Thermal Paste?

Which one is the best one to use for M14x and how should I apply it? I've never actually done it before so I'm terrified. And I know there's other how-to applications on other computers, but as I'm really paranoid, a step-by-step guide just for the M14x would be just dandy.

 

I saw a few people recommending IC Diamond..I'm interested in a how-to as well. I've done it on a big mobo, but never to a laptop CPU, and definitely never to a GPU

 

if your scared don't do it. otherwise its pretty easy.... is your tempts to high? mine are perfect with the stock thermal paste. if it gets high then i will re-apply thermal paste.

 

I replaced the TIM on my M14x with this

OCZ Freeze Extreme Thermal Conductivity Compound *EOL - OCZ

I haven't noticed a difference in temps yet...

If you all want a good guide, follow this.....

Thermal Paste and How To Use It

 

Wouldn't suggest it if your not confident. All it takes is a little bad luck, and you drop a tiny screw into a narrow gap of some sort in the laptop, only to have it stuck there under a bunch of intricate hardware that would take hours to disassemble and reassemble.

And then you simply ignore it, and listen to that annoying rattling noise forever whenever you carry your laptop around.

 

It's not about being confident... It's mostly just being organized.

All the screws on the laptop are labeled by a mixture of numbers on the casing. Just label all the screws, keep them together, and follow the guide precisely from the dell website carefully.

It should take no more than an hour to take apart and put back together.

If you can follow directions and label all your screws, you should be fine

 

It's not about labeling screws. If OP is paranoid as he says, he may as well save himself the pain of opening and fiddling with the insides of a 2k system. As he's never done anything of the sort.

Or even better, monitor the temps, and only if it really overheats find a friend to do it.

 

The last time I replaced thermal paste on a laptop I used MX-3. For waterblocks on my desktop, I usually use Noctua's thermal compound, whatever it's called.

There isn't a massive difference between them TBH. As long as you get a name-brand - Noctua, Thermalright, Arctic Silver, etc. - you'll be fine.

 

Unless you short something out, then *boohoo*

 

Mx-4 is good

 

I'll have the IC Diamond because I'll order my m14x with HIDevolution and they offer to replace the thermal paste on both CPU and GPU for $55.

 

That is pretty pricey, but IC does not spread well so if they have to do it, it is not your problem. Thats why I went with mx-4 spreads great.

 

IC diamond seem to be one of the most often recommended thermal paste, people have had great results with it from what I seen in the past. And a lot computer customizing sites uses it.

Personally I use arctic silver 5 cause I were new to thermal paste, and people recommended it. It works wonders in my xps 14. I'm considering IC diamond on my up coming m14x since a lot people had better result with IC diamond than AS5.

To be honest it's harder taking apart the computer and reassembling it than applying the thermal paste. I made a mistake by putting the wrong screw in the wrong slot and it almost pierced my touch key bar. Don't be afraid though, I were all hyped and careless, do your work nice and slow and you should be fine.

The guide TitanGod posted is a good one. Refer to it when you have successfully disassembled it.

 

I disagree to me the thermal paste is harder on the m14x. I have done it. The sandy bridge processor and combined heatsink just make it to where you need to spread it instead of heat sink pressure. As5 is just old and not safe, conducts electricity can fry your boards if your klutzy. There is a new diamond compound that came out I cant remember by who but it spreads a lot better than ic diamond.