Dell XPS 1645 overheating

After 2.5 years my XPS 1645 started overheating routinely with CPU never going over 20%. The problem accelerated when the video started shutting down with the XPS still running and processing requests. I tried icing it ... literally! But it was not a solution that lasted for a long time. Plus the risk of condensation getting inside! I researched posts online and decided to try to clean the fan/ heat sink assembly.

I got heat down from 88C on average to about 66C by cleaning heat sink assembly and replacing the thermal compound. In all years I owned this laptop I've never seen 44C, until now!

There is a trick to removing heat sink. Outside of just removing 2 bolts holding a fan, unplugging fan from the motherboard, and unscrewing bolts holding the heat sink assembly you have to slide left plastic cover over the power-plug assembly. Please do not try it prior to watching the disassembly video on the YouTube. Search YouTube for "Dell Studio XPS 16 "  for a video on disassembling Studio XPS 16 laptop.

I got Dust Remover spray and "Arctic Silver 5" thermal compound from RadioShack. Once the heat sink assembly is off clean the surface of the chips (CPU and GPU)  and the contact surface of the heat sink with wooden or plastic tool and alcohol prep pads. Remove as much of old thermal paste as possible. Make sure to blow dust with "Dust Remover" can from under the sink, where fan is blowing into the radiator. My laptop had a layer of dust buildup thick enough to prevent hot air from escaping through the radiator.

Apply a string of new thermal paste diagonally on each chip from corner to corner. Re-assemble the heat sink. Don't forget to plug the fan back into its socket. Takes about 20 min. The best 20 min I've invested into my laptop!