HP G71t-300 Thermal Paste Replacement

Ground yourself by either touching an unpainted metal surface or by using the Anti-Static wrist strap.

Turn off the computer and remove the charger from the charging port.

Turn the laptop over and slide the battery release catch to the right. The battery will pop up from its slot. Remove it using your fingers.

Use a Phillips #0 screwdriver to remove the four screws from the indicated cover.

Gently lift and remove the cover.

Remove the five 6mm screws with the Phillips #0 screwdriver.

Pry the keyboard off with a spudger. Be careful not to apply too much pressure and damage any components.

Disconnect the clip attaching the keyboard wiring to the motherboard. Lift and remove the keyboard.

Use a Phillips #0 screwdriver to remove the 6mm screw from the top panel.

Gently lift and remove the panel. Use a metal spudger if the it seems set in place.

Use a Phillips #0 screwdriver to remove the 6mm screw for the Wi-Fi module cover.

Remove the cover.

Remove all fourteen 6mm screws using a Phillips #0 screwdriver.

Partially separate the two panels until connectors are visible.

Unclip the wires that attach the trackpad module to the motherboard.

Remove the five highlighted screws using a Phillips #0 screwdriver.

Disconnect the five cables by gently pulling them from their slots.

Press a metal spudger between the VGA port and the plastic housing to pry up the motherboard.

Remove the motherboard and turn it so that the fan is facing upward.

Use a Phillips #0 screwdriver to loosen the three screws attaching the heatsink to the motherboard.

Remove the heatsink and fan assembly by unclipping the fan from the motherboard.

Gently wipe the thermal paste off of the processor and heatsink using an alcohol pad or damp cloth. Let the components dry for a few minutes.

Apply a pea sized amount of thermal paste to the processor and heatsink. Keep the paste thick to prevent forming air bubbles and reducing thermal performance.