NUC 4th Generation Overheating

[KD68]

Subject

I have an Intel NUC D54250WYK, 4th generation. In the last few months, it's started getting really hot to the touch when it's running and I'd like to know if there's a way that that can be resolved. When I notice that it's beginning to get hot, I shut it off, but occasionally it has gotten to the point where it freezes.  Is there a way to prevent it from overheating or something I can use to help keep it cool when it's in use?

[n_scott_pearson]

A common problem is a buildup of crud between the blower and the heatsink, preventing the air from the blower from blowing across the heatsink. There are videos on YouTube that show you how to remove the board from the chassis and the blower from the heatsink for cleaning.

A secondary issue is that, with age, the TIM (slang: heatsink paste) can dry up or separate, retarding the ability of the heatsink to extract heat from the processor and chipset. There are also videos that detail how to go about replacing the TIM.

Hope this helps; sorry I don't have links for these videos; you'll have to do a search for them.

...S