nVidia GeForce 8400M G

8/3/2019 nVidia GeForce 8400M G

1/17

Dell XPS M1330 - nVidia GeForce 8400M GS - Copper Mod - Step by Step Guide

Dell XPS M1330 Notebook with nVidia GeForce 8400M GS GPU has an inadequate Thermal CoolingAssembly. It uses a Thermal Cooling Pad between the GPU and the GPU Thermal Cooling Assembly instead

of a direct contact between the two with a Thermal Compound. This leads to overheating the GPU anddamaging it along with other components. The solution is to replace the existing Thermal Cooling Pad witha Copper Sheet and a Thermal Compound.

Note: This Copper Mod does not solveproblems arising from a weak die/packaging materialset in certainversions of GPU. Their failure appears related to the combination of the interaction between the chip

material set and the system design. The combination of limited thermal management and frequent powercycling is particularly challenging for the GPU. Dell is offering a12 Month Limited WarrantyEnhancementspecific to this issue. However, this Copper Mod might help delay the failure by improving thethermal management.

Materials:

01.Copper Sheet.Recommended: Gauge 16 & Grade C106 - 14x14x1.5mm.02.Thermal Compound.Recommended: Arctic Silver 5.

03. Thermal Compound Cleaner (Isopropyl AlcoholorAcetone).04.Cotton Swabs.05.Paper Napkins.

Tools:

01.PhillipsScrewdriver- #0.

02.Utility Knife.03. Thermal Compound Spreader.

Drivers & Utilities: (for Microsoft Windows Vista 32 Bit)

01.Dell XPS M1330 A15-1.02MB. (BIOS Firmware). Recommended.02.Dell nVidia GeForce 8400M GS 176.44 A10-52.70MB. (Video Driver). Recommended.03.HWMonitor 1.18-518.00KB. (Monitor GPU, CPU, Chipset and HDD Temperatures).

04.GPU-Z 0.5.5-922.00KB. (Monitor GPU Clocks).05.I8kfanGUI 3.1-1.61MB. (Monitor Fan Status and Speed).06.RivaTuner 2.24C-2.70MB. (Monitor GPU Status on OSD).

07.3DMark06 Basic Edition 1.2.0-584.00MB. (Benchmark GPU).08.Intel Thermal Analysis Tool 2.05-3.31MB. (Benchmark CPU).

Procedures:

Before You Begin!

