Unusual GPU Overheating Problem?

I had been experiencing incredible lag in all computer games recently, even those way below my computer specs. I came here and did a lot of research which eventually led to me realizing this was due to overheating. When I had my laptop on my table, I'd get about 10 FPS on the lowest settings in WoW. When I held it up I'd get over 20 FPS on ultra. My GPU temperature according to nVidia Monitor would drop from about 80-90 degrