How to Repaste the Nintendo Switch - Thermal Paste Replacement & Upgrade!

[@ChariAUT]

You are the only youtuber who actually shows how to repaste the switch correctly. Most ppl forget (or simply dont know) to remove the last layer to get down to the core....

[@MrMario2011]

Oh trust me, that absolutely frustrated me with tutorials. I saw covering this same topic. Ironically, outside of this, the best and only guides I saw to properly do it were modding tutorials!

[@rmstylle]

Thanks to this video I set about re-pasting my old nintendo switch v1, the old paste was like a rock. Good video.

[@MrMario2011]

Great to hear!

[@blainelocklair]

Awesome video, as always! You know, I hadn't even considered ever having to repaste a Switch. Glad you brought this to my attention.

[@MrMario2011]

Have fun with it!

[@DieEineMieze]

​@@MrMario2011Hello :) I also bought the MX-4 but many sources say you should use Thermal putty to replace the pink putty. Since thermal paste isn't made for bridging gaps. What is your opinion on this? I only see videos where they use thermal paste, but I do think Nintendo wouldn't have used especially putty if it wasn't better/needed.

[@sasuke65743]

Done the same last year, it's nice to finally see proper overheat fix videos. A lot of ppl just either forget or don't know to also operate under the heat shield. My only difference with this whole operation is the last paste applied, instead of the MX-4 i used a K5 pro because the original one was a reddish semi-solid thermal pad and not a regular thermal paste.

[@MrMario2011]

Taking that IHS off is terrifying, thankfully with magnification the process is easier. Definitely recommend that to anyone who is willing to try this, there's no point to going through this if you don't plan to pop off the IHS.

[@sasuke65743]

@@MrMario2011 Agreed, it's literally "the" place where the core of the overheating problem is. If i didn't have personal experience with my other machines, i'd probably be quacked by now from tons of other videos online that omitted it. As for magnifying it, if you already have it sure, it can help. But it's not really needed if you operate with a needle and care. Or at least it wasn't a need to me, i managed to see the locks clearly anyway, with not even great eyesight. However, i'd definitely love to have the console magnified for any other very tiny repair (like soldering), those parts are too little and close between each others to operate safely with a naked eye.

[@brandonl9286]

I purchased a used V1 Unpatched Switch a few months ago. I was thinking about doing this as I want to play with overclocking it using CFW. Then this video shows up in my feed. Thanks Mr. Mario for the excellent video!

[@MrMario2011]

Go for it!

[@TheRealAetherFlow]

I recommend it, My V1 that i got day one release is starting to overheat in docked mode so I'm about to re paste my switch. It primarily overheats in open world games like ToTK, BOTW, xenoblade chronicles 3 and astral chain.

[@kyber141]

I was wondering why my switch was always running hot even though I've cleaned the fan and repasted it. Thank you so much for this video. Gonna try this out tonight and hopefully fix that overheating problem !

[@MrMario2011]

Let me know how it works! You can repaste the heat pipe and the top of the IHS, but it really won't do much unless you actually crack into it and hit the SOC.

[@kyber141]

I finished the repasting, and I can confidently say that my switch is running much cooler now. It went from the fan being constantly on to barely noticeable. Thanks for another great video!

[@CH-tt1jg]

@@kyber141awesome is this switch oled?

[@lanedj801]

I would straighten out the latch tabs before putting the spreader back on. Any shifting could cause air pockets in the paste and result in efficiency dips. If you are putting this much work in you might as well take an extra 2 min to align the latching to give you some peace of mind if you drop the dang thing later. Also he is right by not spreading the paste before putting the metal spreader back on. It can result in uneven contact (air pockets) it’s best to have a tall glob that smooths out evenly when pressing them together. Any bubbles or uneven alignment is a loss of contact and detrimental to the heat extraction flow efficiency.

[@RendiaX]

Yeah, how close one of the tabs was to the legs of that little chip at 11:19 made me nervous. I don't have personal experience with it to know how close it was vertically and obviously it didn't cause any issues here, but definitely better to be more safe than sorry later and bend back the tabs.

