How to clean fans? [acer predator helios 300 2019 version] [Predator PH315-52]

Tinf0il

I've never taken apart a laptop before and the youtube videos I've seen aren't very helpful, since most of them are for the older model of my laptop. I've got a general idea of what to do, but I still have a few questions.
1. Is it necessary for me to clean the fans? I've had this laptop for probably around a year or so and I use it pretty much all day every day.
2. Is there anything I should watch out for? I've read that you shouldn't spin the fans while cleaning them, so any tips like that would be helpful.
3. Do I need to repaste the CPU and GPU after removing the fans? In the videos I've seen it looks like the thermal paste connects to the part of the case that you remove with the fans.
4. Should I do this myself or have it done at a bestbuy or something? I'm not sure of the extent of their training at such places, or if they care if they damage my laptop.
5. Are there any other dusty areas I should clean while I have it open?

SilvaGi

I just cleaned my nitro 5 fans and it required to remove heatsink, so i did need to repaste cpu and gpu and if you havent already done that you need to apply thermal paste (K5 pro) or 1mm thermal pads aswell to VRAM and other componets.

Its not too challenging, but get all the equipment. you need a ph 0 and 000 to remove the base plate, heatsink and fans. a good tool kit is wise to have on hand. id clean fans after a year, will get you 10 degrees C off if theres dust on the transfer fins. there was a mild amount on mine after 3-4 months and i got 5-7C off.

@GAMING6698 has a good video about it. Maybe he'll post.

busu3

Tinf0il said:

I've never taken apart a laptop before and the youtube videos I've seen aren't very helpful, since most of them are for the older model of my laptop. I've got a general idea of what to do, but I still have a few questions.
1. Is it necessary for me to clean the fans? I've had this laptop for probably around a year or so and I use it pretty much all day every day.
2. Is there anything I should watch out for? I've read that you shouldn't spin the fans while cleaning them, so any tips like that would be helpful.
3. Do I need to repaste the CPU and GPU after removing the fans? In the videos I've seen it looks like the thermal paste connects to the part of the case that you remove with the fans.
4. Should I do this myself or have it done at a bestbuy or something? I'm not sure of the extent of their training at such places, or if they care if they damage my laptop.
5. Are there any other dusty areas I should clean while I have it open?

1. If you are having heat issues tyes, but eventually u will have to do it some time.
2. i)DONT pull connectors by their wires.
ii)Be very gentle while disconnecting the plugs to the motherboard.
iii)Dont use metal objects like a screwdriver to touch on the motherboard or remove connectors.
iv)Try not to touch any other components unnecessarily.
v)Keep the laptop on a table or the floor while u work and also earth yourself(to prevent any static discharges).
vi)While opening the laptop use proper pry tools. Dont use a screwdriver since you can scratch the case.
vii)Dont overtighten screws and be very gentle while screwing since the screwhole can break.
viii)Be gentle.
3. It depends on your laptop. In mine a tape like thing attaches fans to heatsink so I dont need to repaste.
4. I would suggest either acer or you.
5. Try to remove big chunks of dust, very fine dust is ok(dont use vaccuum cleaner please).

getskilled

Tinf0il said:

I've never taken apart a laptop before and the youtube videos I've seen aren't very helpful, since most of them are for the older model of my laptop. I've got a general idea of what to do, but I still have a few questions.
1. Is it necessary for me to clean the fans? I've had this laptop for probably around a year or so and I use it pretty much all day every day.
2. Is there anything I should watch out for? I've read that you shouldn't spin the fans while cleaning them, so any tips like that would be helpful.
3. Do I need to repaste the CPU and GPU after removing the fans? In the videos I've seen it looks like the thermal paste connects to the part of the case that you remove with the fans.
4. Should I do this myself or have it done at a bestbuy or something? I'm not sure of the extent of their training at such places, or if they care if they damage my laptop.
5. Are there any other dusty areas I should clean while I have it open?

1. It's a good idea to clean them once in a while. Even if your work area is pretty clean, they'll get dust in them after a while.

2. I'd second being careful with disconnecting things and keeping yourself grounded while you have the case open.

3. If you do have to remove the assembly, you may as well do the paste at the same time. It does usually dry out over time and if you are actually going to remove the fans to clean them instead of just blowing them out, you may as well do the paste while you're in there. Just make sure you clean off all the old paste and are careful when you put the new paste on. Looking at the old paste and how well it's held up may also give you an idea of when you might want to consider replacing the thermal paste again in the future. If you have a model where you can remove and clean the fans without removing the assembly, replacing the paste is an extra step and it's up to you if you want to do it at the same time, but I would do it if you have to take the assembly out anyways.

4. I would second sending it to Acer or doing it yourself. I am...wary of BestBuy. There are some people there who know what they're doing and will do a good job, but there are others that...won't. It can be very hit or miss, and sometimes the result is they can actually do more harm than good.

5. Fans will build up dust for sure, but there are additional vents for air flow that are worth blowing out. I know areas around the hinges on my older laptops often got a bit of dust once in a while and cleaning them out just keeps them working smoothly.