01. Disassemble the Module Cover by loosening the four Screws.
http://en.community.dell.com/blogs/direct2dell/archive/2008/09/12/nvidia-gpu-update-limited-warranty-enhancement-details.aspxhttp://en.community.dell.com/blogs/direct2dell/archive/2008/09/12/nvidia-gpu-update-limited-warranty-enhancement-details.aspxhttp://en.community.dell.com/blogs/direct2dell/archive/2008/09/12/nvidia-gpu-update-limited-warranty-enhancement-details.aspxhttp://en.community.dell.com/blogs/direct2dell/archive/2008/09/12/nvidia-gpu-update-limited-warranty-enhancement-details.aspxhttp://en.community.dell.com/blogs/direct2dell/archive/2008/09/12/nvidia-gpu-update-limited-warranty-enhancement-details.aspxhttp://en.community.dell.com/blogs/direct2dell/archive/2008/09/12/nvidia-gpu-update-limited-warranty-enhancement-details.aspxhttp://en.community.dell.com/blogs/direct2dell/archive/2008/09/12/nvidia-gpu-update-limited-warranty-enhancement-details.aspxhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copper_sheethttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copper_sheethttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copper_sheethttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermal_compoundhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermal_compoundhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermal_compoundhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isopropyl_alcoholhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isopropyl_alcoholhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isopropyl_alcoholhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acetonehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acetonehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acetonehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cotton_swabshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cotton_swabshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cotton_swabshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Napkinhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Napkinhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Napkinhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_F._Phillipshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_F._Phillipshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Screwdriverhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Screwdriverhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Screwdriverhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Utility_knifehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Utility_knifehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Utility_knifehttp://support.dell.com/support/downloads/download.aspx?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs&releaseid=R207196&SystemID=XPS_M1330&servicetag=&os=W732&osl=en&deviceid=14178&devlib=0&typecnt=0&vercnt=9&catid=-1&impid=-1&formatcnt=0&libid=1&typeid=-1&dateid=-1&formatid=-1&source=-1&fileid=290116http://support.dell.com/support/downloads/download.aspx?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs&releaseid=R207196&SystemID=XPS_M1330&servicetag=&os=W732&osl=en&deviceid=14178&devlib=0&typecnt=0&vercnt=9&catid=-1&impid=-1&formatcnt=0&libid=1&typeid=-1&dateid=-1&formatid=-1&source=-1&fileid=290116http://support.dell.com/support/downloads/download.aspx?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs&releaseid=R207196&SystemID=XPS_M1330&servicetag=&os=W732&osl=en&deviceid=14178&devlib=0&typecnt=0&vercnt=9&catid=-1&impid=-1&formatcnt=0&libid=1&typeid=-1&dateid=-1&formatid=-1&source=-1&fileid=290116http://ftp.us.dell.com/bios/M1330A15.EXEhttp://ftp.us.dell.com/bios/M1330A15.EXEhttp://ftp.us.dell.com/bios/M1330A15.EXEhttp://support.dell.com/support/downloads/download.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=gen&releaseid=R200273&SystemID=XPS_M1330&servicetag=&os=WLH&osl=en&deviceid=13475&devlib=0&typecnt=0&vercnt=4&catid=-1&impid=-1&formatcnt=1&libid=6&fileid=277619http://support.dell.com/support/downloads/download.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=gen&releaseid=R200273&SystemID=XPS_M1330&servicetag=&os=WLH&osl=en&deviceid=13475&devlib=0&typecnt=0&vercnt=4&catid=-1&impid=-1&formatcnt=1&libid=6&fileid=277619http://support.dell.com/support/downloads/download.