*OFFICIAL* M18xR1/R1/18 Owners "Are my CPU/GPU Temps OK Thread" - Ask Questions/Get Help Here

Just a little update:
I have accessed the fans and rear fins. It was quite clogged and I managed to clean them without damages. Max temp has gone down on average by a whopping 10C! Quite a difference but that is as far as I can go. I'm not sure how to reach the heat sink under the keyboard. I am not willing to take the risk of disassembling the keyboard and palm rest just to reach the heat sinks. If I do managed to do it (however that is), putting it back altogether in one piece could be a less appealing approach since I might not insert the heat sink back properly which in turn, could damage the hardwares even further.
Any advice and video tutorial on this topic is greatly appreciated.

 

Unscrewing the fans, lifting them out of the way and cleaning them out, along with thoroughly cleaning the heat sink radiator fins is adequate in most cases. (It is difficult get the heat sink fins completely clean of dust and lint with the fans screwed in place.)

That was a big temperature drop. If you are using the machine in a warm environment, that could be making the machine run warm as well. Although repasting is usually not necessary, considering the age of your machine, the original thermal materials could be very dried out by now. If a thorough cleaning of the heat sink radiator fins and fans doesn't completely cure the problem, the next step would be to repaste. Nothing else will fix it. If you are intimidated by doing this or have a knack for breaking things, maybe there is a member of our community that lives near you that has experience and would be willing to help.

 

That is a good temperature drop indeed! - maybe you could post some temperatures here for us to look at? - that would indicate wether or not more work would be required before you go any further.....

 

These are the readings of the temperature during my 'general' use (browsing, reading PDF files, youtube etc.). So yeah. the big temperature drop really gave me a peace of mind lol.
Thanks for all the help and encouragement lads! +1 rep for all you kind helpers!

 

I think i really need to repaste again. Playing TES: Oblivion seem to be producing too much heat. 95C max for the package and 89-93C for all 4 cores. Looks like it's time to nut of up or shut up. Should I get the stock compound for M18x or stay with IC diamond? Which is better for long-term? Any other paste type suggestions?

 

The only way you can get 'Dell stock compound' is by getting a new heat sink - that's because it is pre-applied in a thin square film and not like aftermarket compound 'tubes'. ICD24 seems to provide the most drastic reduction in temps...there are a few people who have said that removing it can scratch the surface of the die and remove OEM markings...that's due to micro-abrasion of the microscopic diamond crystals being 'swirled' around in the cleaning process. I don't think that it causes any physical deterioration/performance loss, but something to be aware of - removal of it should be done gently to avoid any scratching etc.

To help you choose, have a look over here: http://forum.notebookreview.com/sager-clevo/726194-best-thermal-paste-gpu-cpu.html

 

Edit: Well I returned the 3920, I think that processor had issues, not sure. Ended up buying a 3940xm instead and everything is good now.

 

Are you experiencing any problems with performance, or high temperatures under idle / a lesser workload? I wouldn't be worried about 85c under 100% utilization. By rendering, do you mean video editing? AutoCAD? Your 3920XM should be perfectly capable of handling those temperatures. About fan control, - you can create your own fan table using HWINFO64.

 

Nevermind.

 

That makes sense. Video editing is a good way for the CPU to flex it's muscles, and the temps are reflecting that. Do you have the rear of the laptop propped up at all? If not, putting something under the rear feet of the laptop is a great way to help air flow. Vitamin water lids work great for that.

Those temps sound about right, and around what mine runs. Looks good to me.

While you're gaming / video editing you could use HWINFO64 to crank the fans up, which will help cool it down. That chip can handle up to 105c. As long as you aren't running Prime95 all day every day you'll be fine.

 

85c for a heavy load like that is a smidge high but nothing to be concerned about.

 

Hey guys. So this is about my 2nd AW18 replacement. This is now my current setup as shown on my sig. Previous to this was a similar AW18 but with 770m SLI instead and same CPU 4900MQ.

