P-7807 Cooling- need some help!

Hey there peeps, I just got BFBC2. Sick game for sure, but one giant problem: CPU temps have been reaching the low 80s after only an hour or so of gameplay. Not so good, eh?

So i decided to take some drastic steps in order to reduce the temps, based on what people have recommended in the Gaming section here on the NBR forums, but I really have no idea how to go about doing them, so I really need some quality input from some Gateway users. Here's what I want to do and my questions about them:

1- Clean out the vents and maybe a few other components. Any specifics to keep in mind here, or simply unscrew the bottom and take an air can to it? I want to make sure it all gets clean, I haven't even bothered to open it since I got it a year ago =S

2- Undervolt (unless it is dangerous to the overall system). I've been tempted to do this since the beginning, but never have simply for fear of messing everything up too much. Is there a specific program that I should follow? And if any of you P-series FX users have UV'd, how low did you go? And did it really help that much with the temps?

3- New thermal paste. Again, has anyone done this successfully? What kind of stuff did you use, or what kinds of recommendations of paste do you have? I also have no idea whatsoever on how to actually re-apply thermal paste, is there a good guide for the FX series?

4- Find a good cooler. I pretty much always considered getting the Cryo NZXT, but the soda bottle caps that I have placed with surgeon-like precision underneath the computer had been doing the job quite well before BC2. Any other coolers that are recommended?

Thanks guys, looking forward to the input!

 

Undervolting is completely safe. If you get a BSOD, then you've simply gone too far. There is no harm done. You should be able to undervolt every multiplier by at least .1V.

For a cooler I use the Cooler Master Notepal U2. Although it is a bit to small for these laptops, and at only $15 a bit too cheap (I had a minor issue with one of the fans), I recommend it because you can place the fans where you want and they blow at the computer, not away from it.

I know the song, but what does instant karma actually mean?

 

I think if you just clean out the vents it should be enough.
The dust really raises temperature by ridiculous amounts.

 

OK, thanks for the tips there. As for the song, I;m not sure what Lennon was trying to say with the title, but it's a cool phrase open to interpretation...like, immediate retribution? instant action? something philosophical or religious? I have no idea to be honest, but it's a very interesting phrase. On a side note, I actually first encountered the phrase when I was working with the Save Darfur coalition, and they referred to it for immediate action.

 

Your temps are fine, CPU threshold for the penryn series is 100C.

Dont worry about it, but as you say, perform the cleans/checks yearly to keep it in the green zone.

Undervoltings great by the way, like near enough 0 risk (If not 0) because your not pressuring the components, heck your relieving them, but you can go to far as to starving them.

I look forward to the aftermath of your modifications .

 

UV and AS5. It's really simple to access the CPU heatsink.

 

Undervolting does make a bit of difference, but the best thing you can do is to apply some Thermal Paste to your CPU. I applied a very cheap silver compound bought at Best Buy (Dynex) and my CPU and GPU temps are very low while gaming. My CPU goes up to 40 degrees max after hours of gaming, while my GPU has gotten the best benefits, going from mid 90's to 70 degrees max while gaming. I'm running Dragon Age Awakening right now and my Temps are at 54 degrees right now on my GPU and 33 degrees on my CPU after two hours of gaming.

To get to the CPU it's very easy just follow this guide YouTube - P-7811 FX CPU Replacement Part 1 it shows you how to remove old thermal paste and apply the new one, you don't have to replace your cpu

 

I don't UV because I don't need to. Like people are saying you need to open her up and get in her privates. Make sure to follow a guide from this website and get in there and clean her out and make sure to get some good thermal grease as some have suggested and apply it correctly to the CPU.