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    How do you clean the fan.

    Discussion in 'Alienware M11x' started by chumanji9, Feb 7, 2011.

  1. chumanji9

    chumanji9 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Like the title says. How do you clean the fans on the M11x.
     
  2. kent1146

    kent1146 Notebook Prophet

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    Best way is to remove the bottom panel, and use compressed air to blow dust OUT of the system.

    If you do not remove the bottom panel and just use compressed air, the dust will just blow IN to the system, and end up clogging up other components. Always blow dust OUT of the system.
     
  3. slickie88

    slickie88 Master of Puppets

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    What does removing the bottom access plate really do in terms of providing a better way to blow dust out of the system? The part that covers the fan assembly and air channel is no more open or exposed than when that cover is left on.
     
  4. kent1146

    kent1146 Notebook Prophet

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    My mistake. You are correct. I was not looking at the M11x when I posted (I was thinking of my previous laptop)

    Removing the bottom panel would not help very much. You would really need to do more extensive disassembly of the laptop in order to get to the fan assembly. If there is an actual problem associated with a clogged fan (versus just a desire to keep things clean) , then you might be able to call Alienware and have them send out a tech to do the work and replace the fan assembly.
     
  5. MousePotato

    MousePotato Notebook Enthusiast

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    I borrow my g/f's cosmetic brush when she's not looking and use it to clean my fan heheh ^_^
     
  6. kent1146

    kent1146 Notebook Prophet

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    That's ok. She borrows your M11x and uses it as a hammer when she needs to pound a nail in.
     
  7. keftih

    keftih Notebook Evangelist

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    You need to remove the remove the bottom panel, unscrew the the two keyboard screws under the battery, then flip the laptop over and remove the keyboard. Now you have access to the fan. Most people just spray the dust off of the fans, but you can use a moist q-tip if you want to be really thorough.