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    Does this sound like a GPU Issue to you guys? -- M17x R2 w/ 285M SLI

    Discussion in 'Alienware 17 and M17x' started by dsmoke1986, Apr 21, 2012.

  1. dsmoke1986

    dsmoke1986 Notebook Consultant

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    Hey Guys,

    I am trying to troubleshoot a recent issue I have been having with my M17xR2.

    I have the NVIDIA 285m in SLI, recently while gaming, my computer will boot a game fine, then a couple minutes in, the FPS will dip into the teens, then the power cuts out.

    The machine is hot, but nothing out of the norm for me...I did notice that if I turn SLI off, then this doesn't happen.

    So my question, is do you think this is a GPU issue? Maybe my 2nd 285m is goiing bad?

    Kind of a crappy spot to be in, because I am out of warranty on this, but was hoping to come here to get some opinions from you guys.

    Thanks in advance for any input.
     
    dsmoke1986, Apr 21, 2012
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  2. katalin_2003

    katalin_2003 NBR Spectre Super Moderator

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    What are your stock temperatures and while gaming? These cards are solid and I tend to think that you are experiencing thermal shut downs.

    When was the last time you cleaned the heatsinks ?

    Maybe it's time to open it up and remove the dust bunnies from the heatsinks. It would be a good idea to replace the thermal paste while you're at it if your stock temperatures are high but cleaning the clogged heatsink fins for the GPUs and CPU should help you regain the normal airflow.
     
    katalin_2003, Apr 21, 2012
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  3. dsmoke1986

    dsmoke1986 Notebook Consultant

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    I bought this m17x in Dec. of 2010 and have never cleaned the fans...Stupid question, but what is the best way to go about doing this??

    Compressed air on the bottom of the M17x and in the back?

    I am not very CPU savvy, so apologies in advance for the noob-ish questioning.

    Thanks for the help!

    To answer your other question, I don't know what my temps are...I will download an app to measure that.
     
    dsmoke1986, Apr 21, 2012
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  4. katalin_2003

    katalin_2003 NBR Spectre Super Moderator

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    Try something like HwInfo or CPUiD HwMonitor.

    Blowing air without opening it up will not only spread the dust in to your system but it will be a half done job.
    As for cleaning the fans and heatsinks you'll need a Phillips screwdriver #1 and watch these videos:
    M17x Teardown Video1 of 2 **READ SAFETY PRECAUTIONS PRIOR TO REPLACING PARTS** (Official Video) - YouTube

    M17x Teardown Part 2 of 2 **READ SAFETY PRECAUTIONS PRIOR TO REPLACING PARTS** (Official Video) - YouTube

    Remember to unplug the power cord before proceeding!

    To clean the processor's(CPU) system fan and heatsink fins, you need to take out the battery, the back plate and the system fan (held by three screws).

    To clean your graphic cards(GPUs) fans and heatsinks you'll need to do a little more disassembly so watch the videos and be patient with every move.
     
    katalin_2003, Apr 22, 2012
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  5. dsmoke1986

    dsmoke1986 Notebook Consultant

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    Awesome, thanks for the info katalin2003...It is very much appreciated.
     
    dsmoke1986, Apr 22, 2012
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