Solving the 5672 Heat Issue

If there was some way of monitoring the ammount of airflow the case pulls in though the secondary openings by the southbridge, DVI port, and just above the hdd then I would say yes the direction of airflow does matter (however so slightly).

what you have will help, but having "airflow" inside of a laptop is basically non existant if you ask me.

My 5672 did not come with the infamous "plastic cover" under my cpu fan that everyone is talking about. The laptop cools everything properly and I've got very respectable temps inside and out. With the AS5 I did notice a slight drop in temps on my palm rests where I place my hands, while this is nice I'm not sure it justifies going out and adding heatsinks every little bit helps right? ^_^

The one thing I'm going to be looking for is a way to adjust the speed of the fan or @ what temp it runs (either though the registry / application / or bios).

currently I belive the speed of the fan is determined by the bios and the chipset drivers, but you can take that with a grain of salt

I'll keep digging, lemme know what you find as far as temps go. I'd be intersted in knowing how "warm" the heatsinks get during gaming.

Lemme know what you find

--ssx--

 

wow this thread is awesome, just wanted to drop in & say thanks !

 

Well, Much to my delight, mobile Core duo chips have a temp threshold of 100 C!... according to this random website http://users.erols.com/chare/elec.htm
Which is pretty insanely high, well over my operating temps of 60-68 C while running graphic intense programs.
It still would be nice to get that fan running at lower temps though.
By the by, I've got that Cpu vent closed. It keeps the rest of the lappy much cooler.

 

This is what forums are for, just a lot of people offering advice and everyone benefitting. I don't have much to offer, but I try.

 

Well, after getting NHC... my temps were around 70C at IDLE!!! Seems that that stupid speed fan program is terrible. Currently I am trying to compile an ACPI control system for NHC. This should allow everyone to ocntrol anything on thier laptop. With this the average joe could: control fan speed, control LCD brightness, control HDD performance, control optical drive, etc. It is a very rocky road though, there is almost NO help out there for this kind of thing. I will put up the file and instructions on what to do as soon as I finish.

Oh and also, I removed that "infamous plastic cover" and my temps are now at 50C.

 

I'd been reading about the heat issue. I never knew that this model is comparatively hot than others since it's my first laptop. However, mine also didn't come with the "dust/plastic" cover.

I didn't even notive the heat from the touch pad until i read here. ermm.. i seldom use it yet lol. well, can't really play games using touchpad , so I've been using wireless mouse all the time.

Using NHC, idle cpu temp always around 49-52. During max load (while gaming) it went up to 69. Should I try putting heatsinks in?

off topic: I'm from Australia, I bought this laptop 2months ago, and it's the model with ATIx1600. Thing is.. it only came with 512MB DDR2 (533). From this forum, seems like everyone with the x1600 got 1Gb DDR2 (667)? Am I Conned?!

 

Heatsinks help with scorching temps under the touchpad.

AS5 most likely helps with better heat absorption into the heatsink. Not sure though, I'm no expert.

 

If you are familiar with coding in C, and you have a 5672, then please download the ACPI Component Architecture ASL Optimizing Compiler and AML Disassembler here-> (Windows binary) http://developer.intel.com/technology/iapc/acpi/downloads.htm
and build the acpi control system with this guide, (I wish I could help.)
http://www.pbus-167.com/nhc/nhc_advanced.htm#anchor_acpi_programming

 

Lol tovi, thanks for that. That is exactly what I have been using to code the acpi control system. The "guide" is merely an outline of what to do, seems as though very few people have been able to succesfuly program the acpi system with these instructions. Anyway I will keep you guys updated.

 

How's it going k98? Have you gotten anywhere? Is it do-able?

 

Well, not so far. I cant even get NHC to reconize my custom .cs files. I am still looking at what those crazy germans did, babel fish rules. Anyway I have also been busy with someone who I think is using my social security number... So alot of my attention has drifted. I will be sure to keep you guys updated though!

