Full Guide to Cleaning, Thermal Paste Replacement & Fixing Throttling for Overheating Laptop
Our Laptop Repair services
In recent months, we’ve noticed a spike in clients across the UK - particularly students and home workers reporting overheating laptops that slow down dramatically during use. One recent case involved a university student from Stratford, East London, who was experiencing sudden shutdowns and lag during Zoom classes and coursework.
Thermal Throttling and Overheating
The student’s laptop, a 3-year-old HP Pavilion 15, was shutting down during basic tasks or becoming nearly unusable after just 15-20 minutes of use. The fan was loud, the keyboard area was hot to the touch, and performance dropped drastically even when browsing the internet or using Microsoft Word. Without any delay, PCMacgicians began their Laptop Repair and Health Check protocol for this customer.
Blocked Cooling System and Worn Thermal Paste
After an internal inspection, we found:
Dust-clogged vents and fan
Thermal paste on the CPU had dried out
The fan was functioning but not efficiently
No malware or software bloat - this was purely a hardware-based thermal issue
At PcMacgicians, we understand that tech mishaps can happen to anyone-sometimes it’s a failing hard drive, other times it’s a cracked screen after an unfortunate drop. Not long ago, we had a customer bring in their HP Pavilion x360 2-in-1 laptop (Model 14-ek1000na) after a minor accident left their touchscreen behaving erratically. Instead of springing for an expensive screen replacement, they were hoping for a practical workaround. That’s where we came in.
How We Fixed the Laptop and How You Can Too
Disclaimer: If you’re unsure or uncomfortable opening your laptop, consult a professional. This guide is for educational purposes and assumes basic technical skills.
Tools You’ll Need
Phillips screwdriver set (small size)
Plastic spudger or opening tool
Thermal paste (e.g., Arctic MX-4)
Isopropyl alcohol (90%+ recommended)
Microfiber cloth or cotton swabs
Compressed air can or electric air blower
Step 1: Backup and Power Down
1. Shut down the laptop completely.
2. Unplug it from the charger and remove any USB devices.
3. If the battery is removable, take it out. If not, just proceed with caution.
Step 2: Remove the Back Cover
Flip the laptop and locate all screws (check under rubber feet and stickers).
Use a spudger to gently pry open the case after unscrewing.
Set the back cover aside carefully.
Step 3: Clean the Dust
Use compressed air to blow out all dust from the vents, fans, and heatsinks.
Hold the fan blades while blowing air to prevent overspinning.
Use a small brush or cloth to clean areas air can’t reach.
Step 4: Reapply Thermal Paste
Locate the CPU and GPU under the copper heatsink.
Unscrew and lift the heatsink gently.
Clean off old thermal paste using isopropyl alcohol and cotton swabs.
Apply a small pea-sized drop of new thermal paste on the CPU and GPU.
Reattach and screw down the heatsink evenly.
Step 5: Reassemble and Test
Reattach the back cover and screw everything back.
Power on the laptop.
Use software like HWMonitor or Core Temp to check CPU temperatures.
Call us now for a free consultation!
PC Macgicians 207-6100-500
The Result: A Cooler, Quieter Laptop
After cleaning and repasting, the student’s laptop:
Ran 15-20°C cooler under load
No longer throttled or shut down unexpectedly
Was quieter with better overall responsiveness
Extended its usable life by at least another 1-2 years
Why Overheating is a Big Issue
Many people use their laptops for extended periods without servicing. This is particularly common among:
Students using their devices daily for studies and media
Home workers in post-COVID remote setups
Gamers using mid-range or budget laptops with limited cooling
Moreover, lack of awareness about thermal paste degradation and airflow maintenance leads to preventable failures.
When to Seek Help
If you’re not confident doing this yourself or your laptop is under warranty, it’s better to consult an expert. We offer:
Professional thermal paste replacement
Internal cleaning
Fan replacement services
Full diagnostics
Don’t Ignore the Heat
Overheating can reduce performance, damage internal components, and lead to sudden system failures. For users in Southwest London - where laptops are pushed hard during school, work, and gaming - regular internal maintenance is essential.
Need Help with Your Overheating Laptop?
If you’re in Southwest London and your laptop is running hot, we’re here to help. Whether you’re a student, remote worker, or casual user - we’ll get your device running cool and smooth again. Chat with us now and get a free consult!