HP G71t-300 Thermal Paste Replacement

Introduction

The thermal paste is usually replaced in conjunction with the cooling fan. Therefore it is a good idea to replace the thermal paste while the laptop is being disassembled to save time.

What you need

Step 1 Keyboard

HP G71t-300 Thermal Paste Replacement, Keyboard: step 1, image 1 of 3

HP G71t-300 Thermal Paste Replacement, Keyboard: step 1, image 2 of 3

HP G71t-300 Thermal Paste Replacement, Keyboard: step 1, image 3 of 3

Tool used on this step:

Anti-Static Wrist Strap

$7.95

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Ground yourself by either touching an unpainted metal surface or by using the Anti-Static wrist strap.
Turn off the computer and remove the charger from the charging port.
Turn the laptop over and slide the battery release catch to the right. The battery will pop up from its slot. Remove it using your fingers.

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Step 2

Use a Phillips #0 screwdriver to remove the four screws from the indicated cover.
Gently lift and remove the cover.

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Step 3

Remove the five 6mm screws with the Phillips #0 screwdriver.

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Step 4

Pry the keyboard off with a spudger. Be careful not to apply too much pressure and damage any components.

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Step 5

Disconnect the clip attaching the keyboard wiring to the motherboard. Lift and remove the keyboard.

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Step 6 Cooling Fan

HP G71t-300 Thermal Paste Replacement, Cooling Fan: step 6, image 1 of 3

HP G71t-300 Thermal Paste Replacement, Cooling Fan: step 6, image 2 of 3

HP G71t-300 Thermal Paste Replacement, Cooling Fan: step 6, image 3 of 3

Use a Phillips #0 screwdriver to remove the 6mm screw from the top panel.
Gently lift and remove the panel. Use a metal spudger if the it seems set in place.

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Step 7

Use a Phillips #0 screwdriver to remove the 6mm screw for the Wi-Fi module cover.
Remove the cover.

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Step 8

Remove all fourteen 6mm screws using a Phillips #0 screwdriver.

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Step 9

Partially separate the two panels until connectors are visible.
Unclip the wires that attach the trackpad module to the motherboard.

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Step 10

Remove the five highlighted screws using a Phillips #0 screwdriver.

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Step 11

Disconnect the five cables by gently pulling them from their slots.

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Step 12

Press a metal spudger between the VGA port and the plastic housing to pry up the motherboard.
Remove the motherboard and turn it so that the fan is facing upward.

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Step 13

HP G71t-300 Thermal Paste Replacement: step 13, image 3 of 3

Use a Phillips #0 screwdriver to loosen the three screws attaching the heatsink to the motherboard.
Remove the heatsink and fan assembly by unclipping the fan from the motherboard.

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Step 14 Thermal Paste

HP G71t-300 Thermal Paste Replacement, Thermal Paste: step 14, image 1 of 2

HP G71t-300 Thermal Paste Replacement, Thermal Paste: step 14, image 2 of 2

Gently wipe the thermal paste off of the processor and heatsink using an alcohol pad or damp cloth. Let the components dry for a few minutes.
Apply a pea sized amount of thermal paste to the processor and heatsink. Keep the paste thick to prevent forming air bubbles and reducing thermal performance.

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