-K98sniper

 

Excellent thread!
I bought one of the very first 5672's when they came out in SE Asia (no web-cam for me... ;( and there was no tape/flap over the fan intake when I opened it to add RAM.
I use NHC, undervolt to 1.00v at 10x (rock solid), and get 50C idle, and 60/61C under full load without additional cooling. My only worries are high HD temps of 50-55C on my Seagate 5400/80GB drive. Ambient temps are 30+C in my study though!
Using a laptop cooler (lapcool2), I am currently watching my 5672 run through another session of video encoding at 45C HD, and 57C CPU, so I guess the common sense approaches are sufficient. Considering my old P4M runs at 100% load at 83C with the fans screaming (and has done for three years), I think we should count ourselves lucky.

 

Yeah, I'd have to agree with you Intensecure. I added the coper heatsinks sans the Arctic Silver and I'm idling between 47C and 54C CPU, but very low for HDD at 39C under load. The mousepad never get warm. It is as warm as the surrounding plastic silver casing. Actually the keypad is warmer but certainly not uncomfortable. I'm using Lapcool2 also with NHC on dynamic switching. Oh, one more thing. I've been looking for that elusive fan control app that will give complete control over the fan operation and have found a couple of of apps I'd like to try but I need the make and model of the 5672's motherboard, anyone know that?

Talon

 

It's a Bodensee with an i945pm chipset. Does that help?

 

Hmmm the Acer mobos that I have to pick from for the app to work are 661LMI, Aspire1703SM, Aspire EL S18U, SF2/661FX rev. 1.3, V66M, and Veriton 3200PC. So since it's not in this list, is the Bodensee the successor to any of these? Perhaps that would br close enough. Thanks for the reply.

Talon

 

Hey Talon, which direction did you install the heatsinks? I'm a little paranoid because I installed mine so the fins ran parallel to the base of the laptop. Thanks.

 

Parallel to the front edge or horizontally, if you will. Same as you. No AS 5 yet. Just wanna see how the original adhesive holds. HDD idles at 35C and CPU around 50C. Mousepad hardly warm to the touch.

Talon

 

I'm running some CPU tests to test stability and under load I'm getting nothing above 65C. HDD is steady at 45-46 and my touchpad is awfully close to singing my index finger. I need that finger...

 

Lol, asiantay. Have you put those heatsinks in yet?

Anyway guys just wanted to update, I still cannot get NHC to reconize my custom ACPI file. This by the way, will allow a user to totally control thier fan, etc. on the mobo. I will still try to get this thing to work, but its a hell of a time...

 

5 of them, K98. And I got them on a cooler. I actually found out today that the CPU temps run cooler with the cooler OFF rather than on. I just wish there was a way to measure the temp of the touchpad.

Random though, does your name have anything to do with the Kar98 Sniper rifle featured in many WWII games? I'm just curious.

 

Here's my install of heatsinks

http://s94.photobucket.com/albums/l...w&current=HS1.jpg&slideshow=paused&interval=3

 

Yeah I was thinking the same and Call of Duty came to mind.

 

Ok you guys, I have very wierd news. I installed NHC on my girlfriends laptop which is an averatec 2150 and all of a sudden it starts sounding like my laptop.... hmm strange. Yes, the fan keeps coming on and off, guess at what temperature. 50 C. yes. This computer which used to run a constant fan now shuts on and off at 50 C. Just like the 5672wlmi. Which means the DEFAULT ACPI ALREADY HAS INFLUENCE ON OUR FAN CONTROL. ARG! WHY ON EARTH CANT WE EASILY MODIFY IT!

 

Hi,

I have small beginners problem , how did u guys remove the cover of the laptop to get that dust cover thing .. I just removed the skrews but can't get the laptop cover part out of there .. any instructions on how to do this would be a great help , thanks in advance.

PS:

I read the laptop's user manual a bit , in page 16 they've said pointing to the place where the dust cover is at and said " Note: Do not cover or obstruct the opening of the fan. " . aint that funny ..

 

There's a small indent, towards the bottom of the removeable panel. Gently pull that part up, and push away from you (if the bottom edge is closest) and pull up the panel. Not that hard.

 

ok .. got rid of the dust cover .. thx for the info.

I've one more question , my video card properties show that I've 512MB vram , since there's only 128MB dedicated ram .. the other should be shared from system memory .. can anyone tell me the way to how to change the amount of ram shared for the video.

Cheers.

 

i think u can go into the bios and there is an option for that. That's how it was on my desktop, havn't tried it on the acer though...

