16" Thermal Paste Replacement

[MrGimper]

Hi all

I have a 16" purchased in May, along with Apple Care. Within the rules of the game, can I open it up and replace the Thermal Paste? (done it for years on Macs and PCs)

If not, can I at least open it up to remove dust?

 

[hallux]

TECHNICALLY, with no user-serviceable parts inside the computer ANY instance of opening the bottom cover could open you to voiding the warranty as there should be no reason for someone to be doing that.

Does that stop someone from doing just that? Several here have done it. Will Apple deny warranty coverage if it's found to have been opened? That remains to be seen.

I'm debating the merits of doing mine. I have AC+, but I'm also an Apple-certified tech...

 

[MrGimper]

TECHNICALLY, with no user-serviceable parts inside the computer ANY instance of opening the bottom cover could open you to voiding the warranty as there should be no reason for someone to be doing that.

Does that stop someone from doing just that? Several here have done it. Will Apple deny warranty coverage if it's found to have been opened? That remains to be seen.

I'm debating the merits of doing mine. I have AC+, but I'm also an Apple-certified tech...

Thanks for the feedback. So HYPOTHETICALLY, as an apple-certified tech, would you be able to tell I'd done it?

 

[hallux]

would you be able to tell I'd done it?

I haven't seen one yet, I don't know what the stock paste looks like. I absolutely could on a Dell.

 

[Fishrrman]

You can open it and do anything you want.
But... if you BREAK something... you're gonna pay to have it repaired...

 

[MrGimper]

You can open it and do anything you want.
But... if you BREAK something... you're gonna pay to have it repaired...

I was more concerned about if something breaks by itself later, for example if I need a keyboard replacement and they bitch it's been opened. Or if the GPU fails and it needs a board replacement.

 

[throAU]

On the one hand: no warranty seals on Macs. No warning stickers

On the other hand: apple's thermal compound is hot garbage and I'm not sure you'd find something that looks the same or works as badly. They will definitely be able to tell you've done it - IF THEY LOOK as it will look different.

I'd go for it. Definitely to blow dust out, I'd do the thermal compound as well myself.

 

[AMP12345]

OK, I just finished repasting my 16" MacBook Pro.

1. I've done this on other MacBooks and this is next level more difficult. Just getting the bottom case of is more difficult and it gets worse from there with the sheer number of connectors and screws with different size bits.

2. Some Blender tests and geek bench runs the thermals are noticeably improved as well as the case staying a much more comfortable temperature with the air coming out the back warmer. I used Kryonaut thermal paste.

While I don't recommend this as it was at the very edge of my skill level, not really where I want to be working on a $3,200 Mac, I am happy with the results. I wish Apple would use something better than the poorly applied dry crusty junk that was in there.

 

[denzdaniel]

Simply yes. Just be very careful. as long as you don't strip any screws and you are careful you should be fine! Just use Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut! Same color and consistency whatever apple uses for thermal paste plus it has 12.5 W / mk conductivity! Good Luck!

 

[hallux]

Just getting the bottom case of is more difficult

Apple actually has a jig that service providers can (or are supposed to) buy. That jig holds the Mac solid (it comes with clamps like you would buy at Lowe's or Home Depot, for holding it to the table) they're also supposed to request a suction cup and protective gloves (sharp edges along the sides) for the task. All of that is supposed to be part of their repair station for servicing Macs.

The jig has alignment tabs for getting the cover back on properly also (those spring clips at the back edge might have been a PAIN to line up).

I'm not saying it can't be done without the jig (lots here have done it) but it's definitely easier with it...

Huh, I found a listing you can refer to. This is just the plate, the table clamps, gloves and suction cup aren't part of this - https://applecomponents.com/products/076-00290

That was first released for the 2016 MBPs, it works with the 13" and 15", and now the 16" as the body is the same size as the 15" was. No, I don't expect someone to go spend $450 on this to do a single thermal paste replacement.

 

[Madhatter32]

I have repasted my MBPs in the past but usually after at least a couple years of use. I have found that the paste from the factory on the older models does degrade over time and that repasting, along with a good cleaning/dusting, definitely helps with temps. I have never thought to do it on a new machine though and probably would not think it necessary.