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    Exhaust obstructed by foam tape

    Discussion in 'Alienware M11x' started by slickie88, Aug 6, 2010.

  1. slickie88

    slickie88 Master of Puppets

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    Well, well...

    I just now, after almost 2 months, noticed that my vents are partially obscured by what looks like the foam tape that's supposed to seal the airflow path. Anyone ever accessed the fan area? Not finding any tear down videos that cover that. If I have to I supposed I'll try to trim it as is, but I'd like to see if the seal itself was done properly.

    As you can see, about 15-20% of my exhaust ports are obstructed. Not sure that it's causing heat to build up, but it sure is sloppy. I can't believe I've just now noticed it.
     

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    slickie88, Aug 6, 2010
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  2. ACHlLLES

    ACHlLLES Notebook Virtuoso

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    Mine's like yours, but I'd keep it like it is rather than having a tech come and my system again. I'd wait until there's a real problem. It's a lot of work getting there imo. Just let the warranty take care of what needs to be done when it breaks down.
     
    ACHlLLES, Aug 6, 2010
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  3. outspaced

    outspaced Notebook Consultant

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    Mine is about like that, I think it must be intentional to provide a good seal. It doesn't look like it could be causing any obstruction to the airflow to me.
     
    outspaced, Aug 6, 2010
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  4. slickie88

    slickie88 Master of Puppets

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    slickie88, Aug 6, 2010
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  5. MLM0351

    MLM0351 Notebook Geek

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    Yup, mine is like that as well. Only its very even, as in not buldging in spots or anything.

    I am not concerned or thinking that this is a shoddy build. But it does make ya wonder what the purpose is huh? Maybe holding the vent in place and away from plastic parts.
     
    MLM0351, Aug 6, 2010
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  6. slickie88

    slickie88 Master of Puppets

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    It's purpose it to seal the airflow path on the inside of the fan shroud, which it's probably doing. It's been reported that there are two strips of it in there. In some cases it comes loose over time the fan blades hit the tape leading to temperature issues. In /this/ case it's also obstructing the vents.
     
    slickie88, Aug 6, 2010
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  7. Rawnoodles

    Rawnoodles Notebook Guru

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    yeah its so eazy to open apart the m11x. just make sure u do it with caution. A tecky came in to replace my MB & its eazy as a cake on the walk' :)
     
    Rawnoodles, Aug 6, 2010
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  8. Tedster59

    Tedster59 Notebook Consultant

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    same with mine :(
     
    Tedster59, Aug 6, 2010
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  9. slickie88

    slickie88 Master of Puppets

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    I've torn mine down a number of times already, but the fan housing is part of the lower shell. I haven't seen how to remove that and with as a far apart as I've got it now I'm not seeing anything obvious. Searching YouTubes now.
     
    slickie88, Aug 6, 2010
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  10. Zlog

    Zlog Notebook Deity

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    Mine isn't like that, in fact the foam is all on top of the fins and not in front of them.

    On that note, though, I think you're nitpicking a non-issue. This thing doesn't run hot, so it really doesn't matter.
     
    Zlog, Aug 7, 2010
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  11. jeffreybaks

    jeffreybaks Notebook Deity

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    Im not sure if you have found this or not but there is a video on youtube that disasembles the entire machine down here
     
    jeffreybaks, Aug 7, 2010
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