High GPU temps on 7811 FX

I have the 2888 series, and I'm running a 9800m GTS in it with everything else stock as well. The settings are stock. I haven't overclocked CPU, memory, or GPU at all.

I was checking my temperatures while playing a game of TF2, and I noticed my GPU raises from idling around 50 degrees Celsius to about 102 degrees Celsius so a 50+ degree increase which seems outlandish to me. I mean when I put my hand there, it's hot as all hell.

Do I have a heat problem? I purchased the computer a little over a month ago. I don't know what to do. If this is a heat problem, should I try and return it to Best Buy or should I contact Gateway?

Help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

 

yes that does sound like a heating problem.

check out NBR Cooling Central

make sure you are not using it on a soft surface (lap, bed, couch, etc), it MUST be used on a clean hard flat surface (preferably a notebook cooler).

If you are overheating... usually any temp over 90C degrees is bad.

when was the last time that you cleaned out the fans and vents thoroughly...?

if never, then thats why.

1) remove battery
2) remove/unscrew the panels on the bottom of the notebook to get to fans and vents ( if possible, if not its okay.. skip step 5)
3) use flashlight to look through vents for the dust (if you cant see the light on the other end, then the vents are clogged up)
4) go outside, get some compressed air (cans or compressor @ 50 PSI) and give the vents a good airing out all directions ( concentrating on the vents)
.... you might want to brace the fan blade(s) when airing it out (with a toothpick or paperclip to prevent it from spinning out too much)
.... or use short bursts (1-2 secs) of air instead of bracing the fans.
5) go get some Q-tips and swab the fan blades and the area around it
6) then go do a second airing with compressed air (all directions again focusing on the fans and vents) to push out the dust that was dislodged from the Q-tips

7*) Now go use the flashlight again and look through the vents (shine the flashlight from the fan, you look through the other end) for anymore dust clogs.

8) Then start up the notebook... and let the fans cycle up (use the Fan Toggle at max speed if your system has it) to push out any other dust that might have been stuck.

If all goes well you should be able to close up the notebook and...

you're done.

*repeat this step until its cleaned out.

Thats pretty much it.

Just make sure to do this every two-three months... it should take about 15-20min per cleaning if you want to be thorough.

________________________

Gaming notebooks are a new thing, you must realize that you have to take some extra care of them over typical use notebooks:

1) Battery: to maintain the longevity of any rechargeable battery
- you must NEVER overcharge it [especially for long durations of time while it still be in use] by keeping it plugged into AC
- when it reaches 100% (while in use) you should unplug it and let it discharge to 5-15%, then plug it back to power
- OR you can just charge it to 50%+ and remove the battery and store in cool dry place.. not the fridge [remember to use it occasionally 3-4 time a year to charge and discharge it].

2.) Heat: to prevent a healthy notebook from overheating
- ALWAYS use the notebook on a clean, hard & flat surface
- NEVER use on soft surfaces (laps, beds, couch, etc.) that can block the fans on the bottom
- RECOMMENDED to be used on a notebook cooler... namely the Zalman ZM-NC1000 or ZM-NC2000
- check your fans underneath occasionally (at least once a month or two) for any dust clogs [clean them out with Q-tips and air cans/compressors]
- ALWAYS monitor the temps (CPU, GPU, HDD, etc..) to watch for fluctuations, which would indicate overheating by dust usually

By doing these simple things, your entire system will easily last for more than 3 years.

 

It might have been because I was playing on my couch for quite some period of time. I had a feeling that was the culprit. I'm going to definitely stop doing that from now on. Thank you for the heads up.

I just tried again and for a 20 minutes play session, my temps sat around 69-71 degrees Celsius. I'll definitely keep your pointers in mind as well. I don't want to kill this computer. Thank you once again!

I'll come back and update this thread after I inspect my PC some more and look through the vents and fans and such.

 

if you like playing in unorthodox settings just get a notebook cooler, the zalman nc-1000 is a good one.

 

I recommend to get a LapDesk or equivalent if you want to play it on your lap.

Here is one at Barnes and Noble for around $15.
http://gifts.barnesandnoble.com/Home-gift/Black-Laptop-Lapdesk/e/9780641830785/?itm=3