Introduction: Upgrade CPU Cooling on DELL Inspiron 15R 5010

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This mod was done in a Dell Inspiron 15R - 5010 because the basic CPU cooler seems not to be good enough for the task. I have tried to replace the original thermal paste first, with a good aftermarket one but the difference in tempreture was 5C degrees. The laptop was reaching 93C on stress CPU test and 72C on idle.

Step 1: Tools and Parts Needed

For the mod the following tools and parts are needed:

  • Screwdriver set (most laptops need Phillips - 00, 0, 1, 2. iFixit Pro Tech Toolkit is what i use. but any will do)
  • Plastic Opening Tools or an old credit/debit card (for prying open electonics)
  • Dremel or any other rotary tool with drilling bits (for drilling mounting holes)
  • Dremel or any other rotary tool with cutting disk or metal saw (for cutting the aluminium cooler block)
  • Old aluminium cooling block
  • Screws to mount the aluminium (not aluminium because they will break when you will try to tap the hole)

Step 2: First Measurements and Cuttings

After disassebling the laptop i make a rough sketch for the first measurement because the CPU cooler is in the down side of the laptop and is not visible without full disassemply.. It helps a lot to decide how you will place the extra cooling block. I make the first cuts after planning where i can mount them.

Step 3: Drilling and Tapping the Holes

I have dlilled the holes on the side of the cooler which is the cooling section of the VRMs - Mosfets that provide stable power to CPU. It was the only place where it had enough space for the extra block. The ideal spot for the extra block was or the rail between the CPU and the fan, where the GPU cooler should be (this model has no dedicated GPU) but not enough space. After gradual size drilling i use a large enough bit so the screw will sink partially in the hole. For tapping i use iron screws and for mounting steel screws. After mounting i cut the excess of the screws with the rotary tool.

Step 4: Assemping and Temp Testing

After the assemply i run the stress test included on CPU-Z and monitor the temps with HWMonitor tools provided by the same vendor.

  • Before Mod: The laptop was reaching 93C on stress CPU test and 67-72C on idle.
  • After Mod: The laptop was reaching 83C on stress CPU test and 52C-60C on idle.