G51JX-X3: Does this laptop typically run hot?

I recently purchased an ASUS G51JX-X3, and I've found that it runs unusually hot under load and while playing any game. When I run Portal or WoW on good/high settings for about 10 minutes, the GPU will usually hit a maximum of 85 C and the cores reach about 57-58 max. In my experience with notebooks, this seems quite high, but I haven't been much of a PC gamer until recently so perhaps this is normal.

I have been using the Zalman ZM-NC2000 cooling pad, which runs about $60 and has excellent reviews; many claim that it reduces their GPU temp by ~10 C under load. However, I haven't noticed any difference with this pad compared to a couple of cheaper ones; the GPU always hits 85 C. Unfortunately, at these temps, the keyboard itself and the lower-left area (where my hand rests) also heat up substantially to the point that simply using the WASD keys while gaming is almost uncomfortable.

Again, I am relatively new to the world of gaming on laptops, so perhaps my concern is unfounded. It is my understanding that these temperatures are higher than average, but I have also read that many of these Asus notebooks run quite hot (as evidenced by simply browsing this particular forum). Can anyone who owns this model -- or any Asus G51J-series notebook for that matter -- provide me with their typical maximum GPU/core temps under load? As of now I am worried about potential long-term damage, and I get anxious after gaming for a mere 10 minutes because my left hand is almost burning up (can anyone actually game comfortably with these things?).

Thanks.

 

Wow! 85? That's quite cool for a g51!

 

85°C is normal for any gaming notebook... you have nothing to be worried about.

 

That is actually a low temp for a G51 series. They typicaly run on the 90s and near 100C.

My G51 ran around 92-97C depending on the game.

 

Well... that's a relief.

I'm surprised that these notebooks average in the mid-90s, though. I may also just be overly paranoid since this is my second notebook of this model; the first was returned in a mere two days after the hard drive randomly died.

I assume, then, that it is normal for the keyboard/laptop surface to heat up significantly as well (to the point of annoyance), rather than just the bottom of the laptop? I almost want to buy a wired 360 controller just to avoid using the keyboard during certain games.

 

It does depend on the G51, though. The G51 vx had a more powerful--and hotter--GTX 260m while the G51 jx has a less powerful and nominally cooler GTS 360m.

I was only able to tame a G51vx by basically mutilating it. The poor guy is full of holes and copper.

 

Sorry to bump this again, but what are the typical CPU temps? While playing BC2 I noticed that my palm felt hotter than ever, and sure enough the cores hit a high of 68 C. Other games don't usually break 60. I know Quad-Core is recommended for BC2, so then again, I guess this makes sense.

 

69 C this time. Anyone know?

If I google something like "i5-430M max temperature", I get results which say 105 C, but I assume that is the point at which the CPU bursts into flame or something.

 

Well not burst into flames, either it will downclock or shutdown. Wouldn't worry about, Intel has done a great job to keep their mobile CPUs cool. It's the GPU you should worry about more.