Lenovo X220 gets hot when docked -- any solutions?

Hi guys,

My Lenovo X220 tablet/laptop, when docked and connected to external display and audio interface, has the tendency to overheat resulting in audio and video clipping and overall sluggishness.

I have done the basic things such as blowing it out with air duster and giving it a thorough clean.

I was thinking about either replacing the CPU fan itself (but what good would that do?) or buy a laptop cooler (not a pad since the problem is only when it is docked).

Do you guys have any suggestions or advice? I was looking into things like this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...2&cm_re=laptop_fan-_-9SIA1NV25C3182-_-Product

EDIT: Here is the dock that I use: http://www.amazon.com/Lenovo-0A33932-Thinkpad-X220-Ultrabase/dp/B004W9BGMQ

Thanks

 

I don't have any experience with that type of cooler, but I am thinking 'gimmick' right now.

With the dock you have to use, I can't see any standard way to cool the notebook better though.

What kind of workload is it doing when it overheats and throttles? Maybe you just need a more capable system now?

Have you actually applied new TIM to the cpu and gpu? What are the ambient temps like during use?

 

Workload is pretty normal stuff: youtube videos, spotify, browsing, etc.

It normally runs at 70C when docked to an external monitor. It starts to clip the video and audio at 90C. Basically when it hits 95C it becomes unusable.

I have not applied a new thermal paste. Should I do this?

 

If it is hitting those temps with just very light usage as you state, yes. This will be far more useful than any notebook cooler you can buy. Especially for the limited access to the cooling vents because of your dock.

Good luck.

 

I second the re-paste. How long have you had the notebook?

 

Thanks. Will do this. Have had it for almost 4 years now. Great machine and wanted to get a replacement for it but there's nothing that has impressed me thus far.

 

Indeed.. Repaste with some good Gelid GC Extreme... or IC Diamond..

 

Repasting will make a huge difference. Be careful to only use a tiny amount.

You might also want to check for BIOS updates. On some ThinkPads, thermal profiles were improved. Could help a little bit.

 

Indeed.. A small line through the centre of the metal die of the CPU is my method..