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=gen&releaseid=R200273&SystemID=XPS_M1330&servicetag=&os=WLH&osl=en&deviceid=13475&devlib=0&typecnt=0&vercnt=4&catid=-1&impid=-1&formatcnt=1&libid=6&fileid=277619http://ftp.us.dell.com/video/R200273.EXEhttp://ftp.us.dell.com/video/R200273.EXEhttp://ftp.us.dell.com/video/R200273.EXEhttp://www.cpuid.com/hwmonitor.phphttp://www.cpuid.com/hwmonitor.phphttp://www.cpuid.com/hwmonitor.phphttp://www.cpuid.com/downloads/hwmonitor/1.18-32bit.ziphttp://www.cpuid.com/downloads/hwmonitor/1.18-32bit.ziphttp://www.cpuid.com/downloads/hwmonitor/1.18-32bit.ziphttp://www.techpowerup.com/gpuz/http://www.techpowerup.com/gpuz/http://www.techpowerup.com/gpuz/http://www.techpowerup.com/downloads/2039/TechPowerUp_GPU-Z_v0.5.5.htmlhttp://www.techpowerup.com/downloads/2039/TechPowerUp_GPU-Z_v0.5.5.htmlhttp://www.techpowerup.com/downloads/2039/TechPowerUp_GPU-Z_v0.5.5.htmlhttp://www.diefer.de/i8kfan/http://www.diefer.de/i8kfan/http://www.diefer.de/i8kfan/http://www.diefer.de/software/i8kfangui31.exehttp://www.diefer.de/software/i8kfangui31.exehttp://www.diefer.de/software/i8kfangui31.exehttp://www.guru3d.com/index.php?page=rivatunerhttp://www.guru3d.com/index.php?page=rivatunerhttp://www.guru3d.com/index.php?page=rivatunerhttp://downloads.guru3d.com/download.php?det=163#downloadhttp://downloads.guru3d.com/download.php?det=163#downloadhttp://downloads.guru3d.com/download.php?det=163#downloadhttp://www.futuremark.com/products/3dmark06/http://www.futuremark.com/products/3dmark06/http://www.futuremark.com/products/3dmark06/http://www.techpowerup.com/downloads/1755/Futuremark_3DMark06_v1.2.0_1901.htmlhttp://www.techpowerup.com/downloads/1755/Futuremark_3DMark06_v1.2.0_1901.htmlhttp://www.techpowerup.com/downloads/1755/Futuremark_3DMark06_v1.2.0_1901.htmlhttp://www.techpowerup.com/downloads/379/http://www.techpowerup.com/downloads/379/http://www.techpowerup.com/downloads/379/http://www.techpowerup.com/downloads/379/http://www.techpowerup.com/downloads/379/http://www.techpowerup.com/downloads/379/http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/xpsM1330/en/sm/before.htmhttp://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/xpsM1330/en/sm/before.htmhttp://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/xpsM1330/en/sm/before.htmhttp://www.techpowerup.com/downloads/379/http://www.techpowerup.com/downloads/379/http://www.techpowerup.com/downloads/1755/Futuremark_3DMark06_v1.2.0_1901.htmlhttp://www.futuremark.com/products/3dmark06/http://downloads.guru3d.com/download.php?det=163#downloadhttp://www.guru3d.com/index.php?page=rivatunerhttp://www.diefer.de/software/i8kfangui31.exehttp://www.diefer.de/i8kfan/http://www.techpowerup.com/downloads/2039/TechPowerUp_GPU-Z_v0.5.5.htmlhttp://www.techpowerup.com/gpuz/http://www.cpuid.com/downloads/hwmonitor/1.18-32bit.ziphttp://www.cpuid.com/hwmonitor.phphttp://ftp.us.dell.com/video/R200273.EXEhttp://support.dell.com/support/downloads/download.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=gen&releaseid=R200273&SystemID=XPS_M1330&servicetag=&os=WLH&osl=en&deviceid=13475&devlib=0&typecnt=0&vercnt=4&catid=-1&impid=-1&formatcnt=1&libid=6&fileid=277619http://ftp.us.dell.com/bios/M1330A15.EXEhttp://support.dell.com/support/downloads/download.aspx?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs&releaseid=R207196&SystemID=XPS_M1330&servicetag=&os=W732&osl=en&deviceid=14178&devlib=0&typecnt=0&vercnt=9&catid=-1&impid=-1&formatcnt=0&libid=1&typeid=-1&dateid=-1&formatid=-1&source=-1&fileid=290116http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Utility_knifehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Screwdriverhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_F._Phillipshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Napkinhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cotton_swabshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acetonehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isopropyl_alcoholhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermal_compoundhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copper_sheethttp://en.community.dell.com/blogs/direct2dell/archive/2008/09/12/nvidia-gpu-update-limited-warranty-enhancement-details.aspxhttp://en.community.dell.com/blogs/direct2dell/archive/2008/09/12/nvidia-gpu-update-limited-warranty-enhancement-details.aspxhttp://en.community.dell.com/blogs/direct2dell/archive/2008/09/12/nvidia-gpu-update-limited-warranty-enhancement-details.aspx


