How to remove dust from framework laptop

[Etelias]

Hi,

my impression is that the laptop fans are turning on more frequently in recent times. I’m not sure what the cause is, but it could be dust accumulation and that is why I want to take the laptop apart and clear it out. A bit of spring cleaning is probably a good idea anyway.

I found the Fan and Heatsink Replacement Guide which explains how to unscrew the fan and heatsink. But the guide also talks about thermal paste. I have never worked with thermal paste before and I want to make 100% sure that I am well-prepared when I remove the fan and heatsink. I found this post:

Cant remove fan without removing the entire heatpipe

Like the title says you cant remove the fan and clean out the dust which causes the laptop to overheat without removing the heatpipe and cleaning and reapplying the thermal paste to it. It only a small modification on Frameworks part and it would make maintenance a lot easier. hopefully this is read and reviewed otherwise a really good laptop!

And that post describes the need to reapply thermal paste. Is that correct? Or can I temporarily take out the fan without needing to reapply thermal paste? Does the thermal paste stick to the heatsink or fan?

[Shiroudan]

@Etelias

And that post describes the need to reapply thermal paste. Is that correct? Or can I temporarily take out the fan without needing to reapply thermal paste? Does the thermal paste stick to the heatsink or fan?

The thermal paste will stick to the heatsink, there’s no real need to re-apply thermal paste, since it won’t be going anywhere! That being said, re-applying thermal paste can have benefits for your thermals too, if you’re willing to go out and buy some. Everything will make sense once you’ve lifted the fan off, hard to explain.
Have fun cleaning though!