Framework Laptop 12 Heatsink Replacement

ID: 186454

Description: Follow this guide to remove and replace the...

Steps:

1. Before you begin repairs, unplug your laptop and shut it down from the operating system. This ensures that the laptop isn't in standby/suspend mode.
2. The indicator LEDs along the edges should be unlit. The laptop should be silent.
3. If you accidentally turn on the laptop during repair, hold the power button down for 10 seconds to shut it down.
4. Make sure your Framework Screwdriver has the T5 Torx bit (labeled as T-5) facing outwards. If it's not, pull the bit out and flip it.

5. Set your Framework Laptop face-down on a clean work surface.

6. Use your Framework Screwdriver to fully loosen the eight captive T5 Torx screws on the bottom of your laptop.
7. Most screws in your Framework Laptop (including these) are captive—they're designed to stay in place after you loosen them.

8. Flip your laptop over so it's face-up on your work surface.

9. Open the laptop lid so that both the screen and the base lie flat on your work surface.

10. Use your fingers to grip the Input Cover in the hinge cutouts.
11. Lift upwards to swing the Input Cover up from the base of the laptop.
12. Magnets hold the Input Cover down, so you'll feel some resistance. If it feels stuck, check that you've fully loosened all the screws on the bottom of your laptop.
13. Remove the Input Cover.

14. Use your Framework Screwdriver to loosen the captive Torx T5 screws securing the heatsink:
15. Four captive screws (Intel 13th Gen models)
16. Three captive screws (Intel Core Series 3 models)

17. Slide the flat end of your Framework Screwdriver under the heatsink arm labeled "2".
18. Twist the Framework Screwdriver to lift the heatsink arm and loosen the heatsink.
19. You'll feel some resistance from the thermal compound holding the heatsink in place.
20. If the heatsink won't budge, make sure you've fully loosened the four screws securing the heatsink.
21. Repeat the procedure with the heatsink arm labeled "3".

22. Lift and remove the heatsink.

23. Congratulations on completing disassembly! The remaining steps will show how to reassemble your Framework Laptop.

24. Use a few drops of high concentration (>90%) isopropyl alcohol and a lint-free cloth to wipe away the remaining residue from the processor.

25. Unwrap the replacement heatsink and remove the clear plastic cover.
26. Be careful not to touch the gray thermal compound on the heatsink.

27. Carefully align and lay the heatsink over the processor.
28. Use your Framework Screwdriver to gradually tighten the heatsink screws in the marked order until they're snug:
29. First screw
30. Second screw
31. Third screw
32. Fourth screw, then back to the first
33. Intel Core Series 3 models only have three screws.
34. This helps compress the thermal compound evenly under the heatsink and apply even pressure over the processor.

35. Angle the bottom edge of the Input Cover towards the base of the laptop.
36. Align and insert the bottom edge of the Input Cover into the base of the laptop.
37. Make sure the slots along the bottom edge of the Input Cover slide into the tabs in the base.
38. Lower the Input Cover's top edge onto the laptop until the magnets snap it in place.
39. Make sure the Input Cover sits neatly within the laptop frame and no corners are popping up.

40. Close the laptop lid.
41. Flip your laptop face-down on a clean work surface.

42. Use your Framework Screwdriver to tighten the eight captive T5 Torx screws on the bottom of your laptop.
43. Tighten the screws until they're snug. Don't over-tighten them, or you may strip the screws.