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    How to: Improve your XPS M1330 Cooling

    Discussion in 'Dell XPS and Studio XPS' started by Hep!, May 15, 2008.

  1. jack53

    jack53 Dell XPS 9360 i7 Lover!

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    How come you never put the photo links under each step as you go instead of at the end? A little confusing the way you did it... most guides explains each step with a photo. ;)
     
    jack53, Jun 19, 2008
    #101
  2. KenHT

    KenHT Notebook Guru

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    Hi Lao,

    Good luck. Do check the heatpipe vent for dust clogging. I suspect most people having the problem after 6 months is because the vents take that long to get blocked.

    Also, if you could kindly take some pictures while you're doing it. I was in a rush to get it in when I did mine. :)
     
    KenHT, Jun 20, 2008
    #102
  3. Lao

    Lao Notebook Evangelist

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    Hehe! I was in a rush also as I wanted to see the improvements quickly. I didn't have a camera with me, I did the modd at my girlfriend's house. Anyway, the themps didn't dropped as much as I expected, just by 7-8 degrees when browsing. I mean... it's ok... but I expected more from a piece of copper.

    On the other hand I decided I'll stick with my Vostro 1500 and sell the M1330. I did the copper modd just for fun. :D
     
    Lao, Jun 22, 2008
    #103
  4. roy_bo

    roy_bo Notebook Guru

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    You should upgrade to A11 BIOS REV.
    Can you please be more specific on actual tempetures
    under LOAD & IDLE situations?
     
    roy_bo, Jun 22, 2008
    #104
  5. Lao

    Lao Notebook Evangelist

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    I updated the bios alsom, but I forgot to say it.

    Temps were:

    Before:

    68-69 browsing
    84-86 playing SimCity 4 (not much of stressing I guess)

    After:

    59-60 browsing
    Didn't test it w/ SimCity (yet).
     
    Lao, Jun 22, 2008
    #105
  6. KenHT

    KenHT Notebook Guru

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    Thats about right. I got a drop by about 10C when idle. Dropped by 20C peak under 3DMark06. You should notice the fan isn't on all the time now.

    EDIT: You did put some thermal paste on both sides of the copper before you slapped it on right?
     
    KenHT, Jun 22, 2008
    #106
  7. Lao

    Lao Notebook Evangelist

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    Hehe, of course. Arctic Silver 5. ;)
     
    Lao, Jun 23, 2008
    #107
  8. ghost_boxer

    ghost_boxer Notebook Enthusiast

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    Ken would you have the problem if you didnt have an 8400gs ????
     
    ghost_boxer, Jun 23, 2008
    #108
  9. KenHT

    KenHT Notebook Guru

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    Probably not, nobody with the integrated graphics has complained about any problems. Of course, since I don't own one with that type of configuration, I can't say for sure.

    Why not consider the M1530? There's been a lot of good feedback about it.
     
    KenHT, Jun 23, 2008
    #109
  10. KenHT

    KenHT Notebook Guru

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    Well for the skeptics... seems like a common enough prob.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tkw47rprZU8&feature=related

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HedG0xrYKB8&NR=1

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NCAyUGxTzc4&feature=related

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euEKCLuYyfc&feature=related

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MohFVdzQHDc&feature=related

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RgTDXgFbHvk&feature=related

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=II23pavSeLI&feature=related

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0TG8qVv1g9c&feature=related

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kmtLKwATC1Y&feature=related

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=21i3H4PFCTM&feature=related

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o0_dN0HLY5g&feature=related
     
    KenHT, Jun 23, 2008
    #110
  11. uberkoozy

    uberkoozy Notebook Enthusiast

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    Lao, can you please get some temps of when the GPU is put under stress just so we can get another comparison of before and after temps? ;)

    Cheers
     
    uberkoozy, Jun 23, 2008
    #111
  12. roy_bo

    roy_bo Notebook Guru

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    Guys I have found 1.1mm Copper thickness
    will it be oK?
     
    roy_bo, Jun 23, 2008
    #112
  13. KenHT

    KenHT Notebook Guru

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    You have to try it out. I believe Hep! had used 1mm without problem.
     