So I'm getting a higher temp than I used to get from the previous AW18. I dont remember reaching even 75°F on the 1st one.
This time, I'm only downloading/installing windows update and this is my CPU temps:



I already noticed when I first get this that I'm getting really high CPU temps on normal browsing. I thought I'll let it break in but it didnt change.
Would you recommend repaste? I'm a bit hesitant to do it as its quite different with R2 and the M17x that I used to had. I think on AW18, I had to remove the keyboard right?

 

Yes, you should repaste. Unless you were running stressful CPU benchmarks, you never should have seen 100°C. Something is clearly wrong. Perhaps the screws on the CPU heat sink were not properly tightened. The Alienware 18 is easy to work on... although neither one is particularly difficult, I think it is easier than the M18xR2. The palm rest and keyboard come off as an assembly.

The service manual is posted at Dell Support as well as a link in the opening post of the Alienware 18 Owner's Lounge. Just follow the step-by-step instructions. Be sure to eject the SD card blank. Tilt the display way back on the hinges and lift the palm rest from the rear (near hinges) first. Use a stiff plastic card (something like an old credit/debit card, hotel room key, or bread bag plastic tab, etc). Wedge it in between the palm rest and chassis base. Work your way around the edges to unsnap the clips that hold the palm rest to the chassis base. Start at each rear corner and work toward the front down each side first, then across the front.

I repasted the 4930MX CPU on the 18 with IC Diamond the other day and it made a nice improvement.

Why is HWiNFO not reporting your core clock speeds? What are they idling at?

 

Oh I scrolled it down to the temps.
Here is a new one from boot. Its idling at 55-60+ which I think is high. I used to even see 30s from the 1st AW18 I got.

Btw, is there still a problem with 49XX not being able to reach the max clock? Because the current clock below seems to be near max even if I'm not doing anything.

 

Well, something is causing your CPU to run at close to full turbo speed, which is strange since the total CPU utilization is really low. That might be caused by Windows Update installing things in the background.

I would not be concerned about the idle temps being 55°-60°C as that is totally inconsequential, but hitting 100°C running nothing but you web browser or installing Windows Updates is a problem.

The problem with the CPU not holding clock speeds occurs under load, so unless you are load testing the CPU you won't notice the undesirable downclocking using stock CPU power settings.

What BIOS version does this new Alienware 18 have? Is it A03?

 

I haven't check the Bios version and I haven't check anything so it must be whatever stock version Dell ships out. That's what I want to ask also, what would you recommend someone do when they get the unit the first time? I didnt do much on the first AW18 too because I was told its gonna be replaced; except upgrade the msata size.

I just got this like last Friday and I haven't done anything aside from installing Steam & Origin games and windows update. Thanks again.

 

my 4900mq never get over 2900mhz .. i think it as to do with the haswell trying to save the world by not using electricity ... only time it would reach higher is using intel XTU and having mac amp value higher...

 

I'm trying to find out if your new system has a newer than A03 BIOS. Sometimes new systems come with a BIOS version newer than what is available for download.

 

Also when I installed HWInfo, it asked me whether to disable compal EC or not. So I did. Can this be the reason? Honestly, I can see high temps but I dont feel anything hot on my keyboard or any part around it. A lot different when I still had my M17xR3, which can really stop me from playing since the left part gets really hot. Although I know 18s have bigger case so better ventilation.

About the Bios, sorry I should have checked it. If ever, I'll let you know when I get back in the office. Oh, should it be listed in the parts list? Or not.

 

No, disabling the Compal EC is not going to cause your problem. This should be disabled to avoid software conflicts. That applies to all systems with a Compal EC, including the older ones.

A simple re-paste of the CPU heat sink should take care of the high temperature/low load problem. Your CPU fan is trying to do it's job (running 3700 RPM) and it can't keep up. It seems very likely that something is out of place mechanically. There may have been a blemish in the surface of the TIM pad before the heat sink was installed, or maybe the heat sink screws were not properly tightened by the person doing the assembly work.

No worries, you can let us know what BIOS version when you have access to the machine. It is probably A03, but I am hoping to find out that it's something newer.

 

.-. I never disable that sensor XD i just leave it on and shrug it off nothing happens

 

Most of the time nothing ever happen. Once in a great while HWiNFO64 will freeze with it enabled, or the system will hang during shutdown with it enabled.

