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How to Replace the Thermal Pad in your Framework Desktop

Introduction

Follow this guide to replace the thermal pad covering the APU.

The Honeywell thermal phase change interface material (the thermal pad) shouldn't dry out and need to be replaced by itself. However, if you need to remove or replace the heatsink, you can follow this guide to apply a new thermal pad.

What you need

  1. How to Replace the Thermal Pad in your Framework Desktop, Power down your Desktop: step 1, image 1 of 3 How to Replace the Thermal Pad in your Framework Desktop, Power down your Desktop: step 1, image 2 of 3 How to Replace the Thermal Pad in your Framework Desktop, Power down your Desktop: step 1, image 3 of 3

    • Before you begin repairs, shut down your desktop from the operating system and unplug it.

    • Wait one minute before continuing to allow your Desktop to fully power down.

    • Make sure your Framework Desktop Screwdriver has the Phillips #2 bit (labeled as PH2) facing outwards. If it's not, pull the bit out and flip it.

    Edit

  2. How to Replace the Thermal Pad in your Framework Desktop, Remove the Handle: step 2, image 1 of 3 How to Replace the Thermal Pad in your Framework Desktop, Remove the Handle: step 2, image 2 of 3 How to Replace the Thermal Pad in your Framework Desktop, Remove the Handle: step 2, image 3 of 3

    • If you installed the Handle on your Desktop, follow this step. Otherwise, skip it.

    • Rotate the Handle's screw threads counterclockwise on both sides until it comes free.

    • Remove the Handle.

    Edit

  3. How to Replace the Thermal Pad in your Framework Desktop, Remove the Top Panel screws: step 3, image 1 of 3 How to Replace the Thermal Pad in your Framework Desktop, Remove the Top Panel screws: step 3, image 2 of 3 How to Replace the Thermal Pad in your Framework Desktop, Remove the Top Panel screws: step 3, image 3 of 3

    • Use your finger to lift up the two D-rings on the Top Panel screws.

    Edit

  4. How to Replace the Thermal Pad in your Framework Desktop: step 4, image 1 of 3 How to Replace the Thermal Pad in your Framework Desktop: step 4, image 2 of 3 How to Replace the Thermal Pad in your Framework Desktop: step 4, image 3 of 3

    • Use your fingers to twist the screw counter-clockwise and loosen it.

    • Remove the Top Panel screw.

    Edit

  5. How to Replace the Thermal Pad in your Framework Desktop: step 5, image 1 of 3 How to Replace the Thermal Pad in your Framework Desktop: step 5, image 2 of 3 How to Replace the Thermal Pad in your Framework Desktop: step 5, image 3 of 3

    • Repeat the same procedure for the other Top Panel screw.

    Edit

  6. How to Replace the Thermal Pad in your Framework Desktop, Remove the Top Panel: step 6, image 1 of 3 How to Replace the Thermal Pad in your Framework Desktop, Remove the Top Panel: step 6, image 2 of 3 How to Replace the Thermal Pad in your Framework Desktop, Remove the Top Panel: step 6, image 3 of 3

    • Slide the Top Panel towards the rear of the computer to release the clips securing it to the chassis.

    • If you're having a hard time gripping the Top Panel, use the screw holes to get a better handhold.

    • Lift the Top Panel off the chassis and remove it.

    Edit

  7. How to Replace the Thermal Pad in your Framework Desktop, Remove the Left Panel: step 7, image 1 of 3 How to Replace the Thermal Pad in your Framework Desktop, Remove the Left Panel: step 7, image 2 of 3 How to Replace the Thermal Pad in your Framework Desktop, Remove the Left Panel: step 7, image 3 of 3

    • Use your fingers to grip the top of the Left Panel and slide it upward to release its clips.

    • Remove the Left Panel.

    Edit

  8. How to Replace the Thermal Pad in your Framework Desktop, Lay down the Desktop: step 8, image 1 of 2 How to Replace the Thermal Pad in your Framework Desktop, Lay down the Desktop: step 8, image 2 of 2

    • Lay down the Desktop on its side so the fan is facing upward.