 

you are unable to change the memory usage by default. Please look at all of the acer bios screen options in my review here - http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,16348055 The screens you are looking for is about 1/4 of the way though the document.

also lets try to keep this thread on topic please. Any further questions about the 5672 that is NOT related to the Heat issues post a new topic or thread. or even better search the forums for your answer (i'm sure most have allready be asked or answered)

--ssx--

 

Alright ladies and gentlemen, here is an update:

Through stupidly long hours tinkering with the acpi control, I have partial control of the laptop, mainly just brightness and wifi on/off. I will keep going at it though, I feel like I am getting close.

Also, when you purchase NHC, it makes the program 99x better. Now i can keep it running in the background, and set it to change my profiles when the laptop is unplugged or charging. Also it uses less ram than the Acer epower management utility.

I am multi-tasking around 55C and idling back at 50c after removing the dust flap (again). I will post some more things including some screen shots tonight.

 

my acer reaches 90 degress celcius when playing high graphic games then cuts off power and uses battery.

im making a post about this with more detail

 

Your laptop is not a 5672, but thanks for posting that here.

 

Yeah, 90 C is "f"ing ridiculous.

98sniper, you rock.

 

will the ramsinks void the warrenty? i dont think it would, but i just want to make sure. how would they noe?

 

I'm working on the NHC acpi control as well... would you mind sending me your class source file?

mngraves at gmail.com

Cheers!

 

So what's the news guys? Any updates? I own the 5672 myself and have noticed that the touchpad and surrounding area do get hotter with the plastic dust cover removed. I was also wondering if the heatsinks and the AS5 you guys installed provided any significant effects, also if anyone every got another fan working for their chipset. Oh yeah and I sent an email to acer about warranty info here it is:

"I ASKED"
My notebook currently gets very warm and can also cause lagging. I was looking into getting a heatsink installed on the chip below the touchpad and on the wifi chip. I was also looking at getting a better heat compound to put between the cpu and the heatsink. This would all be done professionally. I was wondering if having these things done would void my warranty. I currently have a 3 year extended warranty which I purchased when I first bought the machine.

"THEY SAID"
Thank you for contacting Acer America. I apologize for the delay in responding to your email. The fan is designed to turn on when necessary in order to prevent the computer from overheating. However, you also have the option in Acer eSettings under Boot Options to change the fan setting for "Fan Always On". The speed of the fan is not manually adjustable. If you feel there is a problem with the fan itself please call the technical support line at 1-800-816-2237. Hours of operation are from 7am-9pm CST Mon-Fri and 8am-5pm CST Sat & Sun, excluding holidays.

ps. notice they did not answer my question very well

Thanks!

 

Any luck with the ACPI controls for NHC and the 5672? I installed the latest NHC and noticed that to the touch my laptop is MUCH cooler however my temp readings for HDD and CPU are a little higher than they were using the last version of NHC. I think that ACPI control would be great!

 

The pictures look like you used a bit too much AS, to me. (to the original poster)

Krista

 

Acer support in the USA is by far the BEST I have expirenced out of several OEM branding companies. This is coming from someone who is a hardware and software guru. They are located in Texas and will be more than happy to work with you though your problems. The reason I called them was specifically due to the comment they supplied you with the Acer eSettings under boot option, this feature simply is not there.

I went into explaining to the rep that it wasn't and he agreed, he even went to the "shelf" and snagged one of the 5672wlmi's (they have all laptops on hand) and checked the stock settings as well. This feature simply does not exist on this model (or any he has seen). I think it's great that they have the physical model of the laptop right there incase you have a "physical" question about the PC, or if you have a software etc. etc. etc.

He suggested a laptop cooler (duh), and while I was at it I mentioned to him that I replaced the stock compound on my CPU / GPU with AS5 and it increased the heat transfer rate. He said that was a bit "over the top" and asked me if everything was running fine afterwards, I explained to him that yes "everything was fine" and it was running better under load (fan never spins up to level 2 or 3 anymore). He was amazed that someone would take the time to do something this cool (kinda cool when the rep says you know more than him )

Another thing to note is that the APCI controls on the laptop are built into a sensor on the motherboard / cpu. I was correct when he confirmed that at 55C the fan will spin up till the CPU reaches 50C and then goes passive again. He said this was to insure longer batter life, and that there was by "default" no options to adjust this. I then told him about NHC (which he's never heard of) and the community effor to create ACPI controls for the 5672 or all acers in general. He said that was great and would pass this info onto anyone needed help in the future with this problem / issue.

