DIY Tutorial: MacBook Pro 15 Heat Sink Replacement Guide
Duration: 45 minutes
Steps: 26 Steps
Hey there! If you’re feeling stuck, don’t worry – Salvation Repair is here to lend a hand. Feel free to schedule a repair for expert assistance. You’ve got this!
The heat sink is your processor’s best buddy, keeping it cool and content while it works its magic.
Step 1
– Press both battery release tabs with your fingers to free the battery and gently lift it out of your computer. If you need help, you can always schedule a repair
Step 2
– Unscrew those three identical Phillips screws from the memory door and let’s get this show on the road!
Step 3
– Gently lift the memory door just enough to grab onto it, then slide it towards you, pulling it away from the casing.
Step 4
– Unscrew those two 2.8 mm Phillips screws hanging out in the battery compartment by the latch. You’ve got this!
Step 5
– Get ready to party by removing these 6 screws:
Step 6
– Get ready to tackle this! First up, let’s unscrew those four 3.2 mm Phillips screws on the port side of your computer. You’ve got this!
Step 7
– Give your computer a little twist and turn it 90 degrees! Now, let’s get those two 3.2 mm Phillips screws out from the back. You’ve got this!
Step 8
– Give your computer a little twist and turn it 90 degrees once more. Now, let’s tackle those four 3.2 mm Phillips screws hanging out on the side. Time to show them who’s boss!
Step 9
Don’t rush pulling off that upper case! It’s connected to the logic board with a ribbon cable.
– Start by lifting up the back of the case and slide your fingers along the sides to release it. Once the sides are free, you might need to wiggle the case a bit to unclip the front of the upper case (there are some sneaky hidden plastic clips).
Step 10
– Unhook the trackpad and keyboard ribbon cable from the logic board, peeling off any tape if needed.
– Lift off the upper case.
Step 11
– Unplug that orange SuperDrive ribbon cable from the logic board—don’t forget to peel off any tape if needed!
Step 12
– Time to get your screwdriver ready! Let’s tackle those 4 screws and get this repair party started!
Step 13
– Lift the optical drive out of the computer like you’re pulling a secret treasure.
Step 14
– Time to give your device a little TLC! Start by gently disconnecting the hard drive and ExpressCard connectors from the left side of the logic board. You’ve got this!
Step 15
– Gently slide the iSight and display data cables out of their connectors on the logic board. If there’s any tape in the way, feel free to peel it off like a pro!
Step 17
– Time to get your tools out! Unscrew that shiny silver T6 Torx screw that’s holding the ground loop of the display data cable snugly to the casing. You’ve got this!
Step 18
– Unscrew that lone T6 Torx screw holding down the clear plastic shield over the right ambient light sensor.
– Gently lift off the clear plastic shield to reveal the right ambient light sensor underneath.
Step 19
– Gently lift the orange Kapton tape that’s holding down the right thermal sensor cable to the logic board. You’ve got this!
Step 20
– Let’s kick things off with popping out these 15 screws:
Step 21
– Secure the logic board with one hand and gently raise the left fan from its slot using your free hand. You’ll find a strip of black tape that’s holding the fan in place on the heat sink. Peel off this tape carefully while lifting the fan.
– Position the fan above the Airport card without completely removing it from the device. Remember, we’re all about making things easier here at Salvation Repair!
Step 22
– Gently lift the right fan and carefully peel back the tape securing it to the heat sink as you go.
– Now, remove the right fan from the computer. If you need help, you can always schedule a repair
Step 23
– Gently lift the left side of the logic board and unplug the gray and black power cable from the bottom. If you need help, you can always schedule a repair.
Step 24
Reassembling your MacBook Pro? Clean off and replace the old thermal compound. Check out our Applying Thermal Paste Guide to get those processor and heat sink surfaces ready. If you need help, you can always schedule a repair.
– Grab the logic board from the left side and the thin section, then give it a twist out of the lower case. If you need help, you can always schedule a repair.
Step 25
Need to reattach that heat sink in your laptop? No worries! We’ve got a thermal paste guide that simplifies replacing the thermal compound like a pro.
– Gently lift the heat sink out of the computer, like you’re picking up a sleepy kitten.
Step 26
– Gently peel off the snazzy orange Kapton tape that’s hiding the left thermal sensor. It’s just like unwrapping a present!
– Grab your spudger and give the left thermal sensor a little nudge to free it from its cozy heat sink home.
– Leave the heat sink right where it is—no need to move that big guy!