2/17

| 1 - M2.5x5mm Screw (1) | 2 - Captive Screws (3) | 3 - Module Cover (1) | Image:Dell Service Manual|

| Existing Thermal Cooling Assembly and System Board |

| Existing GPU Thermal Cooling Assembly with Thermal Cooling Pad |
http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/xpsM1330/en/sm/cpucool.htmhttp://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/xpsM1330/en/sm/cpucool.htmhttp://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/xpsM1330/en/sm/cpucool.htmhttp://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/xpsM1330/en/sm/cpucool.htm


3/17

| Existing GPU Thermal Cooling Assembly with Thermal Cooling Pad |

02. Disassemble the existing Thermal Cooling Assembly by loosening the five Screws and disconnecting the

Fan Connector.

| 1 - Fan Connector (1) | 2 - Thermal Cooling Assembly (1) | 3 - Captive Screws (5) | Image:Dell ServiceManual|
http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/xpsM1330/en/sm/cpucool.htmhttp://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/xpsM1330/en/sm/cpucool.htmhttp://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/xpsM1330/en/sm/cpucool.htmhttp://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/xpsM1330/en/sm/cpucool.htmhttp://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/xpsM1330/en/sm/cpucool.htmhttp://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/xpsM1330/en/sm/cpucool.htm


4/17

| Existing System Board |

| Existing Thermal Cooling Assembly |

03. Clean the existing Thermal Compound on the CPU and its Thermal Cooling Assembly.


5/17

| Existing CPU Thermal Compound |

| Cleaned CPU |


6/17


7/17

| Existing GPU Adhesive |

| Cleaned GPU |


8/17

| Existing GPU Thermal Cooling Pad |

| Existing GPU Thermal Cooling Assembly Adhesive |


9/17

| Cleaned GPU Thermal Cooling Assembly |

05. Spread the Thermal Compound evenly on the CPU and its Thermal Cooling Assembly.

| CPU with Thermal Compound |


10/17

| CPU Thermal Cooling Assembly with Thermal Compound |

06. Spread Thermal Compound evenly on the GPU and its Thermal Cooling Assembly.

| GPU with Thermal Compound |


11/17

| GPU Thermal Cooling Assembly with Thermal Compound |

07. Place the Copper Sheet on the GPU.

| GPU with Copper Sheet |

08. Reassemble the modified Thermal Cooling Assembly by tightening the five Screws and reconnecting theFan Connector.


12/17

| Modified Thermal Cooling Assembly |

| Modified System Board |


13/17

| 1 - Fan Connector (1) | 2 - Thermal Cooling Assembly (1) | 3 - Captive Screws (5) | Image:Dell Service

Manual|

09. Reassemble the Module Cover by tightening the four Screws.

| Modified GPU Thermal Cooling Assembly with Copper Sheet |
http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/xpsM1330/en/sm/cpucool.htmhttp://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/xpsM1330/en/sm/cpucool.htmhttp://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/xpsM1330/en/sm/cpucool.htmhttp://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/xpsM1330/en/sm/cpucool.htmhttp://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/xpsM1330/en/sm/cpucool.htmhttp://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/xpsM1330/en/sm/cpucool.htm


14/17

| Modified GPU Thermal Cooling Assembly with Copper Sheet |

| Modified Thermal Cooling Assembly and System Board |


15/17

| 1 - M2.5x5mm Screw (1) | 2 - Captive Screws (3) | 3 - Module Cover (1) | Image:Dell Service Manual|

Frequently Asked Questions:

01. How about using anAcetonebasedNail Enamel/Polish Removerfor cleaning theThermal Compound?A: Acetone based Nail Enamel/Polish Removers must be avoided as they containFragrance Oilsand othercontaminants that may reduceThermal Conductivity.

02. How about using a better Thermal Compound thanArctic Silver 5?A: Any Thermal Compound better than Arctic Silver 5 may be used. However, they may not be easily

available and reasonably priced as Arctic Silver 5.

03. How about usingArctic Ceramiqueinstead of Arctic Silver 5?

A: The Thermal Conductivity of Arctic Ceramique which is >200,000W/m sq C @0.001in is lower than thatof Arctic Silver 5 which is >350,000W/m sq C @0.001in.

04. How about the System Board circuits getting shorted due to Arctic Silver 5 spillage?A: Arctic Silver 5 is Electrically Capacitive only at high pressures and any spills can be easily cleaned up

withIsopropyl Alcohol. There is no need to use Arctic Ceramique only because it is a pureElectricalInsulator.