[@Yuumiiiiiiiii]

Thank you for the tutorial, it was so easy following your guidance, and steps were quite simple. My fans did weird noise when running, cracked open my switch and found out all the thermal paste just hardened into chunks, didn't even need isopropyl that much, just picked up the pieces. Followed your tutorial, now it's cool, no noise, and I can safely know the thermal paste is fresh Thank you!

[@MrMario2011]

Glad it helped!

[@doitallYT]

Madoad! Just picked up my first Switch and was wondering how to do this, you're a lifesaver! 😁👍 Keep up the stellar content!

[@MrMario2011]

Glad I could help!

[@rivenXII]

thanks man, helped me repaste my little brothers switch, helped my mom also not spend £100 on a new switch or a repaste service!

[@MrMario2011]

Super nice! Keep that money in your pocket, especially around the holiday season!

[@rivenXII]

@@MrMario2011 thanks! take care and have a merry christmas!

[@karlmee1234]

Good stuff man. I was thinking about this last night and just seen you uploaded this, so random

[@MrMario2011]

Thank the Based God for that one

[@erichubbard7754]

Enjoy your modding and hardware videos, working up the courage to mod a OLED Switch

[@MrMario2011]

Thanks for hanging out!

[@seapunk.mp3]

Thanks man! With your help I was able to repair my switch!

[@MrMario2011]

This wasn't a repair video, but cool! Thanks for sharing.

[@seapunk.mp3]

All the same lol@@MrMario2011

[@TheLifeoflink]

iFixit recommends using a viscous paste like K5 Pro for between the heat pipe and the shield plate. I noticed you used the same Arctic paste as on the inside. Is it viscous enough to stay in place?

[@MrMario2011]

That's what was used previously on this system, watch the teardown and take a look for yourself.

[@TheLifeoflink]

​@@MrMario2011 I forgot about that part of the video. 😅 I originally watched your teardown a few weeks ago before ordering what I needed. I'm so used to seeing the factory pink paste that comes in stock Switches that I forgot your teardown shows the MX already applied. Glad to know it works well in that spot!

[@sasuke65743]

@@TheLifeoflink That specific place isn't closed tightly, any thermal paste without high viscosity might drop from there as result and it happened to me. K5 Pro did the trick to me

[@roddan0038]

Hey this is very late, but I was going to replace my friends broken game card reader and I was wondering if a full on paste replacement is necessary or if it's good enough to re-paste the shield and pipe? The switch in question is not very old only about a year if that matters.

[@MrMario2011]

Not necessary for only a year old, but you can but some better paste on yourself.

[@zurreality]

Thank You for the indepth Video about repasting, exactly what I was looking for :D!

[@MrMario2011]

You're so welcome!

[@snasty99]

Any other way or tool to remove the heat spreader besides a sewing needle?

[@MrMario2011]

Sure, but this is the preferred and most accessible method for most.

[@jasonford6679]

Great vid, I need to do this to my v1 switch soon, you were very thorough and explained the process perfectly thank you. I’ll be watching a few more times anyway lol

[@MrMario2011]

Have fun!

[@wil766]

This was a great video. Thanks so much. I opened my switch up The thermal paste has really turned into thermal chalk

[@MrMario2011]

Nasty! You did that Switch a great favor.

[@ktvx.94]

Question: if you mess up and break the adhesive strips, what could you replace it with that you can just buy? I was thinking isolating tape but it could be a bad idea for some reason I'm not foreseeing.

[@MrMario2011]

I would probably use kapton tape.

[@sasuke65743]

I don't think it should be that much of a problem. I assume it serves to keep it aligned and not have wobbling inside so either tape it back with some heat resistant tape or just add some thermal pads.

[@moonkilig3234]

Just a V1 Switch. I gagged when I saw the dust and brown gunk in all places. It overheats and make a weird sound. I think it's time to open it!

[@MrMario2011]

Definitely needs it!

