pad, etc, though that is pure assumption. Can someone affirm whether the M1530 has such heating problems or not?

 

Yeah I read your topic about it. I tried the tweaks, it didn't work right for me. I will have to mess around some more I guess. I currently use SpeedFan to measure temps, because although it does not allow control of fan speeds on the 1330, it does auto detect all temp sensors very nicely.

I did post some before/after temps, it's in my 3rd paragraph! BTW, this did not change my 3dmark score, it was identical. But my temps WERE lowered. Oops, sorry, I didn't post my old idle temps - 49C/68C


Oh yeah - My operating system is Windows XP Professional SP2. I suppose it could make some difference.

 

It seems like the other guy lowered his temp more than you did. Hmnn.

Anyways, I should sleep for work tomo!!

Great job, and I'll give it a try when I have free time on my vacation!

Oh and as far as I8kfan goes, just make sure to use the senor numbers I gave, and input OFFSET to match the correct readings from ATITool/Ntune.

+1Rep for ya.

 

Yeah the other guy lowered his temp more, I dunno what other factors come into play. He did use copper, not aluminum, but I looked online and apparently copper is only about 3-4% better at transferring heat than aluminum (it's a curve, the higher the temp, the better copper holds up). It'll be nice if some other people do this, see how temps vary.

Although there is not much info on that other guy, perhaps his numbers are not accurate or something. Also I think my idle temps were a bit higher than average as it was.

 

Thanks for posting a writeup Used a similar mod on my old laptop and got great results, I'm tempted to pop open the M1530 when it gets here... I still have the artic silver and a full sheet of copper... but voiding the warranty sounds like a bad idea. Ack! Is the heating as big a problem with the 1530 as it is with the 1330?

 

Those L markings are annoying. How big is the GPU contact area?

 

I haven't heard of people having the same problems as with the M1330. Check your temperatures when you get it. HWmonitor from CPUID is good.
http://www.cpuid.com/hwmonitor.php

 

My guess is that due to the extra room for parts and all, it probably is able to run cooler already without extra modding, just a guess.

 

Couple tips on doing your write up.

Put your camera on a tripod and use the timer setting then you won't get those annoying flash wash outs. If you have to use flash, shoot at an angle to avoid the wash outs & flares.

Also put the photo links under each step as you go instead of at the end.
See how I did my review in my sig.

 

great guide thanks

 

Can I buy the thermal pads from anywhere in case this goes wrong and I want to revert back to the pads?

 

Just have to find the pads online, but not sure about the size.

The field tech who came to replace my M1330's mobo cracked the heat pad, and he ended up ordering the whole thermal fan assembly just for the pads (the pads are attached to fan's pipes).

 

I'd be happy getting a new cooling assembly so I can attach it again and send it back if I need to under warranty. Can I buy them in the UK?

 

I saved my pad in a little ziplock bag. Not that it matters, I had no warranty to void anyway.

Kreeeee, as I mentioned, those L's form a little square that is 1.5cmx1.5cm. so that's the space you've got to work with on the cooling assembly, unless someone wants to try to grind them off (which would be pointless by the way, since the GPU die is less than 1.5x1.5cm anyway)
If you mean how big is the GPU die itself, I dunno, I didn't measure. I'd guess 1cmx1cm.

 

Yeah I meant the die, thanks. I can order the copper to size so I guess I'll order 12*12*0.9mm copper and try that.

do the blue pads come off nicely then? I just assumed they would get damaged when they are removed.

 

I just pulled it off, it came off fine in one piece.

 

Is it sticky on one side?

 

It's a little sticky on both sides, but not THAT sticky. My pads are probably not as sticky as most though, this laptop is very old. (very being like a year I guess)

 

I been wanting to do this mod for ever, just do not know where I can get some thin pieces of copper. With the stock pad the GPU barely makes contact with the heatpipe.

 

If you're in the UK I have found a place that will sent out pre cut 14*14*0.9mm copper.

