How to: Improve your XPS M1330 Cooling

Non of the threads mention if aliminium foil can be used or not. I would test myselft but if it doesnt turn out right, then ive screwed the thermal pad. So does anyone know if aluminium foil can be used ?

 

Yes, my first post in this thread links to another thread where I brainstormed. In the first post of THAT thread (again, here is the link http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=249682), I mention aluminum foil, I'll quote that here since you don't seem to want to go read that other thread.

Also, in my first run of this (this is the SECOND time I've modded my cooling), I used very thin copper, almost foil thickness (I used scissors to cut it). And stacked it with thermal grease in between. It worked just about as good temperature wise as the single piece of aluminum did, though I trust the aluminum a whole lot more... The aluminum seems to hold up to temperatures for longer as well.

If you want to stack materials, I'd use something... better than aluminum foil. The distance is great enough that you'd have to stack quite a bit for it to reach and you'd lose a pretty good deal of efficiency. It would still probably be better than their current cooling, but how much? I don't know, not very much I don't think.

If you really want to stack something, go to an arts and crafts store and get Art Emboss foil, either gold or copper, which both will transfer heat better than aluminum. It comes in different thicknesses, all I could find were lightweight and medium, which are 3 mils and 5 mils respectively (0.003" and 0.005")



Also, I don't know why everyone thinks they are going to "screw the thermal pad." I'm only gonna say it one more time:
IT COMES OFF IN ONE PIECE. ONE PIECE. YOU CAN PUT IT BACK ON IF YOUR MOD FAILS.

 

One last thing Hep!, will a 14*14*0.9mm definitely be ideal? It the L shaped markings definitely a 15mm square?

I will be using arctic citrus TIM remover and AS5. Going to be a pin in the arse to re-apply as5 on the CPU and GPU >_<

 

Yes, that's the size of copper I was looking for, and I'm fairly certain it's the best size out there for this. If not the best, it will definitely work very nicely. L shaped markings are definately 15mmx15mm, I measured those so I could cut my square to fit in properly.

AS5's not that hard to apply, I just take a little bit of plastic (like saran wrap) and stretch it over my finger, then put a dab of AS5 on the GPU, spread it evenly, put a dab on the CPU, spread it evenly, put a dab on the square, spread it evenly, stick the square on the cooling assembly, then put the cooling assembly back on. None of the meddling with credit cards, etc, I don't know why people put thermal grease on like that, but I've been putting grease on like this for years and it's never failed me.

Good luck!

 

Ordered

I know how to apply AS5 normally but I imaging the 2 sided GPU part may be a bit tricky

I'll include detailed temperature differences but I don't have a camera so no pics

 

Like I said, just apply the grease to the little piece of copper, and stick it on the cooling assembly. Then apply thermal grease on the GPU, and just put on the assembly. It's really no problem.

 

Well ok but where do we get these copper pieces in the right size ?

 

Also has been linked to in both threads. If you're in the UK, talk to Kreeeee. If you're in the US, I've posted links, including on page 5 of this topic. Again, that link is this:
http://cgi.ebay.com/COPPER-SHEET-PL...VQQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1638Q2em118Q2el1247

You will have to cut it to be the right dimensions, it is only the right THICKNESS right now.

 

Yeah that seems to be the only problem, cutting it to right size. But I am going to order it and then worry about getting it cut. Just hope it works out.

 

Cutting is not very difficult. I used a bandsaw because I am very lazy, but a hacksaw will work fine, and probably will do straighter cuts if you are careful. If you don't have a hacksaw, answer me how you survive without a tool like that, then go to Home Depot, you can pick one up for ~15 bucks.

 

I have no tools at all hence ordering to size

Just my screw drivers, pliers and AS5

 

How do you live?!

I'm not like a tool affictionado, but the right tool for the right job is very important. Hopefully you have a file for that copper when it comes to clean up the edges.

 

I never cut materials so have no need for tools. I'll have to buy a file.

 

The copper has arrived, but I am in the middle of my exams so can't mess with the laptop yet. the copper is precisely 14*14mm and has plastic backing on both sides to protect it from scratches. Just need to get a file to ensure the edges are perfectly smooth.

 

Has anyone done this on M1530? Is the stock pad the same thickness, and is the copper size required still 14mm/14mm/0.9mm?

 

Well, Udi, I'd say if you have a 1530, it's your job to take a look for us! Just take a picture of your cooling assembly at least so I can see if it's the same setup.

 

My laptops fan has now died so I won't get a chance to try this. To be honest I don't even think I'll bother as I've had so many problems with this laptop that I'm thinking of returning it

 

Awwwww.
Sorry to hear that. Send me your copper

 

I can do if you want.

 

Yeah if you'd seriously do it, PM me your paypal and how much I owe you and I'll PM you my address.

You're definitely returning it? What notebook you going to get instead, out of curiosity?

 

If postage to the US isn't too much then no charge. I guess it's a good thing my fan died before I void my warranty =/

I'll get the next revision of 1330 with the cooler running graphics card when it's released. I'm not in any major need for a laptop for 4/5 months.

 

I don't think the M1530 needs it. Someone posted a picture of it in another thread and it had a spring-type system for holding the heat sink against the GPU instead of the thick pad the M1330 uses.

 

A thermal pad on a hot GPU is a terrible idea. I honestly think the copper idea is fantastic and dell should embrace it themselves.

 

I recall someone on the forums planning on installing a X9000 processor into the M1530. This might help it ease up on heat output.

 

Yeah, IIRC is was that StashComp kid who posted earlier in this topic.

I PMed you Kreeeee, thanks much.

