6860fx - easiest way to get to the GPU??

I've started having an overheat issue with my 6860FX (nVidia 8800m GTS). I did view the sticky guide for taking this laptop apart, but in that guide the whole mobo is removed before really getting to the GPU.

Just wondering if there is a more direct path with a lot less part removal in order for me to double check my GPU heat sink and maybe add some new thermal paste.

Basically I could game all day long about a month ago, but now I get about half way through a "left 4 dead" level or similar and the GPU is so hot it does an instant shutdown/power off to save itself. I can stop this from happening by opening a window (MN with outside air around 30-40 degrees currently) and keeping cool air in the room.

My fan is running full bore and fine and the heat sink fins seems to be clear. I've blown air through it, but didn't help.

My next step is to ensure the heat sink is still seated correctly and try some new thermal paste.


Time is critical in figuring this out since my extended warranty is up in about 3 weeks, lol.

 

In all seriousness, just contact tech support right away. If you report an issue now, have components replaced and continue to have the same issue after your warranty is up, you can simply claim the issue hasn't been resolved properly when it was in warranty.

 

True, but in general... everytime I get a "warranty" repair done things tend to go south faster and faster. I'd rather try to place some new thermal paste down and maybe upgrade the GPU fan (if possible) and see the results of that first.

I'm guessing there's no easy way and I'll have to pretty much remove the motherboard then?

 

for the GPU fan, without a doubt a tare down..............

 

The complete tear down is the easy way.

 

Oh well, good to know. I'll take a look at my warranty paperwork again and maybe attempt a tear down a few days before.

Also, are there any "upgrade" fans available for the GPU? I'm sure the stock fan moves enough air, but if there's an upgrade option I might as well do that since I'm going deep into the system.

Finally, any other upgrade or "service" tips as long as I'll be digging around in there???

 

I thought I'd add some info...

I downloaded GPU-Z and logged the info into a text file. I then loaded up borderlands and started playing. Here’s a quick break down of the log.

Temp Pre-Game at Windows Desktop = ~50c

Started Borderlands @ 06:57:35

Temp @ 06:57:40 = 61c
Temp @ 06:59:11 = 71c
Temp @ 07:01:57 = 81c
Temp @ 07:07:23 = 91c
Temp @ 07:14:08 = 101c
Temp bounces a little between 100c and 101c from that point on until an instant off at 07:14:29

I'm not sure of the threshold, but I suspect it reached 102c when it powered off.

....that's not good.