    Edit

  9. How to Replace the Thermal Pad in your Framework Desktop, Disconnect the fan: step 9, image 1 of 2 How to Replace the Thermal Pad in your Framework Desktop, Disconnect the fan: step 9, image 2 of 2

    • Use your fingers to lift the APU fan cable connector off its four‑pronged socket on the Mainboard.

    Edit

  10. How to Replace the Thermal Pad in your Framework Desktop: step 10, image 1 of 2 How to Replace the Thermal Pad in your Framework Desktop: step 10, image 2 of 2

    • If you aren't using an RGB fan, then skip this step.

    • Use your fingers to lift the fan RGB cable connector off its three‑pronged socket on the Mainboard.

    Edit

  11. How to Replace the Thermal Pad in your Framework Desktop, Remove the CPU fan screws: step 11, image 1 of 2 How to Replace the Thermal Pad in your Framework Desktop, Remove the CPU fan screws: step 11, image 2 of 2

    • Use your Framework Desktop Screwdriver to remove the four 27.3 mm‑long Phillips screws securing the CPU fan and fan duct.

    Edit

  12. How to Replace the Thermal Pad in your Framework Desktop, Remove the fan duct: step 12, image 1 of 2 How to Replace the Thermal Pad in your Framework Desktop, Remove the fan duct: step 12, image 2 of 2

    • Lift the fan duct off the fan and remove it.

    Edit

  14. How to Replace the Thermal Pad in your Framework Desktop, Remove the fan: step 13, image 1 of 3 How to Replace the Thermal Pad in your Framework Desktop, Remove the fan: step 13, image 2 of 3 How to Replace the Thermal Pad in your Framework Desktop, Remove the fan: step 13, image 3 of 3

    • Lift the fan out of the chassis, making sure the cables thread through the side of the heatsink.

    Edit

  15. Careful: steps 14-20 are sourced from a guide that's marked as in-progress.

    How to Replace the Thermal Pad in your Framework Desktop, Loosen the heatsink screws: step 14, image 1 of 2 How to Replace the Thermal Pad in your Framework Desktop, Loosen the heatsink screws: step 14, image 2 of 2

    • Use your Framework Desktop Screwdriver to loosen the final captive Phillips screw jutting out under the Primary Storage.

    • Use your Framework Desktop Screwdriver to loosen the four captive Phillips screws securing the heatsink in an "X" pattern starting with the top left screw.

    • Only loosen the screws a few turns at a time to avoid applying uneven pressure to the APU.

    • In order: top left→ bottom right→ bottom left→ top right

    Edit

  16. How to Replace the Thermal Pad in your Framework Desktop, Remove the heatsink: step 15, image 1 of 3 How to Replace the Thermal Pad in your Framework Desktop, Remove the heatsink: step 15, image 2 of 3 How to Replace the Thermal Pad in your Framework Desktop, Remove the heatsink: step 15, image 3 of 3

    • Lift the heatsink and tilt it up towards the front of the Desktop to navigate it out of the chassis.

    • Remove the heatsink and rest it on your work area upside down to avoid damaging the thermal pads.

    Edit

  17. How to Replace the Thermal Pad in your Framework Desktop, Thermal pad information: step 16, image 1 of 2 How to Replace the Thermal Pad in your Framework Desktop, Thermal pad information: step 16, image 2 of 2

    • There are two types of thermal pads in the Desktop:

    • One thin, grey pad covering the back of the APU

    • Four thicker, blue pads covering the memory and power management

    • Upon removing the heatsink, the thicker pads will stick to either the bottom of the heatsink or to the Mainboard. Keep them in place and use your fingers to reposition them over their slots if they got folded or partially moved.

    • Follow the remaining steps to remove the thin thermal pad and replace it.

    Edit

  18. How to Replace the Thermal Pad in your Framework Desktop, Clean the thermal pad: step 17, image 1 of 2 How to Replace the Thermal Pad in your Framework Desktop, Clean the thermal pad: step 17, image 2 of 2

    • Apply a few drops of isopropyl alcohol (>90%) to the APU and use a coffee filter or a lint-free cloth to wipe away any residue.

    Edit

  19. How to Replace the Thermal Pad in your Framework Desktop: step 18, image 1 of 2 How to Replace the Thermal Pad in your Framework Desktop: step 18, image 2 of 2

    • Repeat the cleaning procedure on the heatsink.

