Brand new Alienware 17 Hot temps.

I figured I would start a new thread because now im concerned. My brand new Alienware 17 that I got yesterday is running hot. I just played Far Cry 3 for 1 hour with stock clocks and my temp got up to 86 degrees. I guess it needs to be re-pasted. Being a noob is there a video tutorial on how to take this apart and repaste it? If its a huge task maybe I should just call Dell? I would prefer to do this myself. Any advise would be appreciated as I would like to get this done today.

 

Why do you think that the factory pasting is the issue of your high temps?
First. Where are you from? Because ambient temp is the first thing to consider in regards to temp.
Second. Go and get a laptop cooler.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

Have you thought about getting a mat cooler to get temp down too I just got my brand new m17x r5 but not sure how to check gpu temps are you using a app.

 

I think its a paste issue because in my other thread I was told the 85 degrees is to warm and to think about doing a repaste job. Second I live in Michigan and my house has central Air conditioning and it is 70 degrees fahrenheit in here and always is. I have read some people say coolers are a waste of money. Is 86 degrees to much? thanks


I use Open hardware Monitor to check temps you can google it and download it.

 

86 cpu temp i think is not bad. Well mine max around 78-82 average. I suggest get a cooler first and see what happens.
Getting a cooler is easier than tearing down your A17 and there would be no risk of failure. If your temps still higher for you then repaste would be the last resort.
Well just my opinion.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

CPU or GPU? 86C is within the normal range of temperatures for the CPU.

By the way, you can post in the "Owner's Lounge" now that you own a system.

 

CPU stays around 72-74 GPU gets up to 86. LOL I guess I can start posting in the owners lounge!

 

Just call Dell and let them know of your concerns. They helped me out with no issues!

And also, you shouldn't have to use a cooler in order to keep your temps to a respectable level..just my opinion.

Here's Alienware support number:

1 (877) 330-9732

 

I always use my computer on my lap with it sitting on a lap gear pad. Im going to cut a few holes in it to see if I can get more air to it. Sound like an ok plan?

 

What card do you have?? I use gpu-z to monitor the temp of graphics card and hwinfo for CPU.. Idle I run about 40-50.. After like 7-8 hours.. Gpu hits max 70?? But I'm playing titanfall which may be less intensive.. I try to play on my desk so there is nothing blocking the fans.. If you want some cooling options there is a thread below talking about it.. I'm planning on getting u3 )

Maybe playing on your lap isn't allowing the fans to blow out as necessary??


After reading your previous thread.. This is with overclocking.. Take it back to stock and see what temps you get.. If your OC I've read the majority of users to say repaste for sure

 

DON'T CUT HOLES IN THE SYSTEM! That's ridiculous... The GPU just needs to be re-pasted. 86C is not theatening to the system. 100C is when it shuts down by itself to avoid damage. 86C is just too warm for a normal operating temperature.

It's a little more difficult than re-pasting the CPU, but it's not terrifying. The Owner's Manual has step by step process to removing components - it's pretty straight forward. This video should help as well:



Purchase IC Diamond thermal paste on Amazon. You only need a dot in the middle of the GPU. Screw it back on by starting with the top left, bottom right, top right, bottom left (diagonal tightening pattern).

http://www.amazon.com/Innovation-Co...1402594778&sr=8-1&keywords=ic+diamond+thermal

http://www.amazon.com/ArctiClean-60...2594792&sr=8-2&keywords=thermal+paste+remover

 

Or he can call Alienware and they'll send a tech tomorrow to do it... It will be safer than doing it himself...

 

Yeah, I go back to what I've been saying...CALL EM UP!!! And I'm thinking he meant cut a hole in his lap pad...or at least I hope so

 

ROFLMAO!!! Im sorry YES I ment cut a hole in my lap pad. Im going to try it now that its done and see how it works. If its still running hot I will call Dell.