 

Interesting XD windows update made me restart while i had the sensor on it did it fine so i really dont notice it so more info the better it says itll cause high load....please when my alien was a baby just came out of dell it could open every app on it at once and still have room to function. the thing never freezes except that 1 time i put something on REALTIME priority and it hogged all the CPU and i had to shut it down XD my bad but on its own it doesnt freeze so i dont worry about high loads but i leave it on and i have not noticed that or experianced it but time will tell but i believe your words mr fox

I guess its also a bad thing im used to that proformance i end up freezing the tiny pcs cause i rarly close anything. The dell is optimized so it doesnt freeze but im talking the tiny pentium duel cores and i3s and small i5s

People seriously get jealous like ill be in Firefox with like 100 tabs open and the alien not caring but when they try that there pc is begging for mercy and idk why they cant open those tabs but mine does and they all end up saying the same thing "i wish i had an alien" and i always laugh at that

And 70 C while idling is a little odd :| i bet you the paste is all screwed up like my previous stock dell paste that i had to replace air bubbles everywhere and barly any coverage at all

 

It can also cause performance problems in games. I've had it cause stuttering, etc.

Sent from my Galaxy Note II

 

Mr. Fox its A03 date Sept 11, 2013

I already ordered IC Diamond. I had the old Artic Silver 5 that I used in my old 17/18R2 but I wanna try another paste. I read that IC Diamond is really good.

 

IC diamond is a good paste only if u apply it correctly its different from others

 

nevermind wrong post

 

Hey guys.

Last night I was playing POE and my GPUs have huge difference in temps. There's like 20F difference its like normally 70ish on GPU1 and 50ish on GPU2.
I dont think there is a problem with SLI cable too as I'm getting like 130+ average fps maxed. I usually get just 80-90 fps using a single card so I know GPU2 is loaded.

Is it normal for the difference to be that huge? I am going to repaste the CPU and I'm thinking of doing GPU1. Or should I just repaste all 3 of them?

 

Brother jinda, I think everything is fine for you. If that is the highest temp you are seeing on GPU1, I would recommend not burning any calories on this. It's not worth it, IMHO. 70ish is perfectly safe and normal, but 50ish is cooler than normal while gaming. If anything, GPU2 is probably being under-utilized and would most likely explain why it is running so much cooler than normal.

Honestly, I would just leave it alone unless one of the GPUs or the CPU starts having problems with overheating and you're not even close to overheating with those temps. I go by the "if it ain't broken, don't fix it" approach when it comes to repasting CPUs and GPUs, so I would not recommend repasting everything just for good measure. While I never hesitate for a moment to rip things apart when there is a good reason to do so, if you can avoid disturbing the internals of any computer or electronics except for the times you really need to, I think you will be better off.

 

Ye I'm getting good result on my games, just thought I'd ask if temps are normal. I'll just proceed with my CPU repaste then. I still haven't done it since you recommended it.
I 'm getting like 89F on playing POE which I think is too high as I dont get as high as 70s from the 1st AW18 that I had with the same CPU. Thanks.

 

Idle temps for CPU overclocked to 4.1 GHz while flat on a table - 60C. It can be as low as 50C when it is on my cooler or elevated in some other way.
Non OC temps are usually always around 45 - 50C

GPU idle temps at 1.05V and 200 MHz OC
GPU1 - 42C
GPU2 - 46C

The highest temps I have seen on my GPU were in Borderlands 2. One GPU got to 85C for a bit. I also realized I forgot to turn on SLI after a driver update so all work was being done on one GPU. The other GPU still got up to about 70C because it was being used as a PhysX processor at the time. My CPU under load with the OC can shoot up to 90C for a bit. Usually it is around 80 - 85C.

 

What system and specs (CPU, GPUs, etc.) are you checking the temps for?

Also, what are the ambient temps in the room where you are generally using the system?

 

I repasted my cpu and gpu's yesterday and today after alowing a burn in and cure im notcing that my primary 680m is running at 55c - 58c idle temperatures while the secondary is at around 45c - 48c idle. Is this something I should be concerned with? I followed the correct method on the IC diamond ( Pea size on the GPU's and a rice grain line along the CPU) The CPU is running much cooler with my modest overclock.