    KenHT, Jun 23, 2008
    #113
  14. roy_bo

    roy_bo Notebook Guru

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    OK thanks
    Probably will have someone doing it for me tommorow
     
    roy_bo, Jun 23, 2008
    #114
  15. Lao

    Lao Notebook Evangelist

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    Well, couldn't be more accurate than HW Monitor. :D

    Stress software: 3DMark 2006 (used for the first time).

    Minim: 10 degrees (just started the laptop)
    Browsing: 57
    Stress: 76.

    Looks better, but as I said, I expected more. Maybe I'm just too demanding.

    P.S. I forgot to say that I have rev 01 mobo. ;)
     

    Attached Files:

    Lao, Jun 23, 2008
    #115
  16. xboxgon

    xboxgon Notebook Guru

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    is the overheating issue still present at latest models of the m1330? or did dell fix this issue? i just ordered my m1330 last week and it should be coming in this week :D and i'm a lil worried.....
     
    xboxgon, Jun 23, 2008
    #116
  17. Lao

    Lao Notebook Evangelist

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    It doesn't matter I guess, as long as you have 8400M GPU. I already regret buying it. :(

    Good thing I didn't sell my Vostro 1500 before, as I intended.
     
    Lao, Jun 23, 2008
    #117
  18. ghost_boxer

    ghost_boxer Notebook Enthusiast

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    8400M is different to 8400GS ?????? the GS has the overheat issue??????
     
    ghost_boxer, Jun 23, 2008
    #118
  19. Lao

    Lao Notebook Evangelist

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    I meant 8400M GS. It's the only dedicated GPU (the one with the heat problem): the 8400M GS.
     
    Lao, Jun 23, 2008
    #119
  20. ghost_boxer

    ghost_boxer Notebook Enthusiast

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    so the users with x3100 are NOT affected?
     
    ghost_boxer, Jun 23, 2008
    #120
  21. ghost_boxer

    ghost_boxer Notebook Enthusiast

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    too big.. i like the portable size in the m1330
     
    ghost_boxer, Jun 23, 2008
    #121
  22. Lao

    Lao Notebook Evangelist

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    Nope. Nothing bad reported so far about the integrated X3100 GPU. ;)
     
    Lao, Jun 24, 2008
    #122
  23. ghost_boxer

    ghost_boxer Notebook Enthusiast

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    what i dislike is that i need this laptop after 1 year to do work with Second Life. Hence why i need a dedicated card. how about if you custom mod the air vent with another fan on the end? kind of like a funnel with a big exit with a fan?
     
    ghost_boxer, Jun 24, 2008
    #123
  24. Lao

    Lao Notebook Evangelist

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    It's easier to do the copper modd. I see that my M1330 runs cooler every day now. It sits arround 48-49 Celsius when browsing. Maybe it's the AS5 effect.
     
    Lao, Jun 24, 2008
    #124
  25. KenHT

    KenHT Notebook Guru

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    Yeah, I had the same opinion that brought me to buy the M1330. Of course back when I made my purchase was 3 weeks before the M1530 was launched. Who'd knew this problem would crop up after a few months.

    Well, so much for trusting large bluechip brands. You'd think with so many board replacements they'd take more action.
     
    KenHT, Jun 24, 2008
    #125
  26. roy_bo

    roy_bo Notebook Guru

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    I did the Copper MOD today
    2 copper plates 1MM each with AS5.

    Idle: 55-60c (not much different from before [60-65c])
    Load: (NVIDIA stability check 10 min) MAX 73c!!! (before MAX 90-100c!!!)

    OH! and by the way, my room tempture is 29c right now!!!

