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    m5500 dilemma

    Discussion in 'Alienware' started by mb67, Mar 6, 2009.

  1. mb67

    mb67 Notebook Evangelist

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    Hello,

    I have had my m5500 for 3 years now and up until the past couple of weeks it has performed flawlessly! :) Now however it seems to be having a problem: shutting down after about an hour's use (overheating). I have ruled out the vents/fan being dirty as I clean them quite often. I have tried cpu-z and find that the temps are rather high just while idling. (No screenshot for now, as I am away from my system ;)) I have also noticed that the AC power adapter gets extremely warm which leads me to believe that it's a power adpater issue, but I am not sure on this- It will shut down even if I am using just the battery. Going through different configurations (using the nVidia Go 6600, using the integrated Intel GMA, Using XP Pro, Using Vista, etc) have no difference in the outcome. They all result in the system shutting down after about an hour. Could it be the cpu? the mobo? perhaps the psu? At this point, I am left wondering if I should just pack it away, which I do not want to do as I really love this laptop. :D Any advice would be greatly appreciated. :)

    As to the m5500 specs: Pentium M 2.0 Ghz, 100GB HDD(7200rpm), nVidia Geforce Go 6600(256mb), Intel GMA, 1680x1050 15.4" LCD.
     
  2. The_Moo™

    The_Moo™ Here we go again.....

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    the laptop i believe is known as a HOT laptop ..... i think there is no avoiding it the ac adapter is not the cause
     
  3. mb67

    mb67 Notebook Evangelist

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    True,

    However it has never shut down on me before, (I don't even game on it) hence my concerns...
     
  4. Alienware-Armando

    Alienware-Armando Company Representative

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    Sorry to hear about this, Could be a defective cpu or gpu fan. Bearings may be dry causing the fan (s) to malfunction.
     
  5. Charles P. Jefferies

    Charles P. Jefferies Lead Moderator Super Moderator

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    Yeah, are the fans spinning as usual?

    Download HWMonitor:
    http://www.cpuid.com/hwmonitor.php
    Open it and leave it running. Run 3DMark06 and post a screenshot of your results.
     
  6. mb67

    mb67 Notebook Evangelist

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    yes fans are spinning. Will give it a try once I get home. ;)