over the past couple months my 7640u Framework 13 has always been quite hot even when doing nothing. Often also the Fans start spinning when my CPU is at like 3-4%. I’m using Linux as my daily driver, though that is most likely not the culprit as its even worse on Windows.
I suspect that it might be because of the heatsink, I have removed it a couple times over the 2 years I now have this laptop to just clean out the hair and dust. Could it be that because I didn’t reapply the thermal paste and just kept it as is this causes me now some overheating problems? When cleaning the heatsink, should i should I reapply a new thermal paste everytime, and if so, which should I use?
Could you find some temperature stats/graphs on Windows or Linux and paste the data/images of them in here?
Your device will have several sensors, and the temperature of each will be monitored independently; the hottest might be of most interest, but if there is a wide differential, feel free to show others too.
For sure if the heatsink is being removed old paste needs to be cleaned off and new material applied.
Lots of choices out there. Arctic MX-6 works well, is inexpensive, and some kits even come with cleaning wipes!
The heat sink doesn’t need to be removed to clean dust. A good can of air or a small air compressor should be more than adequate to blow dust and lint free.
If it is having to be cleaned out regularly then the environment needs to be looked at; buy a large air filter to clean the room the computer is it as there is lots of dust getting everywhere and not just the laptop. Animals or pets nearby makes this worse, especially cats that like to rest on warm things.