    I think I am pleased for now.
     
    roy_bo, Jun 24, 2008
    #126
  27. uberkoozy

    uberkoozy Notebook Enthusiast

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    Wow, some awesome load temps. Looks like there is light at the end of the tunnel with these issues haha...
     
    uberkoozy, Jun 24, 2008
    #127
  28. jayno20

    jayno20 Notebook Consultant

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    why 2 copper plates? did u also do the northbridge? where did u get ur copper?
     
    jayno20, Jun 24, 2008
    #128
  29. akg7091

    akg7091 Notebook Consultant

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    Should we bring a class action lawsuit against Dell ?
    I really cannot understand why Dell is not upgrading the heatsink in the notebooks. Afteral, replacing motherboards must cost a lot more than adding a simple piece of copper to the heatsink.

    I am unlucky enough to buy a M1330 a month ago, and now I am plagued by overheating issues.
     
    akg7091, Jun 24, 2008
    #129
  30. stigvig

    stigvig Notebook Enthusiast

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    I have this Dell 1330 three weeks now. If something happen with the notebook ( overheating ) i gonne give Dell a hell :mad:
    I live in Sweden and if something happens, i dont gonna let them change the mobo if its not a new version with all proplems fixed.

    If they dont have a new mobo, i ask for the GMA X3100 card!

    This horrible Dell story must came to an end.
     
    stigvig, Jun 24, 2008
    #130
  31. roy_bo

    roy_bo Notebook Guru

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    2 copper plates because i couldn't get thicker copper (probably 2mm would be better) and if i will find 2mm then i would probably change it.

    You can also use Aluminum plate because the Heat Sink is made from Aluminum and the contact with copper and aluminum would be the same if you use aluminum plate.

    what is the "NorthBridge"?

    (The source of the copper is "Calssfied" i can't say where i got it- and i am serious- sorry)
     
    roy_bo, Jun 24, 2008
    #131
  32. jayno20

    jayno20 Notebook Consultant

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    northbridge is the chip between the cpu and the gpu which is also only on a thermal pad. I thought 1.5m was perfect for thickness? can anyone say what the perfect thickness is? also where are you guys buying ur copper? I saw the one site, but i couldnt find a "buy" button or anything like that. I am interested in doing this on the northbridge as well as the GPU so would the copper thickness be the same for both?
     
    jayno20, Jun 24, 2008
    #132
  33. roy_bo

    roy_bo Notebook Guru

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    I tought about doing the Northbridge but because I didn't have any temptures for it I preffered not to mess with it.
    Do you know how much heat it produces?
    Also I would like to know what is the fuction/s that the Northbridge is doing?
     
    roy_bo, Jun 24, 2008
    #133
  34. Lao

    Lao Notebook Evangelist

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    I didn't also, but I had an email which I used. 4 days later I got the copper sheet to my door. Payed via PayPal. ;)

    Maybe you should try it. ;)
     
    Lao, Jun 24, 2008
    #134
  35. KenHT

    KenHT Notebook Guru

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    I got it from here. The contact details are there. Write them an e-mail. I contacted them thru phone. They take paypal or credit card and ship internationally. The measurements are 14mmX14mmX1.5mm

    http://metaloffcuts.co.uk
     
    KenHT, Jun 24, 2008
    #135
  36. jayno20

    jayno20 Notebook Consultant

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    did ur copper u got need to be filed on the edges or was it fairly smooth when it arrived?


    Also does anyone know if that same size/thickness will work for the northbridge?
     
    jayno20, Jun 24, 2008
    #136
  37. Lao

    Lao Notebook Evangelist

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    I didn't do any modifications to the copper I received from them, I was anxious to try the modd. :D

    Don't know about the northbridge, although I initially wanted to do that too. From what I've seen, it should work.
     
    Lao, Jun 25, 2008
    #137
  38. KenHT

    KenHT Notebook Guru

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    Machine cut, no rough edges to file. Just peel off protective layer on both sides, and use it. I wouldn't be too concern with the Northbridge, the temp reading is about the same as the uncooled memory temp. readings.

