Having serious problems with my p7805u lately...

Long time since I made a thread on the Gateway subforums. Good to be back

Lately I've been having problems keeping my CPU and GPU temperatures under control. CPU temps shooting up to 85-89 degrees under max load with Dota 2 or Skyrim (2 games I play the most these days). GPU temps are also way higher than before going to a max of 80 degrees.

Now before you recommend me to do the usual clean out dust/reapply thermal paste you should know I have done this just a few days ago and re-applied some Silver compound thermal paste to replace the older paste I had on board. The heat is still present as before.

Dota 2 is perfectly playable even with the extreme CPU and GPU temps.
On the other hand Skyrim tends to play for a few minutes before the monitor display turns black (with the sound continuing) and I am forced to do a hard reboot.

This is getting very frustrating and I am wondering what the issue may be that is causing this extreme heat even with a recent cleaning & thermal paste replacement. I am thinking to reopen the laptop and apply a copper shim to decrease the gap between the chips and the heatsinks (possible solution?), other than that I was thinking it was a power supply problem but I would wonder why I would get a black screen of death only while doing Skyrim (although it did happen a few times with Dota 2 as well).

Your input is highly appreciated.

 

Maybe upgrade to better heatsinks or fans.

 

CPU temps for games is a bit high but the GPU temps only reaching 80c is fine. for the black screens I would try running without the overclocks to see if this stops them. if not look into the driver version. I know of other posts with the 9800m where drivers have casued issues. I think it was reverting to 295.(something) that cured their issues, there is another post here in the lockup issues I posted it too.

If you have the long legged heat sink then the legs may be loosing tension. pull it appart and slightly bend the legs upward so that once reassembled more tension is placed on the heatsing to chip. if you use a copper shim over the NB use a 0.5mm thich one to align everything properly...............

 

I was eagerly awaiting your response Tanware

I am Using GPU-Z to monitor and log GPU temps and I noticed that whenever 80 degrees is reached I get a black screen (100% of the time). Now the black screen can still randomly happen at lower temps.

By legs of the heatsink you mean the ones where the screws are attached to around the CPU chip? With the single one after the Chipset?

If so I'll try it for the CPU heatsink, but would that work for the GPU heatsink as well? I will invest time in another total reassembly if you think this is the issue.

---URGENT EDIT---

I did a re-pasting of the CPU and Chipset applying your tip to slightly bend the legs upward and the temps were fine but no better. Was still hitting high temps even when simply watching videos on Youtube of 65-70.

Fired up Dota 2 and I was doing fine until I got another black screen of death. Don't know if it is related to the repasting I did but this time it seemed more critical as even the sound had stopped.

I did a hard shut down by holding down the power button and when I restarted the screen was permanently black. Not even the initial BIOS screen shows up. There is no system response to commands either, as simply pressing the power button doesn't shut it down, only a hard shutdown is effective.

I tried unplugging AC and battery and holding power button to reset and still nothing. I tried unplugging and re-plugging some of the connectors where the bay sits atop to no avail. Don't think this happened because of the repasting that I just did on the CPU. I am really worried my GPU has died or something of the like as I've never had a problem like this before.

 

I'm not an expert by any stretch but from what I've read here it sounds to me like your MB just died. I have a 7805u that died (well 2 actually the one I'm typing on/currently fixing and the "dead" one) and a tech confirmed the MB was the problem (they never said exactly what and I wasn't paying more to find out). I can turn the power on but the lights on the media board are about all I get. I tried different power bricks, batteries, RAM, HDD, and checked all the connections etc.

I hope I'm wrong! Sorry about your machine mate.

Edit: I also thought I should share that I have only had a black screen or video problems when I upgraded my nVidia drivers (yeah that was fun!). I have never (in 4-5 years) cleaned my GPU or re-pasted it and my gpu runs at 67 degrees idling on a 3 fan custom laptop cooler I built. It hits 77-85 without a doubt and is probably much much higher at times. (Seriously, last week I was using the palm rest to melt hershey kisses lol you gotta love warm melty chocolate!) My point is I concur with whoever said that your temps may not be the problem.