05. How about using the Thermal Compound ideally?A: The ideal amount of the Thermal Compound is equal to about half the size of an uncooked short grainofWhite Rice. It should be applied directly only on top of mating surface of the actual core and its ThermalCooling Assembly and then spread evenly using a Thermal Compound Spreader. Increasing the amount of

Thermal Compound may decrease its Thermal Conductivity.

06. How about reusing the existing Thermal Compound on the CPU and its Thermal Cooling Assembly?

A: The existing Thermal Compound on the CPU and its Thermal Cooling Assembly may be reused as long asthe original CPU and its original Thermal Cooling Assembly are reassembled together. However, it is notrecommended.

07. How about usingAluminiuminstead ofCopper?A: The Thermal Conductivity of Aluminium which is ~ 237 W/(mK) @300K is lower than that of Copperwhich is ~ 401W/(mK) @300K and theThermal Expansionof Aluminium which is 23.1 m/(mK) @25C ishigher than that of Copper which is 16.5 m/(mK) @25C.

08. How about usingBronze,Brass,Gold,SilverorDiamondinstead of Copper?A: Bronze and Brass have poor thermal properties and Gold, Silver and Diamond are not cost effective

when compared to Copper. Refer to theList of Thermal Conductivitiesfor more information.

09. How about using the Copper Mod on theNorthbridge Chipset?A: The Copper Mod may be used on the Northbridge Chipset. However, it is not recommended as the

Thermal Cooling Pad is more than adequate for the Northbridge Chipset.
http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/xpsM1330/en/sm/cpucool.htmhttp://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/xpsM1330/en/sm/cpucool.htmhttp://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/xpsM1330/en/sm/cpucool.htmhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acetonehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acetonehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acetonehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nail_polish_remover#Nail_polish_removerhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nail_polish_remover#Nail_polish_removerhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nail_polish_remover#Nail_polish_removerhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermal_compoundhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermal_compoundhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fragrance_oilshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fragrance_oilshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fragrance_oilshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermal_conductivityhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermal_conductivityhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermal_conductivityhttp://www.arcticsilver.com/as5.htmhttp://www.arcticsilver.com/as5.htmhttp://www.arcticsilver.com/ceramique.htmhttp://www.arcticsilver.com/ceramique.htmhttp://www.arcticsilver.com/ceramique.htmhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isopropyl_alcoholhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isopropyl_alcoholhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isopropyl_alcoholhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electrical_insulatorhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electrical_insulatorhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electrical_insulatorhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electrical_insulatorhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_ricehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_ricehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_ricehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aluminiumhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aluminiumhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aluminiumhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copperhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copperhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermal_expansionhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermal_expansionhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermal_expansionhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bronzehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bronzehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bronzehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brasshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brasshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brasshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goldhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goldhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goldhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silverhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silverhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silverhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diamondhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diamondhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diamondhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_thermal_conductivitieshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_thermal_conductivitieshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_thermal_conductivitieshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northbridge_%28computing%29http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northbridge_%28computing%29http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northbridge_%28computing%29http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_thermal_conductivitieshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diamondhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silverhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goldhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brasshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bronzehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermal_expansionhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copperhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aluminiumhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_ricehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electrical_insulatorhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electrical_insulatorhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isopropyl_alcoholhttp://www.arcticsilver.com/ceramique.htmhttp://www.arcticsilver.com/as5.htmhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermal_conductivityhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fragrance_oilshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermal_compoundhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nail_polish_remover#Nail_polish_removerhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acetonehttp://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/xpsM1330/en/sm/cpucool.htm


16/17

10. How about the Thermal Cooling Pad positions?A: The Thermal Cooling Pad is usually on the Thermal Cooling Assembly. However, in some cases, it is onthe Chipset. The position is immaterial as long as it makes a perfect contact between the Chipset and itsThermal Cooling Assembly.

