Need help with P-6860 issue

I have been having a problem with the Gateway Tech support (they appear to be retarded). I sent my P-6860 in for repairs 3 times and got it back with in same condition and with the same problem. I asked for info to file a complaint, and the address they gave me was "address unknown" and letter was returned to me weeks later. I had the problem since 16 days after purchase (2 days after B.B. return policy) and they wont replace it and want me to send it back again. From what I've experienced with their tech support, I think I'll try fixing it myself. I told them where the problem was and what needed attention, and they discarded the info and did their own analysis which amounted to nothing. Does anyone know where to make a complaint to resolve this problem, and/or know where to get a break down of the assembly of this model. I need to get to the fan, heat sink, and gpu to find the culprit. Maybe someone could help me with a summarized walk through to take this beast apart to get at the gpu. I took the thing apart as far as most of the keyboard and control plate (whatever you call it) but I couldn't get it all the way apart as I was afraid to break something. Is there an easier way.

The problem is: it shuts down and reboots repeatedly when in use and it’s nothing to do with a virus (never went online until after problem started), plus the system has been restored to factory default by gateway support (I think that’s all they know how to do). The reason I think it has to do with the heat sink or fan to the gpu (top left fan beneath laptop when looking at the keys and screen) is when I put a fan below the vent and had it blowing into it, and I had no problem with it shutting down. Anyway…please help.


P.S.

I’m lucky to get to post this message. I have to type a few words and save to MSWP continuously to get this done (WAAHHH)

 

Sounds like your Cpu is overheating. Did you open it up and check all the hardware? Perhaps they didn't properly screw it in or apply thermal compound.

 

I opened up the door covering the cpu and it looked ok, but I'm not to sure. Also it is on the opposite side of the pc where I blew in the cooler air making it run more stable. Plus the fan below the heat sink looked a little blued (like it got real hot and cooled). That's why I wanted to know how to open it up and get a btter look at it. I also ran my pc with the case open (below the cpu) and felt it to see if it got real hot and it didn't appear to be. Do you know how to check the temps (of everything), and adjust them if need be. I'm running the P-6860FX...Oh the same one you have. Do/did you ever have any issues with yours?

 

Mine only shuts down when i am not cooling it properly (covering air vents). Download Hwmonitor and check your temperatures. You can only adjust you temps by cooling your hardware properly. I have Arctic silver on my cpu which helped it cool down a bit and i also have a laptop cooler fan.

 

Easiest way to check temps is download a small program called hwmonitor from www.cpuid.com

 

I purchased an anatec cooling fan setup (was pretty nice and had good power) and it didn't help so I returned it. I actually tried a few and none of them worked. It only helped with cool air (powerful fan) blowing in to the vent (the one above the disc tray) I'm pretty sure it's the GPU vent. I will get the monitor and post the temps. This may sound dumb, but how do you take, and post a screen shot of the HWmonitor results. thanks

 

Use the windows Snipping tool.

http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Windows/en-us/help/1337cdba-52a2-4704-ad4d-2d7bace605b41033.mspx

 

or you can hit fn+Print Screen (Insert button)

i've never had any problems with my 6860 shutting down cause of heat, even when using it on my lap.

 

no problems with my 6860 and I'm sorry to hear your having such an issue.

Not sure if you've done this or not... but everytime I send anything in for repair, I also write up a note and tape it to the device or to the keyboard/screen explaining the problem and what I've found. I never trust a person on the phone to type out exactly what I'm saying and to convey the correct meaning as they're usually just a really smart monkey.

I've even gotten a couple of "thank you for the note" replies when I get my device back from the tech people as they had far more to go on and were able to "correctly" fix the problem.

Just a thought if you decide to try and send it in for a 4th time.

 

Tek...I have actually sent in a note explaining in detail what is happening and what help. When I asked if tech support read any of my notes the person I was speaking with said they don't them and do their own search. I taped a note to a few spots (on the keys, and on and below the case) each time it was sent. Thanks for your condolences though.