Alienware M17x Overheating

I have an alienware m17x with dual nVidia GTX 260m GPUs. Recently, I have been having issues with the GPUs overheating and causing the computer to shut down. I am not sure what is going on, but it only seems to happen when I 1) try to hook up and external monitor, and 2) play any game that is even semi-gpu intensive such as Batman: Arkham Asylum.

I was able to run Crysis on high with no issues back when I got the computer, but since then (last november around) I have begun having issues with the GPU overheating and shutting down. If anyone has any ideas regarding a fix, I would appreciate it.

~Kyyrbes

 

Did u ever clean it from dust? you might have a dust buildup problem. Are you sure the fans are working when you game? Maybe one of them isn't rotating?
How are your idle temps? Use hwmonitor or hwinfo32 to see temps.

 

as far as I know, both fans are working correctly... It could be a dust build up, if it is, how should I fix it? Idle temps are 51 C on GPU 1 and 63 C on GPU 2... seems rather high to me.

 

Refer to either of those threads for more info:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/alienware/420687-need-advice-how-clean-up-dust-m17x.html
http://forum.notebookreview.com/alienware-m17x/487445-any-tips-getting-dust-out-inside-m17x.html
http://forum.notebookreview.com/ali...laying-starcraft-2-any-other-newgen-game.html

 

I'll try those, appreciate the assistance.

 

Those tiny fans can only remove a certain amount of heat. Even a thin layer of dust cun reduce heat transfer. Inspect the vents and check to make sure the fans are not restricted by any lint or hair.

If you are going to run an external monitor than you definately need to add some extra cooling. A cheap $10 lap top cooler should make a difference.

GPU Z.0.4.3 is another handy tool for checking temperatures.

 

Yeah, I was thinking about buying a cooling pad... any recommended brands?

 

Look for a model with low dB rating. The cheap $10 ones are noisy. Look for one no louder than 20 db which is about as loud as a whisper. Also look at CFM (cubic feet per minute). The $10 ones have two plastic fans and run off USB. More elaborate ones have quad fan or have one large fan in center. The more expensive ones run off tranformer. Here are some good choices. Also keep in mind elevation as the keyboard is already high.

Laptop Cooling - Notebook Coolers - Laptop Cooling Pads - Laptop Cooling Fans

This one even matches your alienware lights

Thermaltake Massive23 CS Aluminum Notebook Cooler

 

Sup man there are 2 good ones
Thermaltake CLN0008 Massive23 CS Aluminum Notebook Cooler - 230mm, Aluminum, Color LEDs, On/Off switch, USB Power Cable, Supports 10” ~ 17”/wide-screen Laptops, Black at TigerDirect.com

NZXT Cryo LX Aluminum Notebook Cooler with 120mm Big Fan (Shipping 6-28th)

and the nzxt cryo lx but if u look at both thermaltake airflow is better way more open and bigger fan nzxt has 3 fan but not so open. The nzxt fits under m17x perfect while thermaltake is just alil bit short on sides which didnt bother me at all its just like less than half inch short on sides whatever still good cooling massive fan and flow + led lights

 

Look for a model with low dB rating. The cheap $10 ones are noisy. Look for one no louder than 20 db which is about as loud as a whisper. Also look at CFM (cubic feet per minute). The $10 ones have two plastic fans and run off USB. More elaborate ones have quad fan or have one large fan in center. The more expensive ones run off tranformer. Here are some good choices. Also keep in mind elevation as the keyboard is already high.

Also every 6 months buy a can of compressed air and blow out the vents. Hold the can upright and allow any liquid under pressure to escape before using on computer. If you have cats or dogs in your house I would examine closely the fans for hair wrapped in and around the fan.

Laptop Cooling - Notebook Coolers - Laptop Cooling Pads - Laptop Cooling Fans

I like the one mirito picked as it even matches your alienware lights

Thermaltake Massive23 CS Aluminum Notebook Cooler[/QUOTE]

 

thermaltake is 17 db i think i got one pretty sweet its also made from aluminum and u can swap ur usb power to reg transformer rated 5v pretty cool

 

Hi Mirito

What type of drop have you noticed with these coolers? Both look really good. Which one is quieter?

 

Massive 23cs can bring u down 10-7 deg pretty good i have made a hole under my desk so lights can shine down lol this is a must for gamers i was looking at nzxt and massive 23 for a while i concluded its best for 23 cs becasue of design more open air and bigger fan + lights even though it does not have as much usb ports as nzxt i rather have airflow throughout entire bottom of my laptop than just the rear. There are over 30 reviews on . also Nzxt are in backorder atm. www.tigerdirect.com on massive23cs product review all good check em out

Was researching nzxt loudness i think was 10db on really low i guess it gets louder as u increase speed so they didnt add the DB for thier good lol? massive 23cs says 17 DB at full throttle

 

mirito share some details/temps and picures with us about Massive23 LX with m17x

thanks!