L501X overheat/shutdown external monitor

I have an xps 15 L501X, i7 740QM, with the nvidia 435 with the 720p screen.

My temps run about upper 50s-C when idle and with a laptop cooler. When gaming, I get the slow down or occasional computer shutdown as the temps hit 90C. This only happens when I have an external monitor attached, either hdmi or displayport. The external monitor is only 1680x1050 so it should not be too bad. I can play games fine on the local screen. Even 2d games, or portal2, it doesn't seem that I should be taxing the computer that much.

Does anyone else have this problem? I hate this laptop with a burning passion.

 

Have you considered opening it up and repasting it yourself rather than calling up Dell for service?

 

I'm out of warranty by a month unfortunately. After reading the forums here, I think trying to repaste is my only hope, I was just hoping the external monitor thing would sound familiar to someone. I think one of the screws is stripped though and I might not be able to get the thing apart.

 

Just wanted to update that my problems were completely solved by blowing compressed air liberally into all of the vents on the laptop. It did not seem dirty at all, but I bought some anyway and tried it. All my games play fine now, even with dual external monitors. Blow out your vents!