 

It is most likely the video memory, did you stop the video overclock before this happened?

Edit 60-70c for casual usage for the CPU is ok however...................

 

Hmm, I think you might be on to something there TANWare. I did edit my vbios and change the 3d clocks (not the 3d extra clocks which were 690 core 900 mem 1800 shader) to something like 300 core 400 shader 300 mem, so it might have underclocked when the black screen happened.

 

Would video memory cause the system to stop responding to the power button for shut down?

 

if you press and hold the power button for 10-20 seconds it should force a hard shut down (ATX power standard).............

 

right-o, and if that's not happening? I thought that's what he meant when he said his wasn't responding to system commands like simply pressing the power button to shut down. Now as for mine, I had to pull the battery to shut it down. Holding the power button did nothing for me. Other than the media board lighting up mine was doa.

 

On my system hold the power button for 5 seconds and it shuts down.

Since this might be a video memory issue like you said TANWare, what should I do to get the system starting normally again?

 

not sure if a crysis bios recovery would work. It could also be it is now just gone too. Without being there it is hard to tell............

If the power button doesn't shut it down, you are correct there are some serious issues as even on battery only the power button held down for 20 seconds should shut it off..............

 

Sounds good Tan. Would you be able to direct me on how to do a crisis bios recovery?

 

One of the many things I have no clue about, and hopefully never will. I know there is a thread here about it though on our systems............

 

Found this thread, looks like I could use my usb flash hdd to do a crisis bios recovery. However a lot of the links to the files used are broken.

 

http://forum.notebookreview.com/gat...-bios-recovery-7805u-dead-laptop-help-12.html

Albasters post 9/26/2011. If you need I have most of the bios files.................

 

According to his guide I have to install Windows 7 Ultimate on this laptop as well and use WinXP mode?

I find the steps pretty confusing but I guess I'll try and install new os on this laptop.

 

I think any bootable OS flash drive, mainly get his zip as it has the files you need.........

 

Well as I already tore it down to part out so I'm not to upset. For a minute I felt like smacking myself...lol

 

Sorry got the new system and not all the tuff is ported over. Of course I have to get one that is broken too...............

 

I already tried doing every step except the:

5) From within WinXP mode of Win7, select the add-on (assume it was already installed) that allows you to see the USB drive from within WinXP. You'll be clicking on the icon on the top of the virtual session that says "USB", then click the selection below that (says "shared").

6) Run WINCRIS.EXE from within WinXP of Win7 and select Compress and the device of your thumbdrive. After it's done, remove the drive.

because I don't currently have Win 7 but Win Vista on this laptop. My usb drive was set up as a bootable device and installing the files like he directed and pressing the key combinations did nothing. Only key combination that works is FN + F1 to turn off the lights in the media bar. Also the GPU Fan does not run at all.

 

I am not sure of the key combo's for blind crysis flash. You can't even get to the OS even if you had the XP mode. with he key combo's does ot look like the system tries to read the USB at all?

 

----double post----

 

I tried FN plus ESC plus power button (momentarily for 2 seconds) and got nothing, using the procedure with the power adapter that he listedi n his steps. Also tried F plus N plus C plus ESC plus power button just in case. The GPU fan does not run at all and the CPU fan does not speed up beyond minimal fan speed.

 

Usually the CPU fan comes on full blast. Maybe try reseating the CPU? I know it is a wild shot............................

 

Have you tried clearing the cmos, or replacing the cmos battery?

 

Yes to the first, no to the second.