    Edit

  20. How to Replace the Thermal Pad in your Framework Desktop, Apply the new thermal pad: step 19, image 1 of 3 How to Replace the Thermal Pad in your Framework Desktop, Apply the new thermal pad: step 19, image 2 of 3 How to Replace the Thermal Pad in your Framework Desktop, Apply the new thermal pad: step 19, image 3 of 3

    • Remove the green liner from the replacement thermal pad to expose one side of it.

    • Place the exposed side of the thermal pad over the APU and press it into place.

    • If you have trouble handling your thermal pad, you can store it in your fridge for a few minutes to make it more rigid.

    Edit

  21. How to Replace the Thermal Pad in your Framework Desktop: step 20, image 1 of 3 How to Replace the Thermal Pad in your Framework Desktop: step 20, image 2 of 3 How to Replace the Thermal Pad in your Framework Desktop: step 20, image 3 of 3

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

    Edit

  22. Careful: steps 21-22 are sourced from a guide that's marked as in-progress.

    How to Replace the Thermal Pad in your Framework Desktop, Place the heatsink: step 21, image 1 of 2 How to Replace the Thermal Pad in your Framework Desktop, Place the heatsink: step 21, image 2 of 2

    • Tilt the heatsink down towards the rear of the Desktop and place it into its slot on the Mainboard.

    Edit

  23. How to Replace the Thermal Pad in your Framework Desktop, Tighten the heatsink screws: step 22, image 1 of 2 How to Replace the Thermal Pad in your Framework Desktop, Tighten the heatsink screws: step 22, image 2 of 2

    • Use your Framework Desktop Screwdriver to tighten the four captive Phillips screws securing the heatsink in an "X" pattern starting with the top right screw.

    • Only tighten the screws a few turns at a time to evenly compress the APU and thermal pads.

    • In order: top right → bottom left → bottom right → top left

    • Use your Framework Desktop Screwdriver to tighten the captive Phillips screw jutting out under the Primary Storage.

    Edit

  24. How to Replace the Thermal Pad in your Framework Desktop, Insert the fan: step 23, image 1 of 3 How to Replace the Thermal Pad in your Framework Desktop, Insert the fan: step 23, image 2 of 3 How to Replace the Thermal Pad in your Framework Desktop, Insert the fan: step 23, image 3 of 3

    • Orient the fan so its label is facing downward and the cable(s) is pointing towards the top of the computer.

    • If your fan has an arrow indicating airflow direction, make sure it's pointed towards the heatsink.

    • If you're using a different fan, orient it such that the fan is blowing towards the heatsink, not away.

    • Lay the fan on top of the heatsink, making sure the cables are routed so they poke out of the hole on the top of the computer.

    Edit

  25. How to Replace the Thermal Pad in your Framework Desktop: step 24, image 1 of 3 How to Replace the Thermal Pad in your Framework Desktop: step 24, image 2 of 3 How to Replace the Thermal Pad in your Framework Desktop: step 24, image 3 of 3

    • If the cables aren't routed properly, lift the fan up slightly and use your fingers to reposition the cables over the side of the heatsink.

    • If you're installing an RGB fan, make sure the "male" end of the RGB cable is covered and set aside in the corner of the chassis.

    Edit

  26. How to Replace the Thermal Pad in your Framework Desktop, Insert the fan duct: step 25, image 1 of 2 How to Replace the Thermal Pad in your Framework Desktop, Insert the fan duct: step 25, image 2 of 2

    • Lay the fan duct on top of the fan with the lip facing upward.

    • Align the screw holes on the fan duct with the ones on the fan.

    Edit

  27. How to Replace the Thermal Pad in your Framework Desktop, Install the fan screws: step 26, image 1 of 2 How to Replace the Thermal Pad in your Framework Desktop, Install the fan screws: step 26, image 2 of 2

    • Use your Framework Desktop Screwdriver to install the four 27.3 mm‑long screws securing the fan and fan duct.

    Edit

  28. How to Replace the Thermal Pad in your Framework Desktop, Connect the fan: step 27, image 1 of 2 How to Replace the Thermal Pad in your Framework Desktop, Connect the fan: step 27, image 2 of 2

    • Orient the main fan cable so its two vertical lines are facing you.