 

That's not exactly true. The technicians they send are from third party vendors. It will likely be someone who has never worked with an Alienware before, possibly resulting in this: http://forum.notebookreview.com/alienware/751192-amyone-else-s-aw-getting-zits.html

@Detroit: If you do decide to have a technician come out to assist you, make sure they use IC Diamond, and watch them while they're working. They won't bring IC Diamond with them. You'll have to purchase it from Amazon.

LOL, that makes more sense...but it still won't help you as much as a re-paste. You do need to let the laptop breathe beneath so it can ventilate air.

I live in southern Indiana. If you were closer, I'd be more than willing to meet you at a Starbucks or something and help you out myself. Unfortunately, I believe you're about 6 hours away from me (one way).

 

Yea that would be nice if you were closer im in Ann Arbor MI. I just played for 30 minutes and temp was 81 degrees so it looks like the holes helped a bit. I think I will order the IC diamond paste and I would like to repaste myself tbh.

 

Well I guess I will order IC Diamond paste and call dell once I get it and have them come and re-paste. Will they use my own paste that I provide? Ordering from amazon which IC diamond should I get and how many tubes?

 

I gave you links above. One is plenty for multiple paste jobs.

 

Sorry about that I was on my phone earlier and didn't see the links. I just ordered both unfortunately the IC Diamond wont be here until the 18th-23rd. I may order on ebay and see if I can get it quicker. Will the Dell tech have a problem using my supplied paste?

 

It shouldn't be a problem.

 

If you are unable to Reach IC Diamond , use Gelid extreme which is a very good thermal grease

 

I worked in Ann Arbor in 2012. Now I'm in the Dearborn area.

Repasting components isn't that hard. While I haven't needed to do it on laptop parts, I've done it on desktop CPU's and GPU's and wouldn't think it is much different for laptop components.

 

Does anyone know what causes CPU spikes? My temps are around 82 degrees when under load as per the TC but occasionally will spike up to like 88 or so then go right back down. Is that due to the fans not kicking in quickly enough or?

 

Most likely fans, but really it could be a number of things.

 

I watched the video on taking this apart and it was allot of screws LOL. My IC diamond will be here next week and if I don't feel comfortable doing it myself I will just call dell. I would like a video of someone taking apart an AW17 and re-pasting it. Havent found one yet.

 

When I take my laptop apart i just place the screws in a position on the table that mimics where they go back in. Ultimately my goal is to put the screw back in the exact same hole it came out of... as long as you have enough workspace this isn't too bad to manage.

 

Alright I just watched this video. Is this all I need to do? Is that the only spot that needs the IC Diamond? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uoebYfqadcY Please let me know if there is more to this or does the other side need it also? This looks like I could easily do it. I was under the impression that the whole computer had to come apart.


Sorry guys and also this video of the GPU. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ujyttb-mEFI

 

You just need to do the following: Refer to the Alienware 17 Owner's Manual.

1. Remove the back cover.
2. Unplug the battery.
3. Unscrew & remove the CPU fan (don't forget to unplug it).
4. Unscrew & remove the CPU heat sink (2-pipe).
5. Clean both the CPU and heat sink off (use the cleaner I linked earlier).
6. Put a very thin line of IC Diamond on the CPU - slowly and carefully press the syringe.
7. Carefully replace the CPU heat sink without smashing the thermal paste.
8. Tighten the heat sink down in a diagonal pattern.
9. Replace the CPU fan (don't forget to connect it).
10. Plug the battery back in and replace the back cover.

Done. Don't make the screws too tight - just until you feel it start to be hard to tighten.

 

Alright So the first video above is what I need to do? This honestly sounds very easy. Everything you said was in the first video so I dont need to do the GPU? Sorry for the questions just want to be sure.

 

And pick apart an acer or packard bell laptop is much much worse than an Alienware. They have a bunch of different screw sizes and are tricky and dismantle. No one beats alienware in facilitate easy removal.:laugh:

 

it ok man my Alienware 17 averages around 90F to F110 i have a laser heat monitor gun so i only get the surface temp. BUT i have a cooling pad under it and i have clocked everything in my bios very high (i think almost to the max) so your is fine