 

Maybe I'm not following this correctly, but you need Windows 7? You can legally obtain the ISO from Digital River, MS uses them as their online distributor. You won't have the key of course, so its only good for 90 days. I think there was thread on these forums about it a few years ago. Link for the downloads and info: Official Windows 7 SP1 ISO from Digital River « My Digital Life

I don't know about these stock boards, but usually you get a beep(s) if the system detects a malfuction with hardware such as the GPU. I've never heard of a BIOS becoming corrupted form a hard shut down either, it sounds to me like a problem with the motherboard. I'm more of a software guy though, so don't take my word for it.

Were the fans running at full power? If the fan was running properly and you had good application of TIM there's no reason for those temps, 80* on the GPU is actually OK, anything over 85* and I try to bring it down. It almost sounds like everything was being overvolted or there was no air being moved out of the case.

 

No, the problem MAY lie in that he moded vbios for the 3D speeds and voltage. This may not alow the vram proper voltage as it tries to initialize the video at 3D speed and voltage, in other words at full blast. Other issues can be the device ID etc. Now I am not saying this is the issue just it could be the issue.

Now the fact he had issues before this and trying to fix it with the lower speeds and voltages could be the indicator thatthe system was on its last legs to begin with. Without having alot of technical equipment thee may be no way to determine that...............

 

I was just starting to go crazy trying to get the crisis bios recovery working so I sent it to this Chinese technician who my uncle recommended. He hasn't charged me anything yet, if it's the vbios I will pay 50 euro, if the motherboard 80 euro otherwise if it's not repairable nothing. I am using my old hp laptop from 2006 right now.

to O___O:
There have been no beeps on my system ever since that last black screen crash that bricked my laptop and the fans run low to mid on the CPU and not at all on the GPU. My GPU temps were going up to 79 (monitored with GPUZ) and always crashed my system with a black screen when I hit around 80-81 degrees.

to TANWare:
I really do think what you are saying might be the problem TAN, but all my attempts at recovering the Vbios have been unsuccessful and I can't drive myself crazy over it too long (have work and other concerns). So I am letting this other guy take a look at it. If he can't fix it I'll give it another go or just try to buy a new laptop.

 

good deal, A tech with proper equipment should be able to handle the issues better. If crashing at the same temp all the time it is the video card changing timings. This unfortunately is seperate from the 2d timings as it is the video cards fall back. There may be a way to set that trigger point in vbios but not too sure..................

Edit; off topic though the new system is just amazing. for cpu crunching about 50% faster and 100% faster than the old 260m overclocked. Litterally it does 2x the frame rate in most games and benchmarks that I have................

 

That is a very nice upgrade you made. If you don't mind me asking how much did you pay and where did you buy it from? I might be looking to make an upgrade like yours if it's a good deal (and fits within my budget). If the price is very hefty I might need to do some financing to afford it right now.

 

I paid just short of $2,100 from Computerupgrade king with the i7-3820QS and BD RE. You can get the normal for 1679 at B&H right now. The i7-3610 should be a 30% boost from the q9200 @3.2 GHz so still quite fast on its own................

 

I was checking that site out too, great price on those vendors. I had found one with the 7970m for and an i7-3610QM for about $1400. Would have gotten it if I was in the US right now

Btw the chinese tech called me back today and said he managed to repair it, and it was a GPU issue... nothing to do with the Bios. Gonna go pick it up right now yay!

 

cool, if you played with vbios remember to flash with aq proper bios to reset it.

 

Writing from my old faithful p7805u. It is revived !
The tech said there was a problem with the Video Memory and did some hardware technical work to get it in working order again. Checking temperatures and other statics on GPU-Z and everything seems stable for now. Going to test out some heavy load games later. Right now I am happy I didn't have to go and buy a new Lappy yet Spent about $100 usd to get it fixed. Very reasonable imo, I can't imagine what a regular tech would have charged me... probably would have told me the whole motherboard had to be replaced along with the GPU.

 

Too bad your tech didn't tell you exactly what he did. That info would be nice for us to know and maybe use for future problems.