 

Any of you UK guys wanna send me about 3cmx3cmx1mm?


I'll be the guinea pig again!

 

So I talked to a Dell Representative about the cooling problems and replacing the foam heatsink with copper. Here's what he said.

4:23:15 PM Customer Kitkat 973
Ok. One more question. If I get the M1530 and replace the foam heatsink with copper, will that void my warranty?
4:23:58 PM Agent XPS_AMB_Rep_Bernardo
You need to inform our technical support before doing that so the warranty will not be void.
4:24:16 PM Customer Kitkat 973
If I inform your tech support, will it not void the warranty?
4:24:33 PM Agent XPS_AMB_Rep_Bernardo
yes it will not void the warranty.

Not sure how reliable that is, but I thought I'd share just incase anyone else wants to call their tech support before trying this mod.

 

If you inform them AND they ok it...which they wont.

 

Yeah, I figured, just thought I'd pass on the info.

 

Yeah, they sometimes tell you things incorrectly as well. I don't think they really care about giving you the right information.

When I ordered my Inspiron, the website options said "bluetooth" but when I hit customize, it wasn't an option. I called, and they told me it came with the system. When the laptop arrived, it had not BT, and dell refused to send me a module.


Additionally, when I had problems with my touchpad, I asked for it to be replaced, and they offered to either send it to me or to have me ship the laptop to them, and they would repair it. I didn't wanna be out my laptop, so I requested it be shipped to me. Then when the problem started to happen again, they told me I had voided the warranty on my touchpad by replacing it myself. Oh well, I was able to find a fix accidentally - the new touchpads are hypersensitive to dirt, and cleaning it like every day works... but for a longer term solution, I found a tiny amount of "silicone based personal lubricant" polished on prevents the issue. (This is actually a really common issue, where the mouse pointer jumps around when using the touchpad)

 

You used sexual lubricant on your laptop?

I can order a 14*14*0.9mm smoothly cut and polished for £5 delivered, but don't want to risk installing it if it doesn't help my temps.

 

It's helped my temps, no questions asked. And I used aluminum. I think that polished copper would work even better. Send me a little piece of that copper!

Pleeeease


I'll pay shipping! (that would only be like 2 bucks, right?)

And yes, I used *** lube on my laptop. Eros Bodyglide to be specific. After playing around with my girlfriend one night, I grabbed my laptop because we were going to order a new toy. There was still Eros on my fingers, and my touchpad, which had been acting up for over a day prior, worked. I cleaned it later and within a few hours, I had the problem again. So I took a tiny drop of eros and evenly applied it.

My theory is since the touchpad uses the moisture of your fingers to determine your fingers position, even slight build up of dirt, sweat and the like can confuse it, causing the pointer to jump around. A little bit of Eros sealed it off from that stuff, so it only detects more prominent conductors, like your finger. Lighter contaminates are isolated from the pad by the lube.


Also I'm not a scientist or anything, this is just my speculation. Feel free to correct me.

 

[email protected]

That's the copper sources email address, I'm sure they'll ship to the US and payment is preferred via paypal.

 

£5 is about $10, plus international shipping, it'd come out to be the same as if I just ordered that US auction. Oh well :s
The aluminum is doing it's job for the time being.

 

£5 includes shipping to me, so add an extra 50p (1$) onto the price I imagine. it's also very high quality copper. very pure with polished surfaces. I'd do it in a heartbeat if I knew for sure 0.9mm would be fine.

 

Consider this: thermal grease and .9mm thick copper will transfer heat better than the current thermal pad, even if it's not perfect.

 

This is so interesting and tempting to try, but at this point with all those dead gpus reported I can’t risk voiding my warranty. I did some tests earlier that I would like to give here and I’d like to ask you if you have the back cover ON when doing the final measurements. (I read somewhere that you run your tests without putting it back on.

