laptop cooler recommendation

[coachman399]

I was too late: my Omen laptop 17t-cb100 IDS Base Model reported fan error 90B. After I cleaned out the accumulated dust and reset fans to "always on" in BIOS - still error 90B. I will carefully clean the many copper fan ducts, install new fans, re-tape ducts, reapply silicone grease. and reassemble. My questions: 

1) Is there a recommendation for an accessory laptop cooler fan? 

2) Is there risk of damage due to accessory cooler fan speed interfering with laptop fan speed? 

Thanks. 

[NonSequitur777]

@coachman399,

Welcome to our HP Community forum!

Please confirm that you are not using 'silicon grease' as a substitute for thermal grease? -Just asking.

In any regards, from what you described, you'll need to replace your CPU + GPU cooling fans.  Finding the part number for this replacement cooling fan kit was a bit more challenging than it should be (thanks HP), but here it is: p/n: 685086-001: New CPU+GPU Cooling Fan Replacement for HP OMEN Laptop 17T-CB100 17-CB1002CA 17-CB1010CA 17-CB1046NR....

Mind you, even if only one of the two cooling fans has failed, you should replace both of them at the same time.

Hope this was helpful.

Kind Regards,

NonSequitur777

[NonSequitur777]

@coachman399,

And lest I forgot to mention it: no, (after replacing your cooling fans) using an additional cooling solution such as a laptop cooling pad such as this fine Amazon purchase example, will not be an issue.

Kind Regards,

NonSequitur777

[coachman399]

Thanks for quick responses, and for accessory recommendation.
Confirmation: I'll use Wakefield 120-8: the real stuff. I'm interested to hear if anyone has experience with DIY magnesium oxide thermal paste, and peltier device add-ons. 
I have new Sunon OMEN Laptop - HP 17t-cb000 HP 17t-cb100 IDS Base Model CPU + GPU Cooling Fan Set from eBay.
Old fans are same Sunon part number.
I will replace both fans. It would be helpful to know why both.
Kind Regards,
Coachman399

[NonSequitur777]

@coachman399,

It is good you clarified on the compound. Just to note: Wakefield 120-8 is a silicone + magnesium oxide paste designed for power electronics and transistor mounting. Whilst it is electrically insulating, its thermal conductivity (≈0.7 W/m·K) is much lower than modern CPU/GPU pastes (typically 5–12 W/m·K).

In any regards, for best thermal performance in your OMEN, I’d strongly recommend using a purpose-made compound such as Arctic MX-4 or Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut instead.

As for replacing both fans:

• They share the same duty cycle and tend to wear out in parallel.

• The CPU and GPU heatpipes are linked, so airflow balance matters — one weak fan forces the other to compensate.

• A matched pair avoids noise differences and helps keep temps even.

External cooling pads are fine to use (they won’t interfere with your laptop’s fan logic). On the other hand, DIY magnesium oxide pastes or Peltier add-ons tend to cause more problems than they solve in laptops -poor conductivity in the first case, and excessive waste heat/condensation risks in the second.

So, you’re definitely on the right track: replace both fans as a set, apply a high-quality thermal paste, and your system should be back to running reliably and cool -and will purr in delight if you listen closely.

Kind Regards,

NonSequitur777

[coachman399]

Great info. I have been updated - thank you!
The Wakefield data sheet says 120-8 is zinc oxide - old school.
I'll look for Arctic MX-4 or Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut.
How about Thermal Grizzly Kryosheet (graphene)? Lasts longer?
Kind Regards, 

Coachman399 

[NonSequitur777]

@coachman399,

You're welcome -I have used graphene pads if that is what you mean, but to make a long story short, these pads were too much of a hassle and being temperamental (moving around, difficult to keep them in place without shifting), and I have gone back to old school Arctic MX-4 thermal paste -and thermal pads cut to size for graphics cards where appropriate.

I have tried different thermal pastes such as Arctic MX-6, but these thermal pastes were not as "smearable" (spreadable) compared with MX-4, so I didn't like it.

Kind Regards,

NonSequitur777

[coachman399 · Accepted solution]

Using the Havit cooling pad. Fans are wimpy but it’s quiet. Thermal grease: all I could find locally was Corsair XTM60. Finally got the motivation to put it all back together and try it. Core Temp reports 85degC max on Core #1 of 6, but only when I’m away from the screen. Temps are typically under 35degC when I’m watching. Seems problem is solved. My guess: it was dust clogged fan and fan failure. Thanks. Appreciate your guidance.

Best regards, 

[NonSequitur777]

@coachman399,

You're welcome -I'm glad I could provide some useful guidance!

Kind Regards,

NonSequitur777