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    Would someone be so kind as to explain how to get to the graphics card in my 1520

    Discussion in 'Dell' started by demonhotrod, Oct 27, 2009.

  1. demonhotrod

    demonhotrod Notebook Evangelist

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    I've followed the instructions provided by Dell and have it at this point:

    http://img269.imageshack.us/img269/9061/dsc00072bpj.jpg

    I know the card is located under the big "metal thing" that says PUSH HERE, I've loosened all the screws off (3 are used to secure it to the motherboard, 4 others are used to secure the metal thing to another, smaller board) but i can't seem to separate the smaller circuit board from the metal...and the last thing I want to do is force it too much and break it.

    EDIT: I should probably make myself a bit clearer, I can remove the metal thing, smaller circuit board and heatsink from the system so that im left with just the component but I can't get "inside/under" the metal surround

    If anyone that has some first hand experience in doing it and could give me a (e-)hand then it'd be much appreciated! Thanks

    Oh and before anyone asks, im doing this so that I can apply some thermal compound to it, i've been told it was a good idea to do if i can
     
    demonhotrod, Oct 27, 2009
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  2. demonhotrod

    demonhotrod Notebook Evangelist

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    My thermal compound arrived today so if anyone is able to help (or tell me how I go about adding some to my 8600M GT if my first method was wrong) then please do!

    Thanks

    EDIT: I got some IC Diamond 7 if anyone is interested
     
    demonhotrod, Oct 29, 2009
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  3. SomeFormOFhuman

    SomeFormOFhuman has the dumbest username.

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    You'll have to lift apart the spreader slowly away from the PCB. Though you have loosened the screws, it'll be "stuck" to it as you have mentioned, due to the fact the default thermal paste that Dell put onto has dried and sticks onto the underside of the spreader's copper sheet, that comes into contact of your GPU core.

    You'll have to pry them apart slowly and carefully. The same goes to my Inspiron 1720, start from the connector (more exposed thus, easier to pry from)

    Do also remember there are 4 torx screws that secures the PCB to the spreader, marked by 1,2,3,4 diagonally, so deal with that first before slowly prying them apart, if you haven't. You'll need a torx screwdriver.

    Good luck.
     
    SomeFormOFhuman, Oct 29, 2009
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  4. demonhotrod

    demonhotrod Notebook Evangelist

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    Cheers for that, when I take my notebook apart later i'll check it out.
    The torx screws you speak of, they are star shaped right? I've loosened them off in the past so I should be ok, I just didnt want to force anything just in case i broke it
     
    demonhotrod, Oct 29, 2009
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  5. raduque

    raduque Notebook Evangelist

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    You can stick a credit card between the GPU board and the heatpipe to break the bond. A credit card will be damaged before the GPU or heatpipe unit.
     
    raduque, Oct 30, 2009
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