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    Disassembling laptop...should I reapply the TIM?

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by tsuki2000, Apr 17, 2010.

  1. tsuki2000

    tsuki2000 Notebook Enthusiast

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    I'm disassembling my Gateway P-7805u FX to replace a broken part. I noticed when I removed the CPU heatsink that there's some old, dried TIM on there (I'm NOT talking about the TIM pad on the North Bridge...not even going to touch that).

    Anyway, I put the heatsink back for now since I don't have the part yet (not running the laptop until I fix it). When I get the part and actually go to fix it, though, should I remove the old TIM and reapply some new stuff? I've got some extra Arctic MX-2 sitting around that I could use.

    Also, if I should replace it, how should I do so? A tiny amount on the CPU/heatsink and just tighten it down so it will spread?


    Sorry if this seems like a stupid question...I have zero experience with tinkering around inside laptops. I'm more of a desktop person.
     
    tsuki2000, Apr 17, 2010
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  2. SoundOf1HandClapping

    SoundOf1HandClapping Was once a Forge

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    Yes.

    10chars
     
    SoundOf1HandClapping, Apr 17, 2010
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  3. flipfire

    flipfire Moderately Boss

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    Definitely yes if the paste is dried up.

    Notebooks heatsinks dont put down as much retention force compared to desktops so i suggest applying a rice grain amount and spreading a thin layer over the chip using a sharp edge.

    Its not that much different from a desktop.
     
    flipfire, Apr 17, 2010
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