Heatsink swap (copper)

This guide covers replacing the stock aluminum heatsink with a copper one on compatible Tiny models to improve thermal headroom, especially when running a Xeon CPU.

Technical context

On M710q and M910q, and on some M910x units, the system usually ships with an aluminum heatsink rated around 35–40W. With a Xeon, a copper heatsink is recommended to lower temperatures and allow higher sustained frequencies or a higher TDP.

Procedure

1. Remove the aluminum heatsink.
2. Install the copper heatsink.
3. Reinstall the fan on top of the copper heatsink.

Warning If you use a copper heatsink with a Xeon, you will need to modify the CPU retention plate slightly so the heatsink fits properly.

Compatibility

• M710q
• M910q
• M910x