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My Dell XPS L401X is overheating really badly. It gets so hot that it'll burn the skin and sometimes it'll just shut the laptop down.

1) is there a guide to opening the laptop? i want to get rid of the dust, but i can't figure out how to open it up.

2) is there a guide to applying thermal paste? i read this is a huge help, but i don't know much about this type of stuff.

thank you!

by the way, sorry about the other threads... for some reason, it wouldn't show the text.

 

1) Documentation

hopefully this link will lead you to the right place. Opening up the laptop isn't an easy job. I've never held a L401x but opening up the l501x has always been annoying for me. It just takes a lil patience. Follow the guide as it says.

2) http://www.arcticsilver.com/pdf/appmeth/int/ss/intel_app_method_surface_spread_v1.1.pdf i guess this is a guide on applying thermal paste.

It's really quite simple. After you remove the fan/heat pipe assembly, the processor / gpu will be exposed and it will probably be a good idea to do reapply thermal paste for both gpu and cpu.

i like to use either isopropyl alcohol or windex works too and clear off the existing thermal paste. then follow the guide.
id write more , but google is a great place to find guides and pictures. applying thermal paste is pretty much the same no matter wat computer u have.

also, there might be a dust filter on the bottom of ur laptop (on the inside; you'll see it after you open up the computer. if you remove that, air flow will significantly increase, meaning a cooler laptop.

also, check if you still have warranty. if you do, contact dell support and they might send a technician to help you