[@SunnyFaun]

Thanks for the great vid, it was super helpful!

[@DapperIndividual]

Have you thought about doing more general maintenance videos for other game consoles? Like repasting the PS3/4 or the Xbox 360/One? Or Maybe non essential mods like better cooling fan installations? Anything that would help these consoles last longer would be amazing.

[@MrMario2011]

I've done a few videos on some consoles. Xbox 360, Xbox One X, now the Switch.

[@john005_]

I agree. I would like to see one for ps3 slim

[@mozza1983]

Great as usual Mr M. Ive been meaning to do mine for a while. I've had it since first day of release. Well over due 😮

[@MrMario2011]

Get that thing cooled down!

[@nguyenhaiong7209]

Nice video. Would you recommend not using the IHS, putting the heat pipe directly on top of the SoC?

[@MrMario2011]

What I showed in the video is what I recommend.

[@Relorelo23]

I've had my switch since the release of Splatoon 2. This is my first time I opened the switch, and holy F the thermal paste is crusty like boogers. I'm trying to pry open the IHS(?), but it's so hard to open. I stabbed the motherboard a few times already. And I can't get the latch open 😭

[@Relorelo23]

Anyone got a tip to pry the latch open? Help.

[@Relorelo23]

I finally opened it. That took a long time lol

[@MrMario2011]

Gotta be careful, slow, and really see it. Magnification helps.

[@Relorelo23]

@@MrMario2011 I already tested the switch, it doesn't heat up fast like before. Thank you so much for the tutorial! 😄

[@timpalmer2584]

Gonna use this to repaste and replace the battery on my V1 switch. Thanks!

[@MrMario2011]

Good luck!

[@timpalmer2584]

@@MrMario2011 I stripped the joycon rail screws… Ordered replacement set. Now how to get them out…

[@henryvasquez1814]

My switch goes off with the battery logo on screen even though it is charged, but this does not happened when playing on the dock, would this be related to the thermal paste? I changed it about three years ago along with the battery which could also be the reason as well. Thank you for any help!

[@MrMario2011]

No correlation.

[@henryvasquez1814]

@@MrMario2011 thank you for the quick reply and confirmation!!

[@GinoBrand5]

I just did this a few days ago, a japanese model. It had some serious gunk paste, reddish in color on the heatshield part. Weird. I used MX4 like you once cleaned up (although i didnt really bother with paste stuck between the capacitors, it wont hurt). Sure made the fan quieter.

[@MrMario2011]

That's how it goes!

[@JorshPodGaming]

10/10 video, thanks so much!

[@MrMario2011]

Hope it stays cool!

[@jackipiegg]

15:22 Honestly curious, what's the point of the copper sticker? Why not die>heatsink like everyone else in the industry? Is it an FCC thing?

[@MrMario2011]

It could be, some people have removed it but I'm going to trust the engineers who built the console more 😛

[@StabTheDabb]

I was very cautious getting to the CPU and ended up Damaging the shield beyond repair. To make up for the now Destroyed shield, I used Silver Paste on both the CPU and Heatsink to kinda make up for that loss. It’s been a few weeks and I haven’t run into any problems without it. Believe it or not, my Switch runs slightly more cooler than it did originally and before it started to overheat from the dried out Factory stuff.

[@MrMario2011]

I believe it! I believe the shield is mostly for interference and is probably required due to regulations.

[@StabTheDabb]

⁠NGL, I feel like the shield was meant to be a pain to remove to Discourage 3rd Party repairs. I wish Nintendo made it unscrew-able (like the HeatSink) then I would be kept it instead of having to Damage and sacrificing the now Missing Shield

[@benson733]

​@@StabTheDabb I agree. But surprisingly the switch is more repairable than most tablets these days. So all in all I can't complain.

[@benson733]

Stoked to get my old switch cleaned up and repasted. Maybe even a new battery in her.

[@StabTheDabb]

@benson733 Remember to use a WARM blow dryer on the battery to losen the adhesive Don't keep it in one spot. And 91% IPA around the corners on the battery will also help soften the adhesive Nintendo used. You may give your arm a workout because it's a pita to get out.

