No image after thermal paste replacement

[SebOmen]

My computer was running hotter after some intense use, so I decided to clean the fans and replace the thermal paste, as I've done with every other laptop I owned. I removed the heatsink, blew air into it and the fans, and removed the thermal paste with a microfiber cloth.

I put a small amount of thermal paste on the CPU and GPU, and assembled everything back. The laptop seems to work but there's no image. I tried connecting it to an external monitor and the same thing happens.

What happens is exactly this: I power it on, it stays on for like a second then it shuts down. Then it powers on by itself and lasts for about 6 seconds, then off. Finally, the third time it turns on by itself and stays on until I turn it off. During this time, it seems as if the OS is loading because I need to keep the power button pressed for several seconds before it shuts down. I can also activate/deactivate the keyboard backlight and it looks just like the settings I used on the OMEN app. 

I tried removing the battery, pressing the power button for a long time without it, switched places with the RAM modules, removed the thermal paste and applied it again, and checked every connector. What can I do?

[A_Gayathri]

Hi @SebOmen,

Welcome to The HP Support Community.  

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.

I understand your OMEN laptop is having trouble properly booting after your recent cleaning and reapplication of thermal paste. The symptoms you're describing point to a potential issue with the hardware reassembly, specifically concerning the CPU, GPU, or motherboard. 

Here's a step-by-step guide to troubleshoot:
 

1. Check for Over-tightened Heatsink Screws

• Problem: If the heatsink screws are overtightened, it can prevent proper contact between the heatsink and the CPU/GPU or, in some cases, cause the motherboard to warp slightly, leading to poor connections.
• Solution: Loosen the heatsink screws slightly and ensure they are not overly tight. Make sure there is even pressure across the heatsink.

2. Inspect Thermal Paste Application

• Problem: Too much or too little thermal paste can cause thermal issues or prevent proper contact between the heatsink and the CPU/GPU.
• Solution: Ensure that you're applying a thin, even layer of thermal paste. You only need a small amount (about the size of a pea or grain of rice) in the center of the CPU and GPU. Make sure no paste is spilling over the edges onto other components.

3. Check All Connections

• Problem: A loose or improperly connected component, such as a display cable, fan, or any internal connection, could cause boot or display issues.
• Solution: Double-check all internal connections. Ensure that the display cable and other connections to the motherboard are firmly seated.

4. Test the Display

• Problem: The fact that there's no image on the internal or external monitor suggests a potential issue with the GPU or the connection between the GPU and display.
• Solution: Test whether the issue is with the display:
  • Connect the laptop to an external monitor using a different port or cable (HDMI/DisplayPort).
  • Try booting without the internal screen connected, to see if the external monitor works alone.

5. Check for Boot Codes or Beeps

• Some laptops will emit beeps or display specific LED error codes during boot if they detect hardware issues. Look for any indicators such as:
  • LED blinking patterns (usually near the Caps Lock or Power button).
  • Beeping sounds. These might give you clues about the issue (e.g., RAM, GPU, or CPU failure).

6. Reset BIOS

• Problem: The issue could be related to a BIOS misconfiguration after the disassembly.
• Solution: Perform a BIOS reset by:
  • Disconnecting the battery and AC power.
  • Holding down the power button for 20-30 seconds to discharge residual power.
  • Reconnecting power and turning the laptop back on. This may reset the BIOS to default settings.

7. Test with One RAM Stick

• Problem: Faulty or improperly seated RAM can cause boot issues.
• Solution: Try booting with only one RAM stick at a time. Test each RAM stick in different slots to see if a faulty module or slot is causing the issue.

8. Verify No Shorts on the Motherboard

• Problem: During reassembly, a small component or part of the heatsink could be causing a short.
• Solution: Ensure there’s no foreign object, metal contact, or paste overflow that could short the motherboard. If something is out of place, it can cause the system to fail at POST (Power-On Self-Test).

9. Power Supply/Battery Check

• Problem: If the power supply or battery is faulty or not providing consistent power, it could cause the system to boot improperly.
• Solution: Try running the laptop with just the power adapter (with the battery removed). Also, check that the power adapter is working properly by testing it on another device if possible.

Refer to this document: OMEN by HP - 15-ce198wm User manual

I hope this helps. 

Take care and have a good day.

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