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    Help with overheating

    Discussion in 'Alienware 17 and M17x' started by Baptizle, Nov 19, 2014.

  1. Baptizle

    Baptizle Newbie

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    Hi I hope you guys can help.

    I have a alienware m17x laptop with i7 Q840 1.87ghz with 8gb Ram. With 2 Radeon hd 5870 Running a 64 bit operating system.

    I have a problem where the system overheats quite quickly.

    Can anyone help?

    Thanks
     
    Baptizle, Nov 19, 2014
    #1
  2. TomJGX

    TomJGX I HATE BGA!

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    You need to open the bottom cover, remove fans and blow compressed air and clean vents.. If that doesn't fix it, repaste the CPU+GPU.. get new thermal pads for GPU.. Loads of examples here on the forum on how to do this..
     
    TomJGX, Nov 19, 2014
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  3. Baptizle

    Baptizle Newbie

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    Is it easy to do because I don't fancy having to get a new computer lol


     
    Baptizle, Nov 22, 2014
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  4. maxslo

    maxslo undefined

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    just cleaning out the fans isn't that difficult, repasting could be a bit problematic for a novice...
     
    maxslo, Nov 24, 2014
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  5. TomJGX

    TomJGX I HATE BGA!

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    Follow the manual and if you have a friend or someone who has experience doing this or is good with DIY, take his help too..
     
    TomJGX, Nov 25, 2014
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  6. Baptizle

    Baptizle Newbie

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    I can and have cleaned the fans but this has not worked. Can you recommend a good video for the pasting etc?
     
    Baptizle, Nov 25, 2014
    #6
  7. J.Dre

    J.Dre Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    Unfortunately, I could not find any good videos on YouTube for re-pasting these old systems. All of the ones I found are in multiple parts and would confuse the hell out of new people. However, I was able to find this guide on Dell's website: How to remove the graphics card on the Alienware M17x R1 and R2 systems? | Dell US

    You do not need to do anything except remove the heat sink, after you remove the support bracket on the GPU. Stop at that point in the process and begin removing the screws holding down the heat sink, then pop that out and re-paste. At that point, any re-paste is the same - just clean the old paste off, apply new paste (properly), and properly tighten down the heat sink and reinstall everything else.

    ArctiClean 60ml Kit (includes 30ml ArctiClean 1 and 30ml ArctiClean 2)

    Innovation Cooling Diamond "7 Carat" Thermal Compound

    I recommend you purchase IC Diamond, even if it's a bit more expensive. It is the best thermal compound currently available for GPU's.


    On an unrelated note, I can't believe how complicated the design was of the first generation M17x systems were compared to today's systems. :eek:
     
    J.Dre, Nov 25, 2014
    #7
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  8. TomJGX

    TomJGX I HATE BGA!

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    The dual GPU Alienware machines have been a nightmare.. just look at the 18.. Seriously, another reason to buy a Clevo.. They're so easy to maintain...
     
    TomJGX, Nov 26, 2014
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  9. Baptizle

    Baptizle Newbie

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    Thank you so much for your help Tom.

    I have ordered the stuff from Amazon and will let you know how I get on.
     
    Baptizle, Nov 27, 2014
    #9
  10. TomJGX

    TomJGX I HATE BGA!

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    You should thank J.Dre.. He suggested the stuff and gave the link for the manual.. I just motivated you :D

    Let us know how it goes :)
     
    TomJGX, Nov 28, 2014
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  11. Baptizle

    Baptizle Newbie

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    Sorry did mean J Dre sorry. lol
     
    Baptizle, Nov 28, 2014
    #11
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