Just wondering if I need to retear this thing down again and redo the primary GPU... Or if it is something I should not worry about

CPU is idling around 35c...

Edit both the video cards have a mild overclock .... and a modified Vbios

 

The difference between them isn't a huge deal, and is pretty normal. It will vary for everyone. I would be the most concerned with your peak temperatures. Are they better now than they were before you pasted?

 

Peak temperatures have dropped significantly (mostly on the cpu) I also recently had the CPU fan die on me and had to buy a new one so I'm very happy with the new temperatures. I just was worried about the temperature differences between the two gpu's. The stock paste was very wore out and all over the gpu dies. cpu paste was very thin and you could tell it was wore out. Overall I'm very happy with the new temperatures and my fans are much more quiet

 

Yes, this normal. No need to be concerned about it. Neither are overheating, so no biggie.

 

I am using 680m SLI for the GPU and an i7 3740qm. The ambient temps for me are usually around 60 - 70 F.

 

I think you're in good shape, SG1Shadow. Those are reasonable temperatures. If they continue to rise it might be time to pull the bottom cover, unscrew the fans and vacuum out any dust and lint accumulated in the heat sink radiators and fans.

 

I actually just got done doing that. I saw a decrease in 10 degrees C for both GPUs and the CPU for idle temps and 5-10 degrees C lower while running extreme tuning utility's CPU test and evga OC scanner GPU test. The GPU fans and vents did have some dust. The CPU vent was literally half clogged. Guess I should clean more than once every 8 months. How often would you recommend?

 

Awesome! Believe it or not, that is one of the leading causing of poor computer performance, even instability and premature component failures can result from this. It can sometimes even present a fire hazard with desktop power supplies that get filled up with fuzz.

I clean mine every 30-60 days. I live in a desert, so it is dusty and dry. Additionally, if you are a smoker, live with one, or you have pets that shed hair, the system can get clogged very quickly. I would check it in 30 or 60 days to see how things look inside and decide how often would be fitting for your situation.

 

Hi,

I have a i7-2670qm cpu.
In game it goes up to 81°C. Is it an acceptable temp ?

 

100% fine

Game on :thumbsup:

 

My temps seem a bit high to me =/ I did a brief search on the forums and didn't see anyone specify temps, I just updated to latest(beta) nVidia drivers(SLI 860M, Driver version 340.43) and updated my BIOs to A08, then ran the Dell tool which said two Intel chipset drivers were out of date, one was Lynx and I forget the other, but I updated both. CPU is a 4710, 8GB of RAM, 1TB HDD/80GB MSATA cache drive.
This has never been opened up yet and I'm pondering repasting with Arctic Silver 5 if these are bad temps.


Here's this, only sitting here idling with Chrome and an Explorer window running.

 

dude i just have the same temps on my i7 4930mx, the weird thing is, i repaste my GPUS but forgot my CPU, this morning i was using chrome and suddenly my comp shutdown. the weird thing is i was playing last nite like 4 hours with nice temps..

 

Fantastic temps. The Threshold for auto-shutdown on Intel Haswell Chips are around 90 C. My AW 17 gets around 72 C average on load. Don't have to worry unless you are in mid to high 80's

 

Haswell and Sandy go to thermal shutdown at 100°C, Ivy Bridge 105°C. I agree with ThatOldGuy... your temps are just fine.

 

Okay, max CPU temp was about 80c so far, GPU I think was around 70c max for both still.
Thank you guys, I'll relax some about it, I guess I'm just use-to the last computer I actually payed attention to the CPU/GPU heat was an old Pentium D.

I'm fully updated all around on my drivers and BIOs, I was on A06 before updating to A08, the handrest was getting warm, not entirely unlike the M14X R2, but after being updated it's been room temperature which I'm enjoying much more, since the M14X R2 got hot enough to make my wrist sweat from the temperature, in an air conditioned room.

Also....I thought that Dell locked down the drivers?
I installed drivers from nVidia directly and didn't have to edit the .inf file or anything, it just happily took it.

 

Where the heck is the high temps?