11. How about the Thermal Cooling Assembly variations?A: All variations of the Thermal Cooling Assembly can use this Copper Mod. However, in some ThermalCooling Assemblies, the Copper Sheet must be placed under the GPU Thermal Cooling Assembly, betweenthe raised boundaries, for a proper fit.

12. How about the Copper Sheet fit?A: The ideal size of the Copper Sheet is 14x14x1.5mm for all variations of the Thermal Cooling Assembly.However, it is recommended to place the Copper Sheet without the Thermal Compound to check the fit. Itshould fit perfectly in the gap between the GPU and its Thermal Cooling Assembly. It should not be looseenough to fall off or tight enough for no expansion.

13. How about tightening the Screws ideally?A: The Screws are tightened ideally when they cannot be turned any further without applying pressure.Overtightening the Thermal Cooling Assembly Screws may damage the GPU as the Copper Sheet slightly

expands due to heat during the normal use of the Notebook.

14. How about curing the Thermal Compound ideally?

A: The Thermal Compound will take several hours (around 200 hours for Arctic Silver 5) and severalthermal cycles to cure as long as the Notebook is turned off from time to time and allowed to cool to roomtemperature. Once the curing is complete the Notebook can be left turned on if desired.

15. How about the benefits of this Copper Mod?A: This Copper Mod reduces the GPU temperature by a few degrees when idle and several degrees whenloaded, CPU and Chipset temperatures by a few degrees. The Notebook will run comparitively cooler andquieter with the Fan on slow speed.

16. How about reversing this Copper Mod?A: This copper Mod can be reversed completely. The existing GPU Thermal Cooling Pad may be reused toreverse this Copper Mod. It is recommended to reverse this Copper Mod before sending your Notebook

back to Dell.

Polls:

01.Mod Guide Statistics.02.GPU Idle Temperature.

Sources & Credits:

01. NotebookReview Forum Members. flipfire- Thermal Conductivity FAQ. Hep!-Original Guide- Using liquid Thermal Compound Cleaner idea - Helpful suggestions. johnny13oi- Using liquid Thermal Compound Cleaner idea. KenHT-Actual Store Link. Kreeeee-eBay Store Link. Lao-Temporary Photographs. MexicanSnake- Using an Utility Knife for peeling off the GPU Thermal Cooling Pad idea. mxlars- Placing the Copper Sheet without any Thermal Compound to check the fit idea. shelleyevans- Using an expired Credit Card as a Thermal Compound Spreader idea. traveller-eBay Store Link- Using RivaTuner for monitoring GPU status on OSD idea - Helpful hints

and links. zeg-Mod idea.

02.nVidia-Notebook Field Failures.

03.Direct2Dell-nVidia GPU Update: Limited Warranty Enhancement Details.

04.Dell-Dell XPS M1330 Service Manual.

05.Arctic Silver-Arctic Silver 5 Instructions.

06.Wikipedia- Various Links.

Updates:

