Question(s): Razer Blade Pro 17.3" (2016 - 6700hq | gtx 1080)

I have read through a lot of the owner's thread and am aware of most of the common problems. I have the option to buy a 'like new' version of this laptop for about the same price of a mid-tier gtx 1070 laptop. The rbp obviously has form factor superiority. But it will have an older, hotter, and slower cpu. I am also wary of a used rbp, just given how many times you read about hardware issues. So here are my questions:

1) Have average people (i.e., not modding experts) been successful in performing basic cooling mods to this machine?
1.1) If not and it would need a more skilled modder, does anyone have a point of reference for availability and cost to pay someone to do the mods?
2) Are there any specific hardware issues I can check for during the test run? I'll look for rattling fans, display issues, etc.
3) What would you pay for this machine at this point in time?

 

I wouldn't pay more than 1500 for a used 1080 RBP, especially not knowing how it has been used, if it has been overheated, etc. Modding...there is nothing to mod on this computer. You WILL have to take it completely apart to redo the thermal compound, and I always recommend liquid metal thermal compound (liquid ultra is my go to). Set aside about 2 hours to do it, and take your time, take photos, you will be fine I promise. Mods you can do without any opening include using intel XTU to undervolt the CPU and intel GPU to reduce power consumption/heat generation. You can also use MSI afterburner to adjust the clockspeed/voltages of your GTX 1080. I was able to overclock and undervolt my GTX 1060 by a good bit. combined with liquid metal and proper ventilation, CPU never breaks mid 60s and GPU never breaks low 70s under extended usage, which is way better than the stock setup where the CPU used to bounce off high 80s/low90s and the GPU throttling to hell to control its temperatures.