DELL G15 5511 laptop - Cleaning and Changing Thermal Paste
Quick links for the tools you need:
KOLD-01 Thermal Paste (includes KOLD-01 Thermal Paste x 1, Gloves x 1 pair, KLEAN-01 Thermal Paste Cleaning Wipe x2, Spreader x 1, Spatula x 1, Instruction x 1 )
KLEAN-01 Thermal Paste Cleaning Wipe (includes KLEAN-01 Thermal Paste Cleaning Wipe x 20, Gloves x 1 pair, Spreader x 1, Spatula x 1)
KOMBO-01 Screwdriver Set (includes Screwdriver bits x100, Driver handle x1, Extension shaft x1, Flexible extension shaft x1, Tweezers x1, 1/4"to 4mm Driver adapter x1, Plastic pry tools x3, SIM card removal tool x1, Suction cup x1, Opening picks x8, Magnetizer/Demagnetizer x1, Anti-static Brush x1, Magnetic Screw Mat x1)
If you’re trying to change the thermal paste on your DELL G15 5511 laptop, but you don’t have experience cleaning and changing thermal paste on a laptop, taking professional help is always a good idea. Here’s everything you need to know before you attempt to change your thermal paste.
But first, let’s talk a bit about what you could get after you’ve successfully done the procedure.
What will I get after changing the thermal paste?
To make it clearer, we performed stress tests on a 2-year-old DELL G15 5511 laptop, before and after applying the new thermal paste. For this test, we used our very own Kooling Monster KOLD-01 thermal paste.
Before applying the new paste, the CPU reached a temperature as high as 87degrees Celcius during the stress test. After applying the new paste the temperature was reduced to a much cooler 79 degrees Celcius during the stress test.
That’s around 8 degrees of improvement just by applying a new thermal paste!
What to prepare before you replace thermal paste?
Before getting started with the process, you need to have all the essentials by your side.
First and foremost, you need to have the new thermal paste with you. Make sure to pick a high-quality one for optimum results.
You also need some equipment to clean up the old paste. We recommend getting a dedicated cleaning solution, like Kooling Monster KLEAN-01. Plus, if you opt in to get Kooling Monster KOLD-01 thermal paste, you get cleaning wipes free of cost in the package.
You also need a set of screwdrivers to disassemble your laptop. To open the laptop's case, you’d need a spudger and a triangular pry tool. You also need to make sure you keep the screws organized. For that, you could use a magnetic mat to keep different screws.
When opened, you’d need some additional cleaning equipment to clean up your fans and other hardware components. That includes small brushes and compressed air (or an air blower).
Kooling Monster KOMBO-01 contains all the things you need for the disassembling and cleaning process.
To apply the new paste, you need a spatula to spread it evenly — which comes in the KOLD-01 packaging for free.
Lastly, we recommend wearing a pair of protective gloves while doing all this. If you get our KOLD-01 thermal paste or KLEAN-01 cleaning kit, protective gloves come free of cost in the package, so you don’t have to worry about that.
How to disassemble the DELL G15 5511 laptop and replace the thermal paste?
Step 1: Preparation
Gather Tools: Assemble necessary tools including thermal paste, cleaning wipes, screwdrivers, pry tools, and anti-static equipment.
Safety Precautions: Wash hands or wear gloves and an anti-static wristband to prevent static damage.
Position Laptop: Place the laptop backside up for disassembly.
Step 2: Opening the Laptop
Remove Screws: Use a PH0 screwdriver to take out four screws from the top and bottom and loosen four in the middle.
Organize Screws: Place screws on a magnetic mat for organization.
Pry Open the Cover: If stuck, use a pry tool to gently open the bottom cover.
Step 3: Discharging and Battery Removal
Disconnect Power Cable: Use a pry bar to detach the power cable from the motherboard.
Discharge Electricity: Hold down the power button for 15 seconds.
Remove Battery: Unscrew four screws to release the battery from the chassis.
Step 4: Component Removal
Solid-State Drive: Unscrew and remove two screws from the SSD and carefully slide it out.
Wi-Fi Card: Take out the single screw and remove the Wi-Fi card.
Top Cover and Motherboard Access: Unscrew two on the motherboard and two on the top side to lift the top cover.
Detach Wireless Card Cables: Remove tape and set aside without detaching from the motherboard.
Disconnect Fan and Audio Power Cables: Employ two pry bars to detach fan power cables on both sides and audio cable on the right side.
Step 5: Ribbon and Display Cable Detachment
Ribbons: Use a pry bar and tweezers to detach and pull out the four delicate ribbons.
Display Cable: Remove the display cable located at the top.
Step 6: Motherboard Removal
Unscrew Motherboard: Remove 11 screws securing the motherboard to the chassis.
Check for Remaining Attachments: Ensure no cables or screws are left connected before removal.
Lift Motherboard: Carefully take out the motherboard and place it aside.
Step 7: Heatsink and Fan Maintenance
Unscrew Heatsink: Remove six screws from the heatsink in a diagonal pattern.
Clean Thermal Paste: Use cleaning wipes to clean off old thermal paste from CPU/GPU and heatsink.
Fan Screws: Use a PH-type 000 screwdriver to unscrew eight screws from the fan housing.
Clean Fans: Open up the fans and use an anti-static brush or compressed air for cleaning.
Step 8: Applying New Thermal Paste
Thermal Paste Application: Apply a small amount of thermal paste evenly on the CPU and GPU.
Spread Thermal Paste: Use a spatula or the dot method for even distribution.
Step 9: Reassembly
Replace Heatsink and Motherboard: Follow the disassembly order in reverse, ensuring correct placement.
Reconnect Cables: Attach screen cables and flip the retaining clips back into place.
Tighten Motherboard Screws: Secure the 11 screws on the motherboard.
Reinstall Components: Insert the Wi-Fi card and SSD back into their respective slots.
Battery Replacement: Place the battery back in and secure it with screws.
Final Covers: Reattach the top and bottom covers and tighten all screws.
Following these steps should ensure a safe and thorough reassembly of the laptop with fresh thermal paste applied.
The general rule of thumb is to keep an eye on your thermals. As soon as you notice that your thermals are going higher than they should, it’s likely that your thermal paste needs changing — and you should replace it at that point.
How long does it take for thermal paste to work?
Good quality thermal pastes don’t need any time to start working. For example, if you use KOLD-01, it starts giving you the best possible performance as soon as you assemble your laptop and start using it.
However, some pastes do have a “curing time”, which means that paste requires a certain period of time before it starts giving its best performance. The curing time is usually mentioned on the product page. (Learn more about How Long Does It Take for Thermal Paste to Work?)
The bottom line
Let us know which laptops to demo this process with next!
Even though replacing the thermal paste may sound like a hefty job, it’s pretty easy if you follow the right instructions. To begin with, make sure you have the right equipment by your side.
Disassemble your laptop, clean up the fans, remove the old paste, apply the new one, then put everything back together.