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Framework Laptop 12 Heatsink Replacement

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  1. Framework Laptop 12 Heatsink Replacement, Power down your laptop: step 1, image 1 of 3 Framework Laptop 12 Heatsink Replacement, Power down your laptop: step 1, image 2 of 3 Framework Laptop 12 Heatsink Replacement, Power down your laptop: step 1, image 3 of 3
    • 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.

    • The indicator LEDs along the edges should be unlit. The laptop should be silent.

    • If you accidentally turn on the laptop during repair, hold the power button down for 10 seconds to shut it down.

    • 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.

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  2. Framework Laptop 12 Heatsink Replacement, Set your laptop down: step 2, image 1 of 1
    • Set your Framework Laptop face-down on a clean work surface.

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  3. Framework Laptop 12 Heatsink Replacement, Loosen the bottom screws: step 3, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 12 Heatsink Replacement, Loosen the bottom screws: step 3, image 2 of 2
    • Use your Framework Screwdriver to fully loosen the eight captive T5 Torx screws on the bottom of your laptop.

    • Most screws in your Framework Laptop (including these) are captive—they're designed to stay in place after you loosen them.

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  4. Framework Laptop 12 Heatsink Replacement, Flip your laptop over: step 4, image 1 of 1
    • Flip your laptop over so it's face-up on your work surface.

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  5. Framework Laptop 12 Heatsink Replacement, Open your laptop: step 5, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 12 Heatsink Replacement, Open your laptop: step 5, image 2 of 2
    • Open the laptop lid so that both the screen and the base lie flat on your work surface.

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  6. Framework Laptop 12 Heatsink Replacement, Remove the Input Cover: step 6, image 1 of 3 Framework Laptop 12 Heatsink Replacement, Remove the Input Cover: step 6, image 2 of 3 Framework Laptop 12 Heatsink Replacement, Remove the Input Cover: step 6, image 3 of 3
    • Use your fingers to grip the Input Cover in the hinge cutouts.

    • Lift upwards to swing the Input Cover up from the base of the laptop.

    • 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.

    • Remove the Input Cover.

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  7. Framework Laptop 12 Heatsink Replacement, Loosen the heatsink screws: step 7, image 1 of 1
    • Use your Framework Screwdriver to loosen the four captive Torx T5 screws securing the heatsink.

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  8. Framework Laptop 12 Heatsink Replacement, Loosen the heatsink: step 8, image 1 of 3 Framework Laptop 12 Heatsink Replacement, Loosen the heatsink: step 8, image 2 of 3 Framework Laptop 12 Heatsink Replacement, Loosen the heatsink: step 8, image 3 of 3
    • Slide the flat end of your Framework Screwdriver under the heatsink arm labeled "2".

    • Twist the Framework Screwdriver to lift the heatsink arm and loosen the heatsink.

    • You'll feel some resistance from the thermal compound holding the heatsink in place.

    • If the heatsink won't budge, make sure you've fully loosened the four screws securing the heatsink.

    • Repeat the procedure with the heatsink arm labeled "3".

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  9. Framework Laptop 12 Heatsink Replacement, Remove the heatsink: step 9, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 12 Heatsink Replacement, Remove the heatsink: step 9, image 2 of 2
    • Lift and remove the heatsink.

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  10. Framework Laptop 12 Heatsink Replacement, Disassembly complete: step 10, image 1 of 1
    • Congratulations on completing disassembly! The remaining steps will show how to reassemble your Framework Laptop.

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  11. Framework Laptop 12 Heatsink Replacement, Remove the old thermal compound: step 11, image 1 of 1
    • Use a few drops of high concentration (>90%) isopropyl alcohol and a lint-free cloth to wipe away the remaining residue from the processor.

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  12. Framework Laptop 12 Heatsink Replacement, Unwrap the heatsink: step 12, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 12 Heatsink Replacement, Unwrap the heatsink: step 12, image 2 of 2
    • Unwrap the replacement heatsink and remove the clear plastic cover.

    • Be careful not to touch the gray thermal compound on the heatsink.

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  13. Framework Laptop 12 Heatsink Replacement, Install the heatsink: step 13, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 12 Heatsink Replacement, Install the heatsink: step 13, image 2 of 2
    • Carefully align and lay the heatsink over the processor.

    • Use your Framework Screwdriver to gradually tighten the heatsink screws in the marked order until they're snug:

    • First screw

    • Second screw

    • Third screw

    • Fourth screw, then back to the first

    • This helps compress the thermal compound evenly under the heatsink and apply even pressure over the processor.

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  14. Framework Laptop 12 Heatsink Replacement, Install the Input Cover: step 14, image 1 of 3 Framework Laptop 12 Heatsink Replacement, Install the Input Cover: step 14, image 2 of 3 Framework Laptop 12 Heatsink Replacement, Install the Input Cover: step 14, image 3 of 3
    • Angle the bottom edge of the Input Cover towards the base of the laptop.

    • Align and insert the bottom edge of the Input Cover into the base of the laptop.

    • Make sure the slots along the bottom edge of the Input Cover slide into the tabs in the base.

    • Lower the Input Cover's top edge onto the laptop until the magnets snap it in place.

    • Make sure the Input Cover sits neatly within the laptop frame and no corners are popping up.

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  15. Framework Laptop 12 Heatsink Replacement, Close and flip your laptop: step 15, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 12 Heatsink Replacement, Close and flip your laptop: step 15, image 2 of 2
    • Close the laptop lid.

    • Flip your laptop face-down on a clean work surface.

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  16. Framework Laptop 12 Heatsink Replacement, Tighten the bottom screws: step 16, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 12 Heatsink Replacement, Tighten the bottom screws: step 16, image 2 of 2
    • Use your Framework Screwdriver to tighten the eight captive T5 Torx screws on the bottom of your laptop.

    • Tighten the screws until they're snug. Don't over-tighten them, or you may strip the screws.

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Conclusion

You finished fixing your Framework Laptop!

Take your e-waste to an R2 or e-Stewards certified recycler.

If you need help, contact Framework support.

Cancel: I did not complete this guide.

Arthur Shi

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