CAUTION: Before you begin the following procedure, follow the safety instructions in the Product Information Guide.
NOTICE: To avoid electrostatic discharge, ground yourself by using a wrist grounding strap or by periodically touching an unpainted metal surface (such as the back panel) on the computer.
NOTICE: To help prevent damage to the system board, remove the main battery (see Before Working Inside Your Computer) before working inside the computer.
NOTE: The thermal-cooling assembly differs in appearance depending on your computer's video configuration. To determine your computer's video configuration, see "Determining Your Computer's Configuration" in the Owner's Manual for your computer.
Loosen in consecutive order the four captive screws, labeled "1" through "4," that secure the
thermal-cooling assembly to the system board.
NOTE: If the thermal-cooling assembly in your computer has a fifth screw and securing clip, go to step 7. Otherwise, skip to step 8.
At the end of the thermal-cooling assembly that extends over the video card, loosen the separate
single captive screw and disengage the securing loop. Lift the mylar tape on the thermal-cooling
assembly from the top of the fan, but do not remove the tape from the assembly.
Lift the thermal-cooling assembly and remove it from the system board.
1
mylar tape
2
captive screws (4)
3
thermal-cooling assembly
4
captive screw (1) (present only on computers with discrete video)
5
securing loop (present only on computers with discrete video)
Replacing the Thermal-Cooling Assembly
If you are installing a new thermal-cooling assembly, place new thermal pads on the thermal-cooling
assembly, or if you are installing a new processor, place a new thermal pad on the thermal-cooling
assembly at the point that covers the processor:
Remove the backing from the new thermal pad, taking care not to tear the pad.
NOTE: You can place the new thermal pads directly on any existing thermal pads already installed on the thermal-cooling assembly. It is not necessary to remove an existing pad or to clean the surface.
On the underside of the thermal-cooling assembly, place the thermal pad(s)' adhesive-side on top
of the old pad, and press it into place.
1
thermal pads (3)
2
underside of thermal-cooling assembly
NOTE: When replacing the thermal-cooling assembly, hold up the mylar flap on the thermal-cooling assembly so that the flap rests on top of the fan when the thermal-cooling assembly is in place.
Place the thermal-cooling assembly over the processor.
Tighten the four captive screws, labeled "1" through "4," in consecutive order.
If present, tighten the single captive screw and engage the securing loop over the video card.
