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Lenovo ThinkPad T490s - Thermal Paste Replacement

Lenovo ThinkPad T490s - Thermal Paste Replacement

Simeon Brankov

Simeon Brankov and 4 other contributors

Last updated on September 25, 2024

20 - 30 minutes
Moderate
Community-Contributed Guide
Better Introduction

Introduction

Go to step 1

This guide will show you how to open the laptop to replace the Thermal Paste. This guide will also help you upgrade the RAM or the SSD inside.

What you need

Fix Kit

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

Parts

Tools

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  1. Lenovo ThinkPad T490s - Thermal Paste Replacement, Opening the back panel: step 1, image 1 of 3 Lenovo ThinkPad T490s - Thermal Paste Replacement, Opening the back panel: step 1, image 2 of 3 Lenovo ThinkPad T490s - Thermal Paste Replacement, Opening the back panel: step 1, image 3 of 3
    • Unscrew all screws holding the back panel in place.

    • Use a prying tool to release all the clips and remove the panel.

  2. Lenovo ThinkPad T490s - Thermal Paste Replacement, Changing the thermal paste: step 2, image 1 of 3 Lenovo ThinkPad T490s - Thermal Paste Replacement, Changing the thermal paste: step 2, image 2 of 3 Lenovo ThinkPad T490s - Thermal Paste Replacement, Changing the thermal paste: step 2, image 3 of 3
    • Disconnecting the battery is highly recommended.

    • Unscrew the 4 screws holding the CPU heatsink and disconnect the fan.

    • Clean the old thermal paste from both the cooler and the CPU.

    • Use isopropyl alcohol and cotton swabs or paper towel, but be careful not to press too hard on the CPU.

    • It's also recommended to use compressed air to remove any dust in the laptop and the fan.

    • Use only enough thermal paste to cover a portion of the pad. Use a spreader if you have one.

    • The thermal paste will apply evenly after you tighten the heatsink.

    • Place the heatsink back into the unit carefully and tighten the screws in an "X" pattern to ensure even pressure. Don't forget to plug in the fan cable.

  3. Lenovo ThinkPad T490s - Thermal Paste Replacement, Other upgrades: step 3, image 1 of 1
    • Once you have the back cover opened, it is a good opportunity to upgrade the SSD. To do so, follow the SSD Replacement Guide.

Conclusion

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.

2 other people completed this guide.

Simeon Brankov

Member since: 11/08/20

7,279 Reputation

54 Guides authored

1 Guide Comment

Are you sure thermal paste should be applied to the smaller PCH die?

Bryan C - Reply

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