July 8, 2009: Celebrating 1st Anniversary of Dell XPS M1330 - nVidia GeForce 8400M GS - Copper Mod. My
http://forum.notebookreview.com/dell-xps-studio-xps/268081-dell-xps-m1330-nvidia-geforce-8400m-gs-copper-mod.htmlhttp://forum.notebookreview.com/dell-xps-studio-xps/268081-dell-xps-m1330-nvidia-geforce-8400m-gs-copper-mod.htmlhttp://forum.notebookreview.com/dell-xps-studio-xps/268081-dell-xps-m1330-nvidia-geforce-8400m-gs-copper-mod.htmlhttp://forum.notebookreview.com/dell-xps-studio-xps/266624-dell-xps-m1330-nvidia-geforce-8400m-gs-idle-temperature.htmlhttp://forum.notebookreview.com/dell-xps-studio-xps/266624-dell-xps-m1330-nvidia-geforce-8400m-gs-idle-temperature.htmlhttp://forum.notebookreview.com/dell-xps-studio-xps/266624-dell-xps-m1330-nvidia-geforce-8400m-gs-idle-temperature.htmlhttp://forum.notebookreview.com/member.php?u=85669http://forum.notebookreview.com/member.php?u=85669http://forum.notebookreview.com/member.php?u=45235http://forum.notebookreview.com/member.php?u=45235http://forum.notebookreview.com/dell-xps-studio-xps/250129-how-improve-your-xps-m1330-cooling.htmlhttp://forum.notebookreview.com/dell-xps-studio-xps/250129-how-improve-your-xps-m1330-cooling.htmlhttp://forum.notebookreview.com/dell-xps-studio-xps/250129-how-improve-your-xps-m1330-cooling.htmlhttp://forum.notebookreview.com/member.php?u=162468http://forum.notebookreview.com/member.php?u=162468http://forum.notebookreview.com/member.php?u=158039http://forum.notebookreview.com/member.php?u=158039http://www.metaloffcuts.co.uk/http://www.metaloffcuts.co.uk/http://www.metaloffcuts.co.uk/http://forum.notebookreview.com/member.php?u=135133http://forum.notebookreview.com/member.php?u=135133http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=ADME:B:EOIBSAA:US:11&Item=120278462060http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=ADME:B:EOIBSAA:US:11&Item=120278462060http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=ADME:B:EOIBSAA:US:11&Item=120278462060http://forum.notebookreview.com/member.php?u=114226http://forum.notebookreview.com/member.php?u=114226http://forum.notebookreview.com/dell-xps-studio-xps/268081-dell-xps-m1330-nvidia-geforce-8400m-gs-copper-mod-post3573093.htmlhttp://forum.notebookreview.com/dell-xps-studio-xps/268081-dell-xps-m1330-nvidia-geforce-8400m-gs-copper-mod-post3573093.htmlhttp://forum.notebookreview.com/dell-xps-studio-xps/268081-dell-xps-m1330-nvidia-geforce-8400m-gs-copper-mod-post3573093.htmlhttp://forum.notebookreview.com/member.php?u=159373http://forum.notebookreview.com/member.php?u=159373http://forum.notebookreview.com/member.php?u=105927http://forum.notebookreview.com/member.php?u=105927http://forum.notebookreview.com/member.php?u=134527http://forum.notebookreview.com/member.php?u=134527http://forum.notebookreview.com/member.php?u=77486http://forum.notebookreview.com/member.php?u=77486http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=ADME:B:EOIBSAA:US:11&Item=120278462060http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=ADME:B:EOIBSAA:US:11&Item=120278462060http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=ADME:B:EOIBSAA:US:11&Item=120278462060http://forum.notebookreview.com/member.php?u=127868http://forum.notebookreview.com/member.php?u=127868http://forum.notebookreview.com/dell-xps-studio-xps/219786-xps1330-thermal-cooling-mod.htmlhttp://forum.notebookreview.com/dell-xps-studio-xps/219786-xps1330-thermal-cooling-mod.htmlhttp://forum.notebookreview.com/dell-xps-studio-xps/219786-xps1330-thermal-cooling-mod.htmlhttp://www.nvidia.com/http://www.nvidia.com/http://www.nvidia.com/http://www.nvidia.com/object/io_1215037160521.htmlhttp://www.nvidia.com/object/io_1215037160521.htmlhttp://www.nvidia.com/object/io_1215037160521.htmlhttp://www.direct2dell.com/http://www.direct2dell.com/http://www.direct2dell.com/http://en.community.dell.com/blogs/direct2dell/archive/2008/09/12/nvidia-gpu-update-limited-warranty-enhancement-details.aspxhttp://en.community.dell.com/blogs/direct2dell/archive/2008/09/12/nvidia-gpu-update-limited-warranty-enhancement-details.aspxhttp