How to clean a laptop from dust

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

If the laptop burns your knees even when working in Word, and in games it turns off altogether, then it's time to clean up.

For complete cleaning, the laptop will have to be partially or completely disassembled. Most manufacturers refuse warranty service if signs of disassembly are found. So if the warranty has not expired, proceed at your own risk.

1. Prepare tools and materials

You will need the following:

• screwdriver;
• mediator;
• brush;
• compressed air cylinder;
• thermal paste;
• dry napkins - optional;
• colored stickers-bookmarks - optional.

2. Find instructions for disassembling the laptop

Almost all laptops have the same design. But some models have differences that are best known. Therefore, before proceeding, search for a video of your computer disassembly on YouTube and read it carefully.

In order not to make mistakes when assembling, often take photos during disassembly and check with them.

3. Remove the battery

Turn off your computer. Slide the latch and disconnect the battery. This will save the components from static electricity. In addition, in almost all laptops, the battery interferes with removing the cover and hides the fastening screws.

On some models, the non-removable battery is located under the cover. In this case, you need to disconnect the battery cable from the motherboard after removing the back panel.

4. Pull out the RAM

Unscrew the screws on the quick access cover and remove it. Carefully bend the clamping antennae on the RAM strips and pull the lifted boards out of the connectors.

5. Remove the hard drive

Unscrew the fixing screws of the hard drive that is next to it. Slide the disc to the side to disconnect it from the connector, remove it and set it aside.

6. Remove the optical drive

Try removing the drive, if present. If it doesn't work, look for the mounting screws next to it and unscrew them.

7. Remove the back cover

Use a screwdriver to unscrew all the screws on the rear panel. Mark with colored stickers the places with screws of different lengths.

Or lay out the screws on the lid and take a photo.

Check that there are no fasteners under the rubber feet. Take a close look at the entire rear of the laptop, drive bay and side edges. Make sure all screws are removed.

Pry off the cover with a plectrum or a plastic card in several places around the perimeter of the case and remove it.

8. Remove the front panel

If the cooler and heatsink on your laptop are under the back cover, then skip to the next step. If not, you will have to remove the front panel to get to the cooling system.

Pry the latches around the perimeter of the keyboard with a pick and gently lift. Pick up the latches of the cables going to it with a pick, unfasten them and remove the keyboard.

Remove all screws from the bottom and unfasten the rest of the cables.

Pry the front panel with a pick and carefully remove it.

9. Remove and clean the cooler

Hook the latch on the power cord connector and pull it out. Unscrew the fixing screws and take out the cooler.

Brush off the dust from the blades and wipe them with a tissue.

10. Clean the radiator

Use a toothpick to pick up any loose dust that is covering the radiator honeycomb and remove the debris.

Blow out the grate with compressed air or, at worst, with your mouth. It is best not to use a vacuum cleaner due to the risk of static build-up.

11. Replace thermal grease

At the same time, since the laptop is disassembled, it is convenient to replace the thermal paste. Especially if you have never done this in the past 2-3 years or more. Over time, the thermal interface dries up, heat dissipation deteriorates, and the computer overheats. Replacing the thermal paste with a fresh one will fix this problem.

If the chips of the processor and video cards are visible after removing the back cover, you can immediately start replacing. In other cases, you will have to remove the motherboard to get to the cooling system.

To do this, unscrew all fastening screws and disconnect the cables. Gently pry the board with a pick and remove it from the case. You may need to move it first.

When the heat pipes of the system are in front of you, remove them and replace the thermal interface according to our separate detailed instructions.

12. Assemble the laptop

When everything is ready, reassemble the parts in reverse order. Install the motherboard, connect all the cables. Replace the cooler, replace the front panel and keyboard. Install an optical drive, hard drive, RAM.

Replace all the back cover screws and connect the battery.