Framework Laptop 16 Graphics Module Thermal Pad Installation

Use a few drops of high concentration (>90%) isopropyl alcohol and a lint-free cloth to wipe away the thermal compound residue.

Repeat the previous step for the thermal compound residue on the bottom of the heatsink.

Peel off the clear liner from the thermal pad to expose one side of it.

Place the exposed side of the thermal pad over the CPU.

Use your finger to lightly press the thermal pad to the GPU and bond it.

Remove the green liner from the thermal pad to expose its top side.

Align your heatsink over the CPU and place it straight down onto the Mainboard.

Use your Framework Screwdriver to tighten the captive T5 Torx screws securing the Graphics Module Heatsink:

Tighten the captive screws directly over the GPU in order from 4–1.

Tighten the captive screw at the bottom left corner of the heatsink.

Place the right fan onto the Expansion Bay Shell, making sure to thread the cable through its slot.

Use a T5 Torx screwdriver to tighten the four captive screws securing the right fan.

Use your fingers to grip the brown pull tab and slide the right fan cable straight into its socket.

Use the flat end of your Framework Screwdriver, or a clean fingernail, to press down the locking tab on the fan ZIF connector.

Place the left fan onto the Expansion Bay Shell, making sure to thread the cable through its slot.

Use a T5 Torx screwdriver to tighten the four captive screws securing the left fan.

Use your fingers to grip the brown pull tab and slide the left fan cable straight into its socket.

Use the flat end of your Framework Screwdriver, or a clean fingernail, to press down the locking tab on the fan ZIF connector.

Place the cover over its slot on the Graphics Module.

Use your Framework Screwdriver to install the four 3.6 mm‑long T5 Torx screws securing the Graphics Module cover:

Two screws on the flat surface of the module, next to the fans.

Two screws on the thin edge of the module, near the ends. You'll need to flip the module on its back edge to access them.