://en.community.dell.com/blogs/direct2dell/archive/2008/09/12/nvidia-gpu-update-limited-warranty-enhancement-details.aspxhttp://www.dell.com/http://www.dell.com/http://www.dell.com/http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/xpsM1330/en/sm/index.htmhttp://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/xpsM1330/en/sm/index.htmhttp://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/xpsM1330/en/sm/index.htmhttp://www.arcticsilver.com/http://www.arcticsilver.com/http://www.arcticsilver.com/http://www.arcticsilver.com/pdf/appmeth/int/ss/intel_app_method_surface_spread_v1.1.pdfhttp://www.arcticsilver.com/pdf/appmeth/int/ss/intel_app_method_surface_spread_v1.1.pdfhttp://www.arcticsilver.com/pdf/appmeth/int/ss/intel_app_method_surface_spread_v1.1.pdfhttp://www.wikipedia.org/http://www.wikipedia.org/http://www.wikipedia.org/http://www.wikipedia.org/http://www.arcticsilver.com/pdf/appmeth/int/ss/intel_app_method_surface_spread_v1.1.pdfhttp://www.arcticsilver.com/http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/xpsM1330/en/sm/index.htmhttp://www.dell.com/http://en.community.dell.com/blogs/direct2dell/archive/2008/09/12/nvidia-gpu-update-limited-warranty-enhancement-details.aspxhttp://www.direct2dell.com/http://www.nvidia.com/object/io_1215037160521.htmlhttp://www.nvidia.com/http://forum.notebookreview.com/dell-xps-studio-xps/219786-xps1330-thermal-cooling-mod.htmlhttp://forum.notebookreview.com/member.php?u=127868http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=ADME:B:EOIBSAA:US:11&Item=120278462060http://forum.notebookreview.com/member.php?u=77486http://forum.notebookreview.com/member.php?u=134527http://forum.notebookreview.com/member.php?u=105927http://forum.notebookreview.com/member.php?u=159373http://forum.notebookreview.com/dell-xps-studio-xps/268081-dell-xps-m1330-nvidia-geforce-8400m-gs-copper-mod-post3573093.htmlhttp://forum.notebookreview.com/member.php?u=114226http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=ADME:B:EOIBSAA:US:11&Item=120278462060http://forum.notebookreview.com/member.php?u=135133http://www.metaloffcuts.co.uk/http://forum.notebookreview.com/member.php?u=158039http://forum.notebookreview.com/member.php?u=162468http://forum.notebookreview.com/dell-xps-studio-xps/250129-how-improve-your-xps-m1330-cooling.htmlhttp://forum.notebookreview.com/member.php?u=45235http://forum.notebookreview.com/member.php?u=85669http://forum.notebookreview.com/dell-xps-studio-xps/266624-dell-xps-m1330-nvidia-geforce-8400m-gs-idle-temperature.htmlhttp://forum.notebookreview.com/dell-xps-studio-xps/268081-dell-xps-m1330-nvidia-geforce-8400m-gs-copper-mod.html


17/17

notebook is running great without any spares, service or repair!

December 21, 2009: My Dell XPS M1330 notebook's LED backlight switches off and replacement screen or

cable does not correct the problem although external monitor (via VGA or HDMI port) displays video

flawlessly. Dell's technician suspects heat from the wireless card breaking up the circuit and suggests

replacing the motherboard for correcting the problem. With this my first Copper Mod has lasted me for 531

days (1 year, 5 months, 1 week and 6 days).

December 28, 2009: The motherboard was replaced by Dell's technician today and I have redone the

Copper Mod.

January 11, 2011: A year has passed by since I redid the Copper Mod on the last replaced motherboard.

My notebook runs hot but I am able to manage it with the Logitech Cooling Pad N120. Unfortunately, the

original battery is almost dead and lasts only for 15 minutes.

The 3 year notebook warranty and service contract expires today, and my note book is on its last leg with 1

processor and 2 motherboard replacements, Copper Mods and cooler pad, and 3 years of regular use.

Disclaimer:

This mod will void your Dell XPS M1330 Notebook's warranty and may result in future problems. You are

responsible for all risks and consequences arising out of this mod or the attempt to try this mod. This guide

is provided for educational purposes only.

Documents

nVidia GeForce 8400M G