CADModeller Posted January 25, 2008 Report Share Posted January 25, 2008 Yesterday, I bought a dual layer DVD burner. During the course of replacing the existing optical drive, I removed the cooling fan from above the processor to give it a good clean. It was a little difficult to replace, but eventually I got it in place, and reconnected the wiring. When I switched the computer on, windows loaded, and I was able to log in, but shortly afterwards, the whole computer shut down. I thought it might have been the fan not operating, but I checked the fan and it works OK. I also unplugged the DVD burner, thinking it may be a short in the connection somewhere, but still the computer shuts down. It seems to be a time thing - if I walk away from the computer after switching it on, it'll go to the login page, and eventually just shut down. Has anyone experienced similar before?EDIT: I have Ubuntu installed on a partition on the same HDD and that works OK Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
-pops- Posted January 25, 2008 Report Share Posted January 25, 2008 You say you removed the fan - was it still attached to the heatsink (the metal "thing" probably with fins)?If so, you should be aware that these must be very closely and firmly attached to the processor. Any amount of dust or dirt preventing a dead smooth contact could produce the effect you are seeing - the processor overheating and shutting down to protect itself.Please confirm before we progress to the nest stage. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CADModeller Posted January 25, 2008 Author Report Share Posted January 25, 2008 Hi pops..the heat sink was still attached to the fan when I removed it. There's also a small frame around the whole assembly with the mounting lugs which were a bit awkward to get back into place. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CADModeller Posted January 26, 2008 Author Report Share Posted January 26, 2008 I removed the fan from the processor again, and had a more "attentive" look at it..My guess is that the grey substance on the base of the fan, and the top of the processor is some kind of adhesive or paste, and is there to provide better contact between the two surfaces. This substance is now dry, and again, my guess is that its not doing its job any more. Any ideas what it is, and how to remove/replace it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
-pops- Posted January 26, 2008 Report Share Posted January 26, 2008 You are right about the paste on the mating surfaces. It is to provide a good thermal contact between the heatsink and the cooling system.Old material is best removed by GENTLY rubbing with a soft cloth and then with a soft cloth soaked in a solvent such as acetone or petroleum spirit lighter fuel. Don't use anything that may contain non-volatile components. Try this on the heatsink surface first.Replace the thermal paste with fresh material which can be bought from computer component suppliers called heatsink compound or similar. The material I always use is Arctic Silver.When you apply the new material, remember it is a case of less is more. Do not put lots of paste on - a VERY thin layer on both surfaces is all that is required.Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CADModeller Posted January 27, 2008 Author Report Share Posted January 27, 2008 All good now! Thanks for the assist, Pops Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
-pops- Posted January 27, 2008 Report Share Posted January 27, 2008 Pleased it worked for you :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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