Dell XPS 15 9510 Heat Sink Replacement

Liz Huynh and one other contributor

Last updated on January 6, 2025

30 - 40 minutes

Moderate

Needs More Images

Introduction

Go to step 1

A broken heat sink can have a result of overheating to your device. This guide shows how to replace the heat sink under the fans within the Dell XPS 15 9510. Allowing the heatsink to cool down the device along with the fans.

Make sure to power off your laptop completely and disconnect from any external power source before to begin the process.

What you need

Fix Kit

This kit contains all the parts and tools needed to complete this guide.

iFixit Thermal Paste
Sale price $21.99
View

Parts

Tools

Step 1 Lower Case

Dell XPS 15 9510 Heat Sink Replacement, Lower Case: step 1, image 1 of 1

Make sure the laptop is powered off and unplug all cables before beginning any repair.
Remove eight 3 mm screws from the underside of the case using a T5 Torx screwdriver.

Edit

Step 2

The metal case of the XPS 15 9510 is extremely sharp, so be careful not to run your fingers along the edge when disassembling the laptop.
Wedge the case apart with a nylon spudger.
If the plastic one isn't possible to insert, use the metal spudger to carefully create a small gap first.
Slide spudger along each side of the laptop

Edit

Step 3

The metal case of the XPS 15 9510 is extremely sharp, so be careful not to run your fingers along the edge when disassembling the laptop.
Lift the back panel of the laptop off and set it aside.

Edit

Step 4 Battery

Dell XPS 15 9510 Heat Sink Replacement, Battery: step 4, image 1 of 2

Dell XPS 15 9510 Heat Sink Replacement, Battery: step 4, image 2 of 2

Using the small battery pull tab, disconnect the battery connector from the motherboard.

Edit

Step 5

Remove eight 2.5 mm from around the perimeter of the battery using a Phillips #0 screwdriver.

Edit

Step 6

There are many delicate components in the vicinity of the battery, so be extremely careful removing it
Remove the old battery from the laptop.

Edit

Step 7 Fan

Dell XPS 15 9510 Heat Sink Replacement, Fan: step 7, image 1 of 2

Dell XPS 15 9510 Heat Sink Replacement, Fan: step 7, image 2 of 2

Remove two 4.3 mm screws from the left fan and one 4.3 mm screw from the right fan using a JIS #000 screwdriver.

Edit

Step 8

Tool used on this step:

Tweezers

$4.99

Add To Cart

Gently unplug the motherboard fan connector using a pair of tweezers.

Edit

Step 9

Unplug the motherboard connector on the other fan using a pair of tweezers.

Edit

Step 10

Gently slide and then lift the fans out of their positions.

Edit

Step 11

Dell XPS 15 9510 Heat Sink Replacement: step 11, image 3 of 3

Repeat the previous step and remove the other fan.

Edit

Step 12 Heat Sink

Dell XPS 15 9510 Heat Sink Replacement, Heat Sink: step 12, image 1 of 2

Dell XPS 15 9510 Heat Sink Replacement, Heat Sink: step 12, image 2 of 2

Remove the three 4.6 mm screws that secure the heat sink with a Phillips #00 screwdriver.

Edit

Step 13

Lift and remove the heat sink.
Be sure to reapply thermal paste before replacing the heat sink.

Edit

Conclusion

To reassemble your device, follow the above steps in reverse order.
Take your e-waste to an R2 or e-Stewards certified recycler.
Repair didn’t go as planned? Try some basic troubleshooting or ask our Answers community for help.