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    Applying MX2 on M11x: what is this thing on my chips?

    Discussion in 'Alienware M11x' started by jonjonk, Jul 23, 2010.

  1. jonjonk

    jonjonk Notebook Ninja

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    After disassembling my laptop, I found plastic covers on my chips. Can I remove them? Also, what is that copper colored thing on my Nvidia chip?
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    Did anyone else use MX2? How much did you guys apply?
     
    jonjonk, Jul 23, 2010
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  2. MaxGeek

    MaxGeek Notebook Evangelist

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    The plastic covers that only expose the cores are pretty normal on laptops chips.

    With all thermal compound less is more.
     
    MaxGeek, Jul 23, 2010
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  3. jonjonk

    jonjonk Notebook Ninja

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    can I remove the plastic covers to clean the thermal paste? If so, can it be put back on? First time seeing those covers lol
     
    jonjonk, Jul 23, 2010
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  4. Inate8

    Inate8 Notebook Guru

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    You've never applied thermal paste before and you choose a laptop to be your first victim? Interesting. Chips those size should only need a small line(about the size of a grain of rice) diagonal, or horizontal, it's up to you and the pressure points of the hold downs.

    I would assume those plastic covers are there to prevent accidental contact with something, or to help discourage the over use of thermal paste and having it seep onto the rest of the chip.
     
    Inate8, Jul 23, 2010
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  5. jonjonk

    jonjonk Notebook Ninja

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    It's the first time I have ever seen those plastic covers, not the first time applying thermal paste. It is, however, my first time using MX2. Since a lot of people have disagreements on whether or not to spread MX2, I just wanted to know what other people did on their M11x for the maximum benefit possible. MX2 seems to be more solid than other tube thermal compounds.
     
    jonjonk, Jul 23, 2010
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  6. MaxGeek

    MaxGeek Notebook Evangelist

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    The plastic covers should be sticky on the other side, so you can remove them and reapply them.

    The correct way to put thermal paste on an exposed core is to thinly spread an even lay over the core with a flat edge (razor blade, credit card). Again, less is more.
     
    MaxGeek, Jul 23, 2010
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  7. jonjonk

    jonjonk Notebook Ninja

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    got it done. Took forever looking for a lost screw lol I hate how you have to disassemble the entire laptop just to apply thermal. So inconvenient.
     
    jonjonk, Jul 23, 2010
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  8. MaxGeek

    MaxGeek Notebook Evangelist

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    Yeah, but thats impressive that you got it done. I think this is the case for most laptops especially small ones. They have to design it to be compact before making it easy to service. Considering the chips can't be replaced, you have to remove the MB anyway if there is a problem.
     
    MaxGeek, Jul 23, 2010
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  9. PSYCHOTRON

    PSYCHOTRON Notebook Consultant

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    I want to do this to mine as well but its scary lol. Its been good with a few gadgets but never a laptop.
     
    PSYCHOTRON, Jul 23, 2010
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  10. vengance_01

    vengance_01 Notebook Deity

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    Please let me know if you notice any drop in temperatures.
     
    vengance_01, Jul 23, 2010
    #10