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Framework Laptop 12 Heatsink Replacement

Introduction

Follow this guide to remove and replace the heatsink in your Framework Laptop 12.

The Framework Heatsink comes with PTM7958 thermal compound pre-applied to it, so you don't need replacement thermal paste. You do need the cleaning supplies listed in the tools section to clean off the thermal compound residue from the processor.

You'll encounter some component terms in this guide:

  • The Input Cover is the part that contains the keyboard and trackpad.

What you need

  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.

    Edit

  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.

    Edit

  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.

    Edit

  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.

    Edit

  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.

    Edit

  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.

    Edit

  8. 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.

    Edit

  9. 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".

    Edit

  10. 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.

    Edit

  11. 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.

    Edit

  12. 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.

    Edit

  13. 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.

    Edit

  14. 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.

    Edit

  15. 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.

    Edit

  16. 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.

    Edit

  17. 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.

    Edit
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.

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Arthur Shi

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