m15x (old version) gpu problem?

Hi, I just wanted to check something with all of the gurus here. I have an old version m15x that I bought just a few months ago new with an ATI 3870 gpu. I don't game a whole lot, but I noticed it got hot. Anyhow, I decided to put the gpu2 folding@home program on there, and just to check I put on GPU-z to check my temps. My gpu jumped to 107degrees C! The lowest its been under load is 99 degrees, highest 111 with average I'd say at 107. Is this at all normal? And my computer is sitting on a zalman nc2000 cooler with fans running full blast. So its not like I plopped it on my bed. Any ideas? Thanks all!

 

i don't specifically know how hot the 3870 run, but my guess is that its not normal.

what rpms is the fan running at at full load? if its in the 2000 to 3000 range, its not kicking up to the fastest speed.

 

I don't know the RPMs, although gpu-z is saying fan speed is at 100%, and its pretty loud. Do you recommend a program that can check? I'm fairly certain it isn't fan speed, but it never hurts to check

 

Use the thermo fan program that is on your m15x. You might want to clean out your fans and heatsink with some compressed air.

 

^^ what he said and you may wanna consider a reapplication of thermal paste and a undervolt

 

Ha, how did I not know I had that program? However the program is saying my fan is running at around 5300 rpm, so that's not the problem. Is reapplication of thermal paste gonna void my warranty? I really can't believe that the temps are that high and cuz its a fairly new and lightly used computer, Im surprised if alienware sends these computers out running that hot (I know the new ones are much better designed). I'll get to dusting it today but I also kind of doubt that as the problem.

 

reapplying the thermal paste will help and it will not void your warranty

also run driver sweeper in safe mode then update your driver

 

ok thanks I will try all of those... I'm running the newest ATI driver I'm fairly sure because I just downloaded it a few days ago... what is driver sweeper for?

 

gets rid of all the 'leftover' bits and pieces from your previous driver (which can cause problems).

 

Do not continue to use your laptop until you do the above suggested solutions. Those temperatures are way above safe temps for any graphics card. If your card is not damaged already, it will be shortly if you continue to operate it at those temperatures.