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| ec6207 | deseven | 2025-06-25 13:30:10 | 1 | # Replacing thermal interfaces on GMKtec EVO-X2 |
| 2 | ||||
| 3 | ### Preparation |
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| 4 | ||||
| 5 | :::info |
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| 6 | # Watching this video might help to understand the basics |
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| 7 | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HMTy3jQc39A ([mirror](https://www.reddit.com/r/GMKtec/comments/1km6tn8/evox2_teardown/)) |
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| 8 | ::: |
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| 9 | ||||
| 10 | #### Tools Required |
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| 11 | - PTM7950 (30x30mm, 0.2-0.25 mm thick) or Noctua NT-H2 (or something similar, don't go lower) |
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| 12 | - Phillips-head screwdriver (small and small-ish) |
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| 13 | - Isopropyl alcohol (90%+ recommended, 70% is okay) |
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| 14 | - Lint-free cloth or coffee filter |
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| 3999e4 | deseven | 2025-07-02 09:16:40 | 15 | - Optional: electrical tape, 0.5 mm thermal pads (Gelid GP Ultimate or better, around 80x40 mm) |
| ec6207 | deseven | 2025-06-25 13:30:10 | 16 | |
| 17 | #### Safety Precautions |
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| 18 | - Ensure device is powered off and power cable is disconnected |
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| 19 | - Work on a static-free surface |
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| 20 | - Keep track of all screws - consider using a tray |
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| 21 | ||||
| 22 | ### Step-by-Step Instructions |
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| 23 | ||||
| 24 | #### Disassembly |
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| 25 | 1. Turn the device upside down and remove both rubber feet. |
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| 75c724 | deseven | 2025-07-01 20:48:27 | 26 | 2. Unscrew the 2 screws from the smaller section of the case and carefully remove it: |
| 27 |  |
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| 28 | 3. Locate and remove the tape sealing the heatsink to the blowers (the one that is on the side could be left as is): |
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| 29 |  |
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| ec6207 | deseven | 2025-06-25 13:30:10 | 30 | |
| 31 | #### Blower Removal |
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| 75c724 | deseven | 2025-07-01 20:48:27 | 32 | 4. Unscrew 3 screws from each blower: |
| 33 |  |
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| ec6207 | deseven | 2025-06-25 13:30:10 | 34 | 5. Gently move the blowers to the sides (no need to disconnect them). |
| 35 | ||||
| 36 | #### Heatsink Removal |
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| 75c724 | deseven | 2025-07-01 20:48:27 | 37 | 6. Remove the 2 small screws securing the sides of the heatsink. |
| 38 |  |
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| 39 | 7. **IMPORTANT**: Gradually loosen the 4 spring-loaded screws holding the heatsink in a cross pattern (diagonal sequence), turning each screw only 1-2 rotations at a time: |
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| 40 |  |
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| ec6207 | deseven | 2025-06-25 13:30:10 | 41 | 8. Once all screws are loose, **gently** rock the heatsink side to side to break the thermal paste seal. |
| 75c724 | deseven | 2025-07-01 20:48:27 | 42 | 9. Carefully lift the heatsink up and away from the APU. Note the small tape on the side id you didn't remove it. |
| ec6207 | deseven | 2025-06-25 13:30:10 | 43 | |
| 44 | #### Cleaning and Preparation |
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| 45 | 10. Clean the old thermal paste from the APU using isopropyl alcohol and a lint-free cloth. |
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| 75c724 | deseven | 2025-07-01 20:48:27 | 46 | 11. **CAUTION**: Be extremely careful around the small capacitors near the APU - avoid excessive cleaning in these areas, it's okay if there is still some thermal paste om these parts: |
| 47 |  |
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| ec6207 | deseven | 2025-06-25 13:30:10 | 48 | 12. Allow the APU to dry completely (a couple of minutes). |
| 49 | ||||
| 50 | #### Applying New Thermal Solution |
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| 51 | 13. Apply your new thermal interface: |
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| 3999e4 | deseven | 2025-07-02 09:16:40 | 52 | - Follow application guides for your specific product |
| ec6207 | deseven | 2025-06-25 13:30:10 | 53 | - Detailed application guide for PTM9750 - https://help.moddiy.com/en/article/how-to-apply-honeywell-ptm7950-bm6825/ |
| 54 | 14. Verify all thermal pads for RAM and VRMs are present and properly positioned. Optionally replace RAM thermal pads as well. |
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| 55 | ||||
| 56 | #### Reassembly |
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| 57 | 15. Carefully align and place the heatsink back onto the APU. |
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| 2420d9 | deseven | 2025-06-25 13:53:09 | 58 | 16. Secure the heatsink by tightening the 4 spring-loaded screws in a diagonal pattern, doing only 1-2 rotations per screw. Don't worry about overtightening them, they have a mechanical stop, you'll feel it. |
| ec6207 | deseven | 2025-06-25 13:30:10 | 59 | 17. Reattach the 2 small screws on the sides of the heatsink. |
| 60 | 18. Return the blowers to their original positions and secure with their 6 screws. |
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| 61 | 19. Replace the sealing tape between the heatsink and blowers (if it's too damaged, electrical tape is fine). |
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| bf47b3 | deseven | 2025-07-01 20:25:23 | 62 | 20. Reattach the case cover and secure with the 2 screws. Start with the side opposite to where the screws are, it should be a tight fit, putting it in place at an angle helps. |
| ec6207 | deseven | 2025-06-25 13:30:10 | 63 | 21. Replace the rubber feet. |
| 64 | ||||
| 65 | ### Testing |
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| 66 | After reassembly, boot the device and monitor temperatures to ensure proper cooling performance. |
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| 67 | ||||
| 68 | ### Relevant Pages |
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| 69 | - [[Hardware/PCs/GMKtec-EVO-X2]] |
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| 70 | - [[Hardware/Boards/Sixunited-AXB35]] |