Yesterday my laptop decided it wanted a coffee, not good. In the process of taking apart and cleaning it up I pulled out the heatsink and it was clogged.
Before I start, if you are not confident with doing this...don't. Take your laptop in and have it cleaned.
This is a guide for a dell yours will be slightly different.
Things you will need.
- thermal paste (available at any computer store)
First remove the battery.
Now remove the access screws
Once the panel is open you will have access to the Heatsink.
In mine it is held down by 5 screws, remove these.
You now can see the CPU.
Vacuum the interior and the radiator part of the heatsink.
Using isopropyl alcohol and q-tips clean the old thermal paste from the CPU and mating area on the heat sink. Take your time, do not scrape the CPU with anything and do not press too hard.
Nice and clean.
Allow all of the alcohol to evaporate.
Now apply the new thermal compound thinly and evenly.
Reattach the heatsink. Do this in stages following the numbers. Start by just having the screws grab. Then go around again tightening about half way. Continue until snug, DO NOT OVER TIGHTEN.
Reinstall the access cover and battery.
Enjoy a computer that runs cooler and faster.
Happy hitting.