Could old thermal paste be causing my laptop to shut down?

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Asked By TechieTurtle123 On

I'm having major issues with my Acer Swift SF114-32 constantly shutting down due to overheating. Unfortunately, it doesn't stay on long enough for me to run any diagnostic tools like HWinfo. I've noticed the thermal paste looks a bit questionable, and while I'm hesitant to replace it myself, I'm wondering if it's necessary or if the issue lies elsewhere. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

4 Answers

Answered By FixItFred21 On

Since you've already removed the heatsink, you have to replace the thermal paste for sure! It looks pretty dry, and while that might not be the sole reason for overheating, the lack of proper airflow might be. Check if the CPU fan is working—if it's fanless, then that could really complicate things. But cleaning and reapplying the paste correctly is a good start.

Answered By HelpfulHarry92 On

Yes, you definitely have to replace it now that the heatsink is off. It's an easy fix: just grab some high-purity alcohol and a cloth, wipe away the old paste really well, let it dry, then apply the new thermal paste and reassemble. I suggest using Noctua NT-H2; it’s great value and works wonders!

Answered By EasyDIYGuy On

If you've taken the cooler off, replacing the thermal paste is a must. Those dark areas are where the core is exposed, and that means air is acting as an insulator, which is not good. Don’t worry, it’s not too hard—there are plenty of YouTube videos that can guide you on how to do it and show you the right amount to apply!

Answered By SkepticalMouse98 On

If you're not confident in replacing the thermal paste yourself, consider taking it to a tech shop. They usually charge a reasonable fee for this kind of service. Just a heads up, though—you definitely need to replace it, especially if it looks dry or if some has leaked out.

CuriousCat22 -

I feel you! Spending money on repairs is nerve-wracking. But yeah, it sounds like the paste has to go, huh?

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