    • Slide the main fan cable over the four-pronged connector labeled "APU Fan," making sure the orange label slots between the vertical lines.

    Edit

  29. How to Replace the Thermal Pad in your Framework Desktop, Connect the RGB cable: step 28, image 1 of 3 How to Replace the Thermal Pad in your Framework Desktop, Connect the RGB cable: step 28, image 2 of 3 How to Replace the Thermal Pad in your Framework Desktop, Connect the RGB cable: step 28, image 3 of 3

    • If you aren't using an RGB fan, then skip this step.

    • Orient the RGB cable so the arrow is on the right side of the connector.

    • Use your fingers to slide the RGB cable over the three pronged connector located to the right of the "APU Fan" connector.

    Edit

  30. How to Replace the Thermal Pad in your Framework Desktop, Install the Left Panel: step 29, image 1 of 3 How to Replace the Thermal Pad in your Framework Desktop, Install the Left Panel: step 29, image 2 of 3 How to Replace the Thermal Pad in your Framework Desktop, Install the Left Panel: step 29, image 3 of 3

    • Slide the Left Panel onto the left edge of the chassis and press it flat to ensure its clips are slotted into place.

    • There should be a small gap between the bottom of the Left Panel and the silver base.

    • Push the Left Panel towards the base of the computer to close the gap and engage the clips.

    Edit

  31. How to Replace the Thermal Pad in your Framework Desktop, Install the Top Panel: step 30, image 1 of 3 How to Replace the Thermal Pad in your Framework Desktop, Install the Top Panel: step 30, image 2 of 3 How to Replace the Thermal Pad in your Framework Desktop, Install the Top Panel: step 30, image 3 of 3

    • Orient the Top Panel so its arrow is pointing towards the rear of the computer.

    • While holding the Top Panel at a slight downward angle, slide it across the top of the chassis (from rear to front) until you feel its clips catch.

    • There should be a small gap between the Top Panel and the front of the Desktop.

    • Lay the Top Panel flat on the chassis to align the remaining clips.

    Edit

  32. How to Replace the Thermal Pad in your Framework Desktop: step 31, image 1 of 2 How to Replace the Thermal Pad in your Framework Desktop: step 31, image 2 of 2

    • While securing the computer with one hand, use the other hand to slide the Top Panel towards the front of the computer to close the gap and engage the clips.

    Edit

  33. How to Replace the Thermal Pad in your Framework Desktop, Install the Handle: step 32, image 1 of 2 How to Replace the Thermal Pad in your Framework Desktop, Install the Handle: step 32, image 2 of 2

    • If you're installing the Handle on your Desktop, follow this step. Otherwise, skip it.

    • Place the Handle over the Top Panel screw holes.

    • While holding the Handle in place, twist the screw threads on both sides clockwise until they're snug on the Top Panel.

    Edit

  34. How to Replace the Thermal Pad in your Framework Desktop, Install the top panel screws: step 33, image 1 of 3 How to Replace the Thermal Pad in your Framework Desktop, Install the top panel screws: step 33, image 2 of 3 How to Replace the Thermal Pad in your Framework Desktop, Install the top panel screws: step 33, image 3 of 3

    • Insert the top panel screw into its hole and twist clockwise until it feels snug.

    Edit

  35. How to Replace the Thermal Pad in your Framework Desktop: step 34, image 1 of 3 How to Replace the Thermal Pad in your Framework Desktop: step 34, image 2 of 3 How to Replace the Thermal Pad in your Framework Desktop: step 34, image 3 of 3

    • Repeat the same procedure for the other top panel screw.

    Edit

  36. How to Replace the Thermal Pad in your Framework Desktop: step 35, image 1 of 3 How to Replace the Thermal Pad in your Framework Desktop: step 35, image 2 of 3 How to Replace the Thermal Pad in your Framework Desktop: step 35, image 3 of 3

    • Use your finger to close the two D-rings on the top panel screws.

    Edit
Conclusion

If you need help, contact Framework support.

Author

Alex Diaz-Kokaisl

Member since: 01/16/22

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