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    Time to replace the Thermal Paste ?

    Discussion in 'Alienware M11x' started by Vallejo, Jul 9, 2011.

  1. Vallejo

    Vallejo Notebook Consultant

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    Hello guys, I just would want to know after how much time I would have to replace the thermal paste on my m11x (especially now that I have had it for about a year and 2 months). I have read on the Internet that some guys recomend to replace it once per year. Others say that it should be replaced once each 3-5 years, and others say that never...

    Considering that is a gaming laptop I think the thermal paste is wasted faster 'cause it generates more heat when gaming.

    So, what you guys think ? When should WE (Because I'm sure some of you will found this thread usefull and some will follow tips they are about to comment) replace the thermal paste; and what thermal paste should be the best one for the m11x, or just a nice thermal paste that you would recommend us.

    Thanks :)
     
    Vallejo, Jul 9, 2011
    #1
  2. Steven

    Steven God Amongst Mere Mortals

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    If your system is overheating or getting very hot than its time to replace the thermal paste. Everybody will give you different times as to when to replace your thermal paste but whenever your system is running hot, that's usually the first sign of "Hey! Give me something to cool down!"

    I have a M15X currently but, I don't do any heavy gaming and certainly no portability with this guy but I have not had any heat issues so that's why I don't even bother replacing the paste yet.
     
    Steven, Jul 9, 2011
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  3. Vallejo

    Vallejo Notebook Consultant

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    Oh, I see. Well actually my m11x is still running smoothly and cold :) So the time to replace the thermal paste is not yet here .
     
    Vallejo, Jul 10, 2011
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  4. Rodster

    Rodster Merica

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    ^^^ This

    Also don't forget to check for clogged (excessive dust) air vents. That is the #1 contributor in laptops to a hot running machine, not thermal paste. I have a Dell laptop that was running excessively hot. I replaced the thermal paste, made little difference. It wasn't until I checked and cleaned the vents that the temps went way way down. ;)
     
    Rodster, Jul 10, 2011
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  5. hermitmaster

    hermitmaster Notebook Consultant

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    Crack it open, clean the heatsink, and throw in some new paste. I used MX-4 when I did mine. Dropped about 5C off of load temps on CPU and GPU.
     
    hermitmaster, Jul 10, 2011
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  6. Vallejo

    Vallejo Notebook Consultant

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    Yea, actually I clean my m11x about once each 4-6 months of dust :)

    Is it really worth to waste some bucks in the thermal paste to drop 5C even if my m11x runs any game (With my homemade cooler) between 40-50C? Or i should wait until my m11x gets higher temps ?
     
    Vallejo, Jul 10, 2011
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  7. outspaced

    outspaced Notebook Consultant

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    I second this! I sucked the dust out of mine with vacuum cleaner nozzle through the intake.
     
    outspaced, Jul 12, 2011
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  8. ejohnson

    ejohnson Is that lemon zest?

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    I just put some new paste on mine last night cause I noticed the palm rest was getting warmer than it used to. Runs ice cold again. Its time consuming, but not very hard to do.

    I clean out the fans and detail the computer every monday morning at work at 5am (theres not much to do at 5am at work)
     
    ejohnson, Jul 12, 2011
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  9. potentiality

    potentiality Notebook Consultant

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    I would like to replace mine on my r3(fan activates too early). I have some of the Diamond IC I have been itching to try since best on market supposedly. Im pretty experienced with takedown. However, will it be noticeable (ie Void warranty).
     
    potentiality, Jul 17, 2011
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