[@dsam7056]

Thanks for the tutorial, I will try doing this myself but first, a stupid question, maybe. Can I use Alcohol at 90° Modified ? Is it the same thing ?

[@MrMario2011]

Isopropyl alcohol is what I recommend.

[@dsam7056]

@@MrMario2011 ok, I will look for that instead then, thanks a lot

[@pandazpaa]

Wouldn't be recommended to replace putty with putty?

[@MrMario2011]

Doesn't matter.

[@johnsimon8457]

Not sure if Thermal Grizzly’s Graphene pads are usable here because they’re conductive and you really really need to be sure that the sheet is clamped down properly on the heat plate On the upside - not liquid, lasts forever

[@MrMario2011]

Yeah, best to just go with thermal paste.

[@john005_]

Thank you for this. I had some slight trouble to clean my paste as mine was a mariko console with slight repair/modification to it (for learning purposes) Therefore I had to be careful not to destroy solder pooints whilst cleaning the paste. I suppose there might be better way to do this. Moreover without some sort of magnification, it is difficult to remove that metal plate with the two needles :( If magnification could be recommanded, what is a good mid range to good item to get? I want to do my ps3 slim, and wiiU next. I feel PS3 will be hard. WHen I did PS4, I did not bother to reach the part that would require repasting. It was so hard to remove the shiny cover of my ps4 launch model.

[@minecraftgman69420]

here comes a modchip install tutorial video next 🤣👀

[@MrMario2011]

Nope.

[@Spooks-dc1jl]

I cannot for the life of me remove the IHS, my latches are just too tight. Would it be alright if I just repasted everything else except the SOC?

[@MrMario2011]

Hardly a point to it at that point. The latches can be undone, you just need patience, sight, and a sharp needle.

[@Challenges356]

Thanks! Now my switch doesn't sound like a hair dryer when playing pikmin 1

[@MrMario2011]

Good job!

[@MMGPRZ-us6kt]

Thank u for these❤

[@MrMario2011]

Hope it helped!

[@hamualpods]

​@@MrMario2011hey I follow your tutorial and it was amazing but after I completed his whole tutorial my switch is not showing any display but there's like a backlit on the screen and everything else seems to work.. but it's not showing me any display... Did I damage the motherboard??

[@AyoBroliic]

Any way to tell if the battery is dead dead? I've had the issue with auto rcm where it looks like it's off. But this isn't that, no chargers or button combos work. Hate that there's no mods connecting the battery wires to a PSU or somwthing

[@MrMario2011]

If it was me in that position? If you have a second Switch, it would be worth swapping a charged battery from one to the other to see if that makes a difference. Otherwise if you let the battery completely die and left it alone for a while, one of the chips that handles charging might have gotten fried. A super unfortunate oversight and a documented issue, which requires SMD rework to replace that little IC.

[@dazzle187]

Plug it in charge for a bit before doing this. The switch may be on but stuck in autorcm. With the system powered off, press and hold Volume Down + Volume Up; Press the Power button while still holding Volume Down + Volume Up; Let go of the Power button and keep holding Volume Down + Volume Up until the maintenance applet shows up. If you get into that back out of it and you should hopefully be good to go. You could also try the hard power on when you hold a power button for 15 seconds.

[@AyoBroliic]

@@MrMario2011 thank you for the reply. I'll try and order a new battery but def saw a video about the charging chip and got annoyed. Hope that isn't the case but luckily won't be too hard to swap out

[@Toddimyre]

I see you bought a switch with the intention of modifying it in the future, but no intention of playing it. Lol. Anyway, awesome video as always. It's always a good day when i have a Mr. Mario video to look at. 😁

[@MrMario2011]

Nope, it's been modified, everything is on the emuMMC side 🙂

[@Toddimyre]

@@MrMario2011 lol. I gotcha. All I saw was you powering on a unit that had no games installed. 😁

[@hamualpods]

Can anyone help me please? I did this exact tutorial to add thermal paste to my switch after I resemble everything, my screen shows no display but the backlit is on and everything working through sound and touch screen.... What did I do wrong 💀????