 

I don't think so. On my M1330 the processor ran between 26C and 34C and never got more than 50C even under stress. But the GPU temperature quickly climbed to 70C not doing anything, just sitting there with the laptop on, unless I forced the fans on to cool it. And it did not want to get cool -- never went below 61C unless I turned off the laptop. If anything, it heated up the processor. Using a Zalman cooler helped cool the processor (which didn't really need it) but did nothing for the GPU.

 

Oh wait, Stash was going to put an X9000 in his M1330. My bad.

 

Yeah Ive had it in my M1330 since Feb and it works great. Its the GPU thats the problem.

 

I am curious as to what you are doing on your computer that you need an X9000 CPU buy an 8400M GS is sufficient graphics?

Maya or something that does all 2D CPU intensive rendering?

 

I required video editing and portability so this was the best option.

 

Erm I was looking at measuring the thickness of the sheet needed etc...
then I realize...

The heatsink at the end of the heat pipe was completely blocked with dust...

I blew it (like you do with a harmonica) from the exhaust end.... all the dust flew right out all over my desk... (yuck).

My GPU idle went down from 72 degrees to 65 degrees after that. And it has a tendency to cool down faster now.

Btw, the thickness I measured for the sheet (looking at the thermal pad compression thickness). A 1.8mm thickness is just right.

 

You have to take the heatpipe out to do this btw

 

Here are my readings after replacing with a copper sheet.

I used a 14mm X 14mm with 1.5mm thickness and regular OEM thermal paste (Actually what I did was scrape and reuse the unused paste from the side of the CPU heatsink...).

These are the results I got. The peak values are from running 3DMark06.

Standard
---------
CPU 43/45 Peak 74
GPU 65 Peak 91
Memory 47 Peak 56
Chipset 47 Peak 58

After Copper sheet (14mm X 14mm X 1.5mm)
------------------
CPU 43/45 Peak 80
GPU 56 Peak 71
Memory 47 Peak 56
Chipset 47 Peak 58

 

Ambient temperature when both before and after was taken is 24C btw. Not sure if it's an influencing factor.

Btw, the copper sheet was ordered from the same place in the UK that someone else here mentioned. I measured the dimensions and ordered it over the phone with John. He was very prompt to deliver after taking my details (same day delivery by First Class post - amazing).

Contact details and materials can be found at http://metaloffcuts.co.uk

The sheet came bubble wraped nicely. The plate was covered with blue thin wrap to keep both sides of the surface pristine (it was polished to a mirror shine).

FYI 1.5mm is perfect thickness for the M1330.

FYI, the blue thermal pad had to be removed with care. Bits fall off if you're not careful.

 

The devil is in the details... so thanks for taking the time to describe your experience - in detail

Rep the man

 

To be expected, now that the GPU is successfully transferring heat to the heatpipe and 80 is still fine and 3D apps don't load the CPU (and conversely, CPU apps don't tend to load the GPU...). 3DMark06 does both, but not simultaneously

 

Oddly enough. It ought to be a simple revision to the heatpipe design for Dell. Could save them a lot of support and cost of defective motherboards. Well being an end-user I suppose there is a larger picture I'm not seeing as to the reason they haven't already done so.

 

hi

How is your XPS laptop behaving with the X9000 processor untill now.

I also wanted to upgrade and some friends here they say its not recommended as i can get my system to shorten its life or even fry up.

I decided to go for a T9300.

 

This is the idle temp. after 20 minutes of idling at 24C ambient temp. The processor is a T7500 with BIOS Revision A10 with motherboard Revision A02. This is with the nVidia 8400 GS options.

Copper sheet on GPU measuring 14mm X 14mm X 1.5mm with OEM thermal paste.

 

Who would be kind enough to send by airmail a pair of 14x14x1.5mm copper sheet to me in Romania (European Union)? I can pay via PayPal.

 

Hi Lao,

You can order direct from the source at http://metaloffcuts.co.uk

They do take Paypal as well.


Cheers

 

So, the bottom line is 1.5mm? It transfers better according to posted temps.
KenHT, did 1.5mm bent cooling assembly a little?

 

And also, there are two thermal pads, is there any sense in replacing second one with copper plate also?

 

No bending. There is enough travel left on the spring loaded clip to acommodate for thermal expansion.

I thought about it. But looking at the chipset temp, it's about the same as the ambient temp around the memory. So it's not really generating much heat. I wouldn't worry about it.

 

Yikes..... my GPU is idling at 70 degrees, looks like I will do this mod.

KenHT, the stock thermal pad looks quite thick. Does 1.5mm + thermal paste sit snug enough between the GPU die and heatsink?

 

Yup, 1.5mm is a good match if you're referring to the M1330. Be sure to blow clean the exhaust vent while you're at it.

 

I posted on the Dell Community forum hoping Dell can come up with a proper revision on the heatpipe rather than owners like us having to come-up with our own mods.

Btw, I also notice on the M1530, it does not use thermal pads. Explains why there are no heat related failures.

http://dellcommunity.com/supportforums/board/message?board.id=Tech_Talk_XPS_Laptop&thread.id=19301

Vote here
http://www.ideastorm.com/article/show/10089711/Eliminate_M1330_heat_related_failures

 

Yep the M1530 has direct contact between heatsink and GPU/CPU. It cools brilliantly even with the GPU overclocked very high.

The northbridge uses a thermal pad however (just like the M1330), and I would leave it that way, as this prevents excess "heat pollution" of the cooling assembly, that is required much more for the GPU/CPU than the northbridge.

 

KenHT, I payed for the copper sheets 2 days ago. I think if you put a 2nd one on the NB it will improve the temps to the GPU and maybe CPU by 1-2 degrees. At least that's what I'll be trying when the copper arrives.

 

Let us know how it goes, I'm really close to doing this myself