Just a heads up on that one as far as the options and default settings on this model.

--ssx--

 

Having read the whole thread, I'm trying to get a clear idea about something basic regarding obstructed vents (plastic, film, dust cover, etc) but I'm not sure if I've got this right:

Some folks had an obstruction over the vent when they bought the laptop. "A people"

Some folks had no such thing there when they bought the laptop. "B people"

Did any A people with a heat problem remove the obstruction and get acceptable temperatures without doing any other mods?

Did any B people have a heat problem to start with?

(By heat problem I mean temperatures disturbing enough to the user that they want it fixed... I know "too hot" is subjective and in the palms of the beholder).

Is there any reason that some laptops would be sold with plastic over the vents, and some not (identical models), other than the plastic being there unintentionally (should have been removed during manufacture.)?

I see posts by both A and B people in this thread but as I said it's not clear to me how much the problem is related to the film alone.

Thanks to any As and Bs who could clarify their experiences for me

 

Mine came with a vent, and I took it off. It ran cooler, but still hot for my tastes. Cue Arctic Silver 5. CPU now is fine, but touchpad still borderline singing even w/ heatsinks.

 

i just got mine a few days ago. the cpu is hot, but not my touchpad or even around it. it just gets slightly warm. too bad i have to return it due to a non working dvd drive. hope the next one will be cool around the touchpad.

 

Mine came with the vent covered and when I took it off the cpu dropped a few degress C but my touchpad got alot hotter and became uncomfortable so I put it back on. However I did remove those dust covers with the holes in them over the vents for where the air is sucked in and have not had any problems, don't know if removing them helped but it made me feel like it did haha, and better airflow is always a plus.

ps. I also had to return mine becasue of a faulty DVD Drive, they stuck me with a matshita.

 

I have one of the laptops from the first batch of shipments (January 30, 2006). I've posted about this laptop before, but never have I attempted to actually use speedfan to see what the temps are like. Go ahead and laugh. This is on battery right now, and I'm using it only for M$ Word:

 

Ya, speedfan is rather inaccurate for some reason on this lappy.

 

yea speedfan was very inaccurate. speed fan said my cpu was 37 when nhc was saying somewhere in the 60's.

 

Has anyone used Everest Home Edition (freeware) to measure temps and if so, are they in the same ballpark as with other programs?

http://www.majorgeeks.com/download4181.html

 

i go this message when i installed this program

this computer seems to have an Intel i945GM/PM "Calistoga" motherboard chipset. The current version of EVEREST you are running does not fully support your system.

and something about sending them a hardware report

but this program looks like SiS sandra, a diagnostic/hardware tool, which i would prefer sandra because i am more familiar with. but this everest seems to be very informational about my system. both are very similar.

and about the measuring the temperature i dont see anywhere, but i did see a spot where you could read the processor load.

if you are lookin for a program that measures temp of cpu/HDD i would reccommend Notebook Hardware Control

 

Just click Computer and then Sensor.

Um, yeah, it is an old program, but it does have lots of info about everything, I like it on my old desktop, I was hoping the temp readings were reliable because I'd like to put Everest on the 5672 when that thing finally arrives (because of all the overheating brouhaha I want to check that a lot.)

Yes, thanks, everyone recommends it but I don't want to install that MS .net thing just to use it. What on earth IS that thing? It's huge. I bailed on the install. (never mind, that's an OT question.)

 

You have encountered dotnet2.o You will need it eventually, even dotnet3.0 is being mooted as a Vista requirement. So install it, it wil give you access to MS progs that will be worth while, in the future.
Don't balk, install.

 

i have checked the sensor part and it seems to have the same problem speedfan has on the 5672. it will monitor the HDD temp but it will only read the initial cpu temp (like when you first boot up). so i do not find everest a good temp monitoring tool to use for temp. sorry. yeah i'd just go ahead and download the .net. and use notebook hardware control.