[@MrMario2011]

You tell me what you did wrong? None of the components or ribbons required for the screen to function are touched in this tutorial.

[@hamualpods]

@@MrMario2011 yeah that's true that's why it was very super strange

[@punctuationgamer636]

You probably poked the motherboard or a capacitor when you were removing the shield

[@hamualpods]

@@punctuationgamer636 most likely yeah, I will admit sometime I was little rough especially taking out screws. Two days later I just got another used v1 switch. I probably not going to mess with it like, the switch doesn't generate much power anyways so I'm not going to bother changing out thermal paste

[@kingupright]

I repasted my OLED during a modchip process. Glad Mr Mario is making a tutorial for how to do this to a erista/mariko variant of the switch. also OLED model switch consoles have different screw placements. Unscrew the top one's in the joycon rails for the OLED model. Not the middle

[@BavarianM]

Repasted my switch lite and it now barely gets my hand warm as the heat is being channeled away Also battery seems to last longer because the fan isn’t always running

[@MrMario2011]

Beautiful!

[@keycardsplease1810]

Brand new utility nife blade works to

[@StarmenRock]

I cannot, for the life of me, remove the switchs back screws. They're stuck so tight i already broke two tools and probably damaged the screws too much. why the hell did they make this thing so tight?

[@MrMario2011]

I've never had issues with it across the multiple consoles I've opened. Only advice I have is to go slow and use the extract tip sizes with good tools. My iFixIt kit has served me well for about a decade now.

[@corggi]

Get a JIS 000 screwdriver

[@MarbSoda]

I used a rotary tool to create a space for a flathead to fit and remove the screws, which to replace the screws and joycon rail is under 20 bucks

[@JanekMain]

I used a knife that i had for stripping cables to make that screw to fit a flathead screw driver and it worked. This was a bit different knife and it requieres a bit of patience, but i was able to unscrew these screws.

[@thetruemask]

I had the same problem the screws are very tight I use some penetrating oil with a q-tip to try and work some lubrication into it it seemed to help then I tried different sizes of the screwdriver using the smaller tri-tip seem to help was definitely not easy

[@WcaVR]

Honestly , the switch needs to have it's thermal paste replaced at minimum after each summer season. MX-4 is IMO the best (before liquid metal - but ya can't use that on the switch ... too bad eh XD) I've re-paste my OLED, Mariko & never forgotten the day 0 switch each year to keep it in best conditions! (don't wanna lose that one :) )

[@MrMario2011]

You got to take care of them!

[@WcaVR]

@@MrMario2011 too right! there's no replacing a day 0 switch tho. that exploit makes it a rare gem :)

[@SpiderByt3s]

What Ifix it won't tell you. Thanks for saving my evening.

[@MrMario2011]

Glad to help!

[@megacide84]

All those screws... Getting flashbacks of when I disassembled my GameCube and installed my GC Loader clone.

[@MrMario2011]

Thankfully it really isn't all that bad, but I've taken apart a few of them now.

[@Majo2011G]

I've been playing since 2017 without doing this... Poor switch its crying for help, the fans aren't super loud but they are definitely started to work more so I will do it asap...

[@MrMario2011]

Not a bad idea to do!

[@HydroGyro_]

I’m about to this to mine since it developed a spicy pillow inside

[@MrMario2011]

Stay safe and have fun!

[@lukefisher1858]

That was a lot of paste my guy 😂

[@MrMario2011]

A lot is always better than not enough!

[@superduperdrew12345]

Some evil person told me that this had liquid thermal compound like the ps5 so I never bothered to try

[@MrMario2011]

People are so confident to be wrong about things.

[@DeadSpecimen]

Damn you didn't even use your Halloweened switch 🎃👻

[@MrMario2011]

Halloween is over.

[@IsaiahB57]

That sd socket had to be on of the worst designs I have seen.