I do NOT know what I'm doing with hardware. I have opened the computer several times (breaking off several parts of the casing in the process, since it's designed not to be opened). There is no dust inside at all. I don't even know what thermal paste is or where it goes. I wouldn't know how to buy it (in Czech) or how much it costs or where to even find it. I've already spent about a year trying different ways to keep the computer cool, but it all comes down to the fact that the computer is a pile of garbage. I'm buying a new one in two or three months. I'm not going to invest anymore in this piece of crap.
My current setup is this:
1. overturned cardboard box (about 6 in. high) on top of wooden desk (has holes in it, air passes freely through the box)
2. cooling pad on top of cardboard box, with USB-powered fan
3. 4 small empty tomato paste cans on the corners of the cooling pad, taped down
4. laptop perched atop the cans (using blue tack to hold it in place) with a good 2 in. of space underneath for air to circulate
If I put my hand under the computer, it's cold. Even the bottom surface of the computer is cold, even when the machine is overheating. The heat comes off the top. If I touch the top of the keyboard area (I use a USB keyboard now so I don't have to do this), it burns my hand if I'm running a game. It's not even hot in my apartment.
I'm done trying to fix this thing. It is not worth fixing. I am buying a new computer. I actually find it kind of amusing that every time I mention an overheating computer anywhere on B12, several people immediately start trying to fix the problem, skipping over the part where I've had my fill of wrestling with this thing and have already decided to buy a new one soon. : ) I'm getting a desktop this time. One with good reviews, designed for gaming. I'm looking forward to it.