Proper way to clean out vents on a P-7805u?

Hello, I own a p-7805u that gets pretty hot when running GPU intensive games. I got it used, so I figure it needs the vents blown out with compressed air. I was wondering how best to do it. Do I just remove the back panel and spray into the vents? I'd appreciate a thorough explanation, treat me like a newb, I have no clue what to do, thanks.

 

It takes around 5-10 minutes to remove the back panel. The can of air should have a thin, long nozzle so you can direct it into the fans and make it face away from the components. As you press, you'll usually see the thin layers of dust on your fans blow away if they haven't been cleaned. Don't underestimate how much dust can enter your laptop every few weeks.

 

I just spray through the vents.

 

As I've said before:

Prevent the fan from spinning before you blow the air. Compressed air makes the fan spin much faster than intended and there is a high chance you'll ruin the bearings. A straightened paper clip usually works if you cannot reach fan with a finger.

Also, if you decide to open the laptop it's a good idea to clean fan blades with a brush* and change the thermal paste too.

*old toothbrush works great

I haven't actually seen that laptop live, those are just general advices.

 

So is it best to spray into the vents, or into the fan?

 

Ideally would be to open the system altogether to properly clean it.
But if you just want to use an air can, spray the exhaust holes (opposite direction of the normal airflow) so the dust bunnies will detach from the heatsink fins.

 

I did a total Laptop disassembly three times since I bought it 3 years ago.

Follow this guide http://forum.notebookreview.com/gat...embly-guide-covers-all-17in-fx-notebooks.html
and apply some TIM to your GPU and CPU, preferably ICD7.

Low temps = longer life on your laptop's components

Occasionally, about once a month, I'll spray the air vents with a compressed air can. And yes, I do change my CPU's thermal paste more often, as my x9100's temps go much higher than my GPU's when OC'd to 3.325 Ghz.

 

My system is stock, so the CPU runs cool, its just the GPU. I'd put some TIM on the GPU, but kinda nervous since I don't wanna pay to replace it if something goes wrong. Are you using the stock AC adapter, can it supply enough power with an OC on both the CPU and GPU?

 

Heh, I was nervous about doing the whole "taking apart expensive piece of equipment which might break" too the first time, don't worry though it's not as big of a deal as you think it is now.

The benefits that you will gets from having a dust and dirt free Laptop will amaze you, and like I said before; longer lifetime.

Yes I have the stock AC adapter and it runs both the GPU and CPU overclocked with no problems, although I feel that I am pushing it to the limit @1920x1200 (It was automatically shutting off when running @ 720 core OC, had to lower it to 710 to prevent crashes). Other than that it holds up great on my Plasma TV's 720p native resolution, with 2 USB hard drives connected and a splitter usb with my wireless mouse, my wireless keyboard, my wireless xbox360 controller and my stereo 3d emitter connected all at the same time.

Just follow the guide I posted above step by step, possibly while looking at it on another laptop, or other portable device with web browser. Do each step and keep track of all the screws, while always treating everything gently.

As long as you don't use brute force to get to your motherboard you should be fine and I definitely recommend it.

 

Taking apart a laptop just to clean the vents seems quite tedious for just dust. I mean doing it once a year is fine as compressed air won't get out all the dust, but for the most part I think it isn't necessary.

I have also taken apart my p7801u before, and although i was very nervous when I first did it, I managed to do it without a hitch and replaced the paste and cleaned the dust with alcohol. BUT it takes a lot of time and concentration, and for most purposes just taking a monthly blow with compressed air should suffice keeping most of the dust out.

Yes, just blow into the vents with the compressed air should get rid of the dust. Make sure your fan is not running btw. I used to blow into it with the fan running with my old toshiba and now the fan isn't working anymore. Also, it helps to blow both coutnerclockwise and clockwise to get rid of dust on both sides of the blades.

 

Take off the fan. Put it in alcohol [90% and above] for 15 seconds. Clean it with a cloth napkin or q-tip. Wait for it to dry or dry it with a blow drier on low-moderate heat. Done :]

 

I'm lucky to have a compressor..saves a lot on canned air. Also have a cheap rig for using bulk co2 if any you guys into paint ball/air rifles.

As chil625, use a toothpick or plastic nozzle to jam that fan from over rev.
I got dogs kats kids so its just amazing what gets blown out.

As the OP mentioned, yes blow into the vents, remove panels to let the stuff escape easier. With more air , I hit the fan to dislodge but big pieces of hairballs have to come out the panels, the fins are too close together except for fine dust.