    EDIT: Lao, you didn't use it on the Northbridge either huh? :)
     
    KenHT, Jun 25, 2008
    #138
  39. Lao

    Lao Notebook Evangelist

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    Nope, I was in a hurry and had no time measuring the gap between NB and HSF. :p
     
    Lao, Jun 25, 2008
    #139
  40. jayno20

    jayno20 Notebook Consultant

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    so its safe to reuse the existing thermal pad for the NB? I figured it would get damaged in the process of getting the heat sink off...
     
    jayno20, Jun 25, 2008
    #140
  41. roy_bo

    roy_bo Notebook Guru

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    Yes it is safe. Just remove the heat sink slowly and carefully.
     
    roy_bo, Jun 25, 2008
    #141
  42. jayno20

    jayno20 Notebook Consultant

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    and 1.5mm is the best for thickness? thats not gonna damage anything?
     
    jayno20, Jun 25, 2008
    #142
  43. roy_bo

    roy_bo Notebook Guru

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    As I said before, I have 2mm thickness and the Area 20mm on 20mm, the flexsibility of the MOBO will handle this.
     
    roy_bo, Jun 25, 2008
    #143
  44. Lao

    Lao Notebook Evangelist

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    It's safe to remove the thermal pad(s) if you use a sharp cutter.
     
    Lao, Jun 25, 2008
    #144
  45. KenHT

    KenHT Notebook Guru

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    Yes it's safe.
     
    KenHT, Jun 25, 2008
    #145
  46. trebuin

    trebuin Notebook Evangelist

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    Well, I tested my m1330 out and idle it ranges from 60-62C as the fan kicks on and off. At load 3dmark05 and 3dmark06, the m1330 maxes at 74C as opposed to 103C. This is far better.

    Also, Overclocked 486/675, the temp still maxes at 74C as opposed to 105C.
    After seeing that, I checked the CPU temp maxes also at 74C. I checked and neither the GPU or CPU drive each other. Can someone tell me what their CPU temp is using HWMonitor? CPU under encoding load maxes at around 80C...a bit hot it seems.

    Oh, and the cooling setup is like this: one .5mm plate and one 1mm plate using some Japanese thermal grease. The plate is cut weird where it is shaped around the raised L's. The second plate is much larger and fits to the heat sink.
     
    trebuin, Jun 26, 2008
    #146
  47. eejarrero

    eejarrero Newbie

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    I' will do this mod as soon my cooper arrives...

    For those who have done this mod... Did you attach de cooper with the heatpipe only with Arctic Cooling, or with something else?
     
    eejarrero, Jun 26, 2008
    #147
  48. Lao

    Lao Notebook Evangelist

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    I used only Arctic Silver 5, although I have some Arctic Silver Adhesive too. I didn't glue the copper to the HSF because I was afraid to void my warranty.
     
    Lao, Jun 26, 2008
    #148
  49. trebuin

    trebuin Notebook Evangelist

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    We used Kerafol's Keramische Folien as it's what's available out here. It is rated at 10W/mK where AS5 is about 8W/mK. The tech put a layer between each contact surface, but didn't glue it. Works great.
     
    trebuin, Jun 26, 2008
    #149
  50. shelleyevans

    shelleyevans Notebook Consultant

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    I've been following the other heat-problems thread for a month, tried underclocking my GPU, upgraded my warranty and bought a passive laptop cooler ( www.Xpad4Laptop.com). The cooler arrived yesterday, and dropped my 3dMark maximum temps from 103C to 100C. More importantly, it totally infuriated me to see my nice slim $$$$ laptop sitting on a plastic brick. Today I have arrived at this conclusion: I will cancel my upgraded warranty and do the copper mod. As soon as my piece arrives, I will post the temps.

    For those in the states, I ordered from: www.onlinemetals.com

    I ordered a custom cut copper 110 sheet, 1.64mm thick, .55 x .55 inches (they will only accept the cut in inches). I have some AS which I will use as thermal paste. It cost me .52 plus 12.12 shipping. Details too follow.

    If it works, we could use our new free time by getting together and filing a class action lawsuit. ;)
     
    shelleyevans, Jun 26, 2008
    #150
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