GTX 260M Heat Problems

I've been looking all over trying to get an idea of how to get this fixed, but nothing has turned up, and I keep fearing the longer this keeps getting unresolved, the more likely my 260M is going to become irreparably damaged by these heat issues.

The GPU is sitting around 83 Celsius while idle, and goes up to 107 Celsius under load while playing WoW. That's beyond the danger threshold as I've found out, and I need to figure out how I can fix this. But I have never used anything like GPU-Z or RivaTuner before, nor do I have the ability to open this machine up so I can access the GPU directly because of a warranty and I just don't know how (nor can I find a guide specific to this model of laptop), otherwise I would use air cleaner and thermal paste. I'm getting desperate, though, so if anyone can point me to guides on what I can do to try and fix this, I'm willing to follow them in an effort to fix this before it ends up dying.

 

Blast compressed air into the vents.

Also call Asus to confirm that opening up the back cover will void warranty.

 

I've already blasted compressed air in the openings. Doesn't seem to have helped a lot, but it was probably in need of it anyway.

Honestly, I don't know how much longer I have for the warranty on this thing, probably a year or so that may have already passed. Perhaps it's just better to void it to get this problem fixed before it ends up dying permanently.

 

It's likely because the heatsink isn't connected as well to the GPU as it used to be, so the heat transfer isn't as efficient. Make sure the fan is running for the GPU, but other than that, you pretty much have to open up the machine. Because you have a warranty on it, you should use it. Send it back, as that's something that should definitely be covered by warranty and it's the only way to really fix it.

 

The fan does run when the GPU gets hot. Still, even when running, the GPU gets to 107 Celsius while I play WoW, and that's not good. I can double check my warranty status later on, see if I can do anything with it. If not, I'll report back and I can continue from there.

 

Taking off the bottom panel and blowing it out won't void the warranty. I had a G51Vx here's what I did to control the temps: http://forum.notebookreview.com/asus-gaming-notebook-forum/505552-asus-g51vx-overheating-fixed.html

 

Just be careful with that compressed air. The "warranty voided if removed" sticker is on one of the heatsink screws, and blowing directly on it with the duster might tear it off.

 

OK, I think it's now cooling properly. I originally only sprayed compressed air in the side, where the heat was coming from. Now I went and used it in every single opening on the underside, too. Now when I check SpeedFan, the idle temperature sits around 58 Celsius and load temperature sits around 85 Celsius. MUCH better than before. I guess something was blocking air flow and the compressed air finally got it loose.

And here I thought it was something even worse. My worries are now put to rest.

 

58 is still very high while idling.

Check with GPU-Z. Are you downclocking while idle?

 

I'm using the 198.05 driver for my GTX 260M. I have tried 186.82 and 197.45 too. Those all three drivers downclock to 200/400/120 (w/1080 external monitor 383/767/301). But, in my case, 186.82 and 197.45 affect the audio (clicks, pops etc...), so I ended up with the 198.05. The idle temp is about 47C (w/1080 external monitor 52C).

 

use this below.. it will help to fix your powermixer issues... you can fix the idle clocks etc and really drops your idle temps!

http://forum.notebookreview.com/gam...-rivatuner-better-powermizer-alternative.html

Panther214

 

Someone before mentioned downclocking in threads I created elsewhere. I'm not certain what to look for, though, as I never had downclocking problems before. I do have GPU-Z, however.

 

it pretty simple to look for you know.. just look at your clocks when you start up and do nothing.. if they like 3D clocks which are max , you have downclocking problem.. read the thread i have written and see..

Panther214

 

Its called powermizer: Powermizer Switch.rar - File Shared from Box.net - Free Online File Storage

 

By downclocking, we're asking if your GPU is going to lower clocks--and voltages--while idle. For example, my Mobility 5870 runs at 840/1025 in games, but only 100/150 while I'm in my desktop.

 

Are you using a cooling fan under your notebook? that will bring down temps a bit more.

 

I do use a cooling fan underneath, but it doesn't bring the temperature down anymore. Although it is a bit old, so I may need to get a new one anyway.

I checked GPU-Z and watch the clocks. They all started off high, and then fell lower and lower until it got to 200MHz Core, 119.6MHz Memory and 400MHz Shader clocks. VDDC is sitting at 0.85V. GPU temperature still sitting around 53 Celsius. This is all while having very little load.

 

A. Clean your vents, fans, and motherboard of dust.

B. Ensure good thermal paste application and heat-sink attachment.

C. Leave the bottom cover off while on a cooling pad and gaming.