Isn't the M17x supposed to be able to handle high-end games? My GPU heats up.

I was just playing the Aliens vs Predator demo that just came out and my GPU goes up to 86 degrees [core temperature]. Obviously I can't play that because if it keeps going higher then there can be problems with the laptop. It runs smoothly but it just heats up and that basically ruins the purpose.

What are we supposed to do to resolve this? I bought a good cooler and it didn't do . Frustrated right now because I can't really play these games without worrying about my laptop shutting down from being overheated.

Games I've played that heat up to 80+:

Mass Effect 2
Bioshock 2
AvP
Star Trek Online
Left 4 Dead 2 [sometimes]
Resident Evil 5


Games I've played that run fine:
Left 4 Dead
Crysis
UT 3
CS and Call of Duty games
Aion Online
Wolfenstein

 

86 degrees is not really that hot for a GPU. If it goes over 90, clean out your system. If it goes over 100, start worrying.

 

So..if I keep playing whatever game I do and it goes up to 86, say even 90, should I keep playing and not worry at all?

Need more opinions from various people on this. From your experiences.

 

86 degrees for the games you describe is fine. It's a normal temperature for a GPU.

The laptop WILL NOT shut down below 105 degrees.

 

I would and am worried as I have a similar issue.
First steps are:
1) Clean the vents.
2) Provide more air circulation either by elevating the back of the machine by some degrees or opening the room windows to create a draft.
3) Lower the ambient (room) temps.
4) Re-flash the BIOS.
5) Try different drivers.

Next stage (is what I'm about to do) is to replace the thermal pads on the GPUs with high quality ones.
Will start the project in a few days so stay tuned.

 

posting your specs would help too. but even 90-95 is pretty safe but any above that is not really good even though your gpu can handle alittle over 100. i suggest getting a cooler, also play around with different drivers to see if you get lower temps.

 

You can also get a notebook cooler. The M17x has a great fan setup but, you can drop your laptops temperature by a few Degrees with a cooler.

 

I have the base model with maybe one or two more things:

Intel Core2 Duo P8700 2.53GHz (3MB Cache, 1066MHz FSB)
4GB Dual Channel DDR3 at 1066MHz 2 x 2048MB
1GB NVIDIA GeForce GTX 260M
320GB 7,200RPM (xMB Cache)
Slot-Loading Dual Layer DVD Burner (DVD+-RW, CD-RW)
Internal 300Mbps Dual-Band a/g/n 2x2 MIMO

lol already have one and I use it, cools only 10c

I'm interested in seeing your project completed. I'll try cleaning the vents, my room is very cool and I use ambient neon lights in my room while the room is mainly dark.

Pic:



Btw, I appreciate all the responses so far, thank you all.

 

hi Razed,

not too long ago I posted a thread on how to undervolt your geforce 260M GTX video cards by flashing their video bios.

it seems like you got the same video cards, so you could just download the files I attached and flash the video cards. it is very effective against high temperatures.

but I recommend you to read the thread carefully in order to decide if it's worth for you or not (it was for me).

you can check it out here: http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=457100

thanks,

 

Dell and Alienware dont think 90+ is safe. They rather have the system 80c to 90c. The gpus can go up to 110c. There are some Techs from Alienware or Dell who think 90 to 97 is safe. The higher the Temp the Life span of that object is a issue.

 

I would reflash the BIOS, not sure if it will work or not. Are your fans coming on 100% speed? Try new GPU drivers, and make sure your not gaming on a blanket. Also run GPU-Z and have it record your temps, should tell you what your min and max temps are. Are you running SLI? Make sure your SLI profiles are up to date as well.

 

Ok - couple of observations here...

1. Look at the pic of your setup. There is no airflow - granted you have a cooler - but look at whats behind the laptop. A cubby hole of a large desk with no free airflow to speak of. Your laptop also appears to be at no angle at all. Now, while the M17x has the best cooling system I have ever seen, it needs fresh air/unobstructed airflow.

2. NV Display Drivers can play a big part in temps. You do not have SLI so SLI Profiles we wont worry about. Which display driver are you running?

Let me give you an example of my temps (attached) - this screenshot is a bit old since I have not been gaming tonight. As you can see, my GPUs did not exceed 62c. To date, I have not exceeded 65c on the GPUs. This could be after 2+ hours of Left 4 Dead 2. Second attachment is current and I have had the system up for about 6 hours. As I mentioned, no gaming tonight but just working. Chasing the DPC Latency issue into testing land (more on that later) - ROFL. Compare the second attachment with your own idle temps.

My suggestions:

1. Look at the driver version you are running, consider switching to a different driver if on the 195 or 196 series presently.

2. Provide some more airflow and elevate the back of the laptop - with or without the cooler. Try both and see where you are. Considering the cramped space, check the bottom of the laptop. On the fan grilles, if you see a coating of dust, its time to take a compressed air can and blow it out.

I do not use a cooler and I rely on free airflow for cooling. You can see my recent post I made HERE describing my stand, etc.

If the above doesn't help or you find your fans are not on while gaming, might be time to call Dell Support.

Hope this helps a bit.

 

BatBoy's right, check out my setup:



My desk is also about a foot from the wall.

 

Zenith, what is the AlienHead device to the left of your system? The mousepad looks very cool - not light up (green corners)?

 

its the gateway netbook in my sig with the sticker that comes with the M17x placed carefully on the back.

my mousepad i got from razerzone.com. The corners don't light up (though their color is vibrant) those are rubber feet to keep it from sliding around no matter which side you have down (because its dual sided).

 

Very nice. I completely forgot about that sticker. I think its still sitting in my shipping box.

 

I'm too scared to try this because of the chance of it bricking ;c

1. I was running an outdated driver, just updated and my laptop seems to run faster which is pretty nice but the GPU temp. still goes to 83 in Mass Effect 2 and 86 in Aliens Vs. Predator (It doesn't go any higher and I have tons of PC games on here).

2. I'll take that into consideration and try it later today, I'm actually going to sleep in a few minutes.

3. My fans are on while gaming. My idle temp. is 45c-46c and when gaming it can go anywhere from 73c to 86c depending on the game.

 

My dual GTX 260M never go beyond 73 in whatever app, hardcore gaming, stress test...

So I think you have to figure it out when it's often at 80.

@ OP: where did you find those sexy ambient noen lights

 

While 85C seems high, it's actually pretty typical for a GTX 260m.

The ASUS g51 series uses the same chip, excepted underclocked by default, and the thing still runs at temps around 95C under load. Hot enough to make me want to stay away, but people say it runs just fine like that.

Guess the new chips are just designed to take more heat. It's a bit surprising that it's as warm as it is, but 85C on that GPU is nothing to worry about.

You may still want to look into it, though, since other users (SillyHoney) with your laptop are reporting such lower temps. I just wouldn't worry about it if you can't get the temps down, 85C on this GPU is quite common.

 

I'm tempted to buy one of those mousemat

 

Mine isn't dual but yeah.

I got them from www.ikea.com