 

Yea, guess he doesn't want to give up his trade secrets . Anyway I tested a few games and everything is running pretty well now. I did get another black screen once but wasn't after 10 mins it was after hours of gameplay (dota 2). I'm still a little shaky on Skyrim. edit- tried skyrim for 20 mins and was running fine.

 

sinister just saw your post.the motherboard is fixable its video card more than likely i have 5 bad motherboards they went to leadfree solder and it cracks out have to have chip reballed theres nothing wrong with chip its the solder fracturing and losing or making wrong connections. cheapest way sometimes works reflow with heatgun or infared, if that didnt get it then you have to get new m/b or have the nvidea chip reballed they replace all connections on chip with new solder balls so you have video card attached properly this primarily happens on p-7805u fx
im trying to file a class action lawsuit since they knew that the solder hot n cold cycles would break after warranty runs out manufacturer defect, defective nvidea video chip 9800GTS on gateway p-78 series gaming laptops. p-7805u fx and other p-78 fx series. the manufacturer of gateway gaming laptops knowingly sold defective laptops mostly p-7805u fx gaming laptops. i purchased 2 gateway laptops from bestbuy in 2009 they both had to be returned due to manufacturer defect the returned ones were replaced and the replacements lasted a year and 4 months and 1 year 6 months (IE) nvidea video card 9800 gts soldered with lead free solder, these computers are designed for high power intense gaming or editing operations, the problem didnt show up until warranty was expired 1 year, ill try to keep you informed on progress with it you can view lawsuit here SueEasy™ - Instant Legal Help, Attorney Advertising, Class Action Repository it will be under emerging class action lawsuits, its for all us p-7805u owners that got the defective chip and solder job. i love my older p-7805u fx they had real solder and still run strong i have 4 p-78 series if you had a p-7805u and motherboard went bad you may get reimbursed or something not sure yet.

 

According to the post above it was something to do with the video memory. This is an entirely different issue................

 

I wonder why the video memory problem caused your CPU temps to be high.

 

I don't think the two problems are related. My GPU temps are more stable now, but my CPU temps are still high.

 

it may be dust collected on the cpu pipe, try cleaning a bit

 

I have had the exact same problems as what the op posted, I have been getting by with patience.... I will start the computer and wait about 60 seconds and then hard power off, wait 30 seconds and try and power on again, I do this until boots and it will eventually reboot, I do believe this is an issue with gpu memory and a reflow issue. I have ordered a new p7915u MB to replace the p-7805u MB I will try and reflow the gpu but I am not sure about replacing the gpu memory.

I am very familiar with this laptop I bought it new in 2005 and has been a beast....I have taken it apart at least 5 times to clean and repaste and have added shims/and paste to all the secondary chips around the heatsink that dont quite touch....you know the ones. I no longer have heat issues As long as I keep it on a laptop cooler... hard drives really heat this puppy up...thats the heat you get on the palm rest.

I will post results of the new MOBO if I remember and if anyone is interested... I know this laptop is reaching its end of life but it has been the best laptop I have ever purchased and until I can get one just as good but faster I will continue to bandaid this one.

Thanks for reading and thank you Tanware for sticking around

 

Gateway FX7805u since 2005, interesting. Good luck with your new MB.

 

LOL, circa 2005 the ultimate mobile card was the Go 6800 Ultra. Picture having the performance of the 9800m then
NVIDIA GeForce Go 6800 Ultra - Notebookcheck.net Tech

 

yes 2005 unless the date code is backwards??? then its 2009 its out lived a lot of other computers I have had

Intel® Core™2 Duo CPU T9900 @ 3.06GHz × 2
8gb Ram 500gb Drives x2

 

Yeah, alot of foriegn companies use yymmdd. I'll agree though the the P78xx's still have some juice left as a system. This is as both GPU and CPU have fallen off the doubling of performance over 18 month periods. If so then new systems would have quadruple the power and looking to double that soo if not already (the C2D and 9800m were getting old already).

 

3rd brick got spoilt in 2 weeks? What can i do? whats the issue.? Time to blurry the beast?