Alienware m17x r4 cpu is running at 90 degrees celcius - what should I do?

I'm not sure if the fans or the cpu need to be RMA'd, but the computer is running incredibly hot, and it's propped up above the desk so it's not like there is no airflow.. what should I do?

 

Do you know anything about repaisting your CPU. Also there could be dust in the system that you might need to clean out. What I use is compressed air every couple months and it solves the issue if dust buildup. Also what program are you using for temp build up. Do you know what kind of usage the CPU is under to produce that?

 

I don't know how to repaste it and i wouldn't want to risk voiding my warranty. I've used compressed air on the fans multiple times with not much improvement. It's no more than 12-38% cpu usage playing TF2, which should not be setting it that hot at all.

 

To put into perspective, these are the temps I have while running at like 3-10% usage:

 

Since you fear voiding the warranty, I assume it is still in effect, I would contact Alienware and ask them to take care of the issue under your warranty. Have them send a tech to the house though, don't agree to send your system to them. Oh, and when the tech arrives, make sure you have some arctic silver 5 available and ask him to use it as your thermal paste.

 

Those temps are absolute garbage. You need to repaste the cpu, which does not void warranty but again I would not want a novice doing it because you might make it worse. Also the heatsink could have a leak in the copper tubing causing this.

 

You definitely need a Re- Paste. I am not sure how comfortable you are with it, sounds like you have not done something like this before. You can watch a few guides online, but a safer bet is to goto a local Hardware shop who repairs computers and have them repaste for you.

 

Even with the stock paste there is no way a 3630qm would get that hot - I dont know why everyone around here blames the stock paste - yes it makes a difference but it wouldnt cause temps of over 100 Degrees on the M17x R4 - it's got a good enough cooling system as it is. Either the system is blocked with dust, the fan has failed/is not spinning fast enough or as someone else has pointed out the copper heatsink may have developed a leak and not be transmitting heat to the fans. I'd get on the phone to Dell and get a tech out with a new copper heatsink and fan.