(HP Compaq nw8440) Need advice on how to clean fans

Hi, i got some problems with my notebook getting too hot.
It even crashed when i was running Ubuntu Linux because of too high temps.

First i tried the Undervolting guide here: http://notebook-cooling.com/2009/10/guide-undervolting-notebook-laptop-intel-amd/

But even now my notebook reaches a cpu temp. of 90+ C.

So im wondering if someone haves the same or a similar notebook has some advice on how to open the notebook so that i can clean the fan.

 

My nc8430 is pretty much the same computer and I've opened it a few times.

There's couple screws in the bottom with a keyboard sign next to it. Loosen them. Then pull the clips in the top of your keyboard downwards. Keyboard should now lift up gently. Carefully note how the cables are connected and take them out from the motherboard sockets.

You need to unscrew heatsink/fan and then lift it up from the GPU and CPU. Then you are able to clean the heatsink from all the dust. Apply new thermal paste over the GPU and CPU before you reseat the heatsink.

In total there's like 10 screws to open, unlike many consumer models that laptop is very easy to open and clean.

 

Thanks allot for the advice.
Hoping to have a cool running computer once im finished cleaning it.

 

My nc8430 runs rather hot all the time, although it's fitted with only T5600. I recently bought the advanced docking station that lifts laptop a little and allows better airflow. At least my laptop feels a little bit cooler but I haven't yet had time to measure how much.

About same time I stumbled upon this thread: http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=422971

Now I wonder if the Notepal U2 would be good choice because I could place the fan right to the spot where air intake is.

 

You probably need to get rid of all the dust that's accumulated in the machine. I'll shoot air into all of the vents of my nw8440 from time to time (using an air brush such as a rocket blower--NOT compressed air) to get rid of some dust, which seems to work well enough.

If you want to get more thorough, you could remove the keyboard and clean under there. Remove the 2 screws on the bottom that are marked with a keyboard icon, pull out the 4 divider tabs on the top row of the keyboard, and lift the keyboard off (Watch out for the ribbon cables; you really don't need to remove them for cleaning purposes). With the keyboard removed, you should be able to see most of the motherboard. Just use an air brush to remove any dust, as I've stated above.

For now, just clean any dust you see (don't remove the heatsink/fan assembly just yet), and see how well that works.

On a side note, all of the juniors and seniors at my school have nw8440s (I'm a senior). I've run across several nw8440s that ran hot and/or whose fans were running super-hard (harder than usual). We have an on-site help and repair desk at my school, and from what I've heard/experienced, getting the insides cleaned out is all that's really needed. I'm not sure if that involves removing the heatsink/fan assembly and re-applying thermal paste, though.

EDIT: As a reference, the CPU temps are generally between 50-60C under typical use (internet, music, email, office, etc.) As I type this post, I'm currently at 51C with Firefox and a music player running (I'm using CPUID Harware Monitor for the temps). Keep in mind that I'm on an HP docking station (which elevates the notebook somewhat), which may affect the temps somewhat.

 

It's physically impossible to clean dust unless you take out the fan assembly. You can blow air from the outside but it won't help much in the long run. The dust gathered in the heatsink is blown into the fan assembly and when laptop is turned back on, it will eventually end in the heatsink and block the airflow again.

Easiest is to take out first the fan assembly that also covers the GPU and then the bigger heatsink assembly that's connected with the CPU. Dust gathers mainly between those two: that grey carpet at the heatsink is not an airfilter...