I stress my m1330 gpu by running Pro Evolution Soccer 2008 at medium settings for 20 minutes. 1280x720 (16:9) Window mode.

1. m1330 stock -103 (+?)
2. m1330 stock
   + on cooling pad -96
3. m1330 without back cover
   (back raised a little) -96
4. m1330 without back cover
   + on cooling pad -83 (can peak to 96 for 1-2 seconds then drops to 83 during gameplay)

I measure temps with rivatuner.
The back cover is made of two materials. An inner metal surface which gets hot pretty fast and once hot it radiates/conducts more heat and the outer plastic surface which as I understand it works as an insulator keeping the heat inside. I wonder why there are no air vents beneath the gpu. Looks like it could help a lot.

 

At stock my GPU reaches 101C after playing half life 2 lost cost for 20 minutes, ambient temperature is 25C.

 

Have you tried without the panel ? do you get the same readings?

 

No I haven't, but in response to your insulation question, it will have been designed that way so users don't damage the surface that the ~60C laptop is sitting on.

 

Yes, the results I posted are with the cover on. I took the cover off just for my testing to make sure I wasn't going to have a problem with expansion that would crack the GPU die.

Raising the back does help temperatures, I am considering buying a 9 cell battery for this reason.

Also, I think that if you are careful, dell would not even notice that you've voided your warranty. Luckily for me, I've got a friend working tech support for dell, so he's real good at getting me the parts I need shipped to me without questions. I send back the dead part, no problem.

I'm hopefully getting a new LCD for this soon, even though it's not even under warranty.

 

Alright for some

Can your friend tell me how to get hold of (purchase) a spare heatsink/thermal pads so I can test this?

I've replaced my CPU and RAM without telling dell but I'm sure that won't cause any issues compared to heatsink modification

 

Ditto, more or less. I took a few screenshots while I was in Lost Coast and had RivaTuner's OSD running...

My first reaction was to be concerned but then again I ran my 7900GT at 100C for over a year, so I chilled. That is, 'till my 1330's GPU died... .

One mobo revison later and I'm still looking at those same, scary temps...

 

Kreeeee, I don't think you'd be able to get a hold of that part without help directly from him. I would just peel the pad off carefully and put it back if you ever need to ship your laptop back to dell. I was surprised the cooling assembly wasn't on ebay when I checked though. Honestly, according to my friend, Dell pays almost no attention to what you send back to them.

Traveller, I'm honestly comforted to know someone else was getting temps as high as me. I know other people have temp issues, but I was a bit worried that because I've got an older board that maybe it had some problem that's now been fixed.

Just so everyone knows, I'm still running fine. My laptop ran all day (not in a game) but still on a desk for ~10 hours straight. Then it moved to my lap, where it is now. My fan now runs less than it did before, I'm no longer concerned with my slightly higher CPU temps, my GPU temps do phenomenally better.

 

Ordered the copper, will do it after the 5th when my exams are done if I can easily remove the pad.

 

Nice, be sure to post your results!

If you have ANY issues taking the pad off, try a straight razor and go underneath it. I was able to just pull it off in once piece with my fingers though.

 

Make sure to get some AS5, and Artic cleaning solution #1, and #2 also.

 

Hey id like to order some of that prepared copper too, how did you guys do it ? Can you help me ?

 

Arctic cleaning solution is a scam. Real men use Acetone! Or get a 99 cent bottle of 97% rubbing alcohol from the drugstore. Definitely pick up some AS5, though. No cheaping out there.

Stash, I was going to order this copper: http://cgi.ebay.com/COPPER-SHEET-PL...VQQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1638Q2em118Q2el1247

It's .032, and I used .04 aluminum, not sure how much it would make a difference. I would try it though, and regardless, it will surely be better than dell's stock cooling.

 

how about aluminium foil ? has any body tried that ? i mean like folded so its .4 inch thick ?

 

You should read my original thread which I linked to in my first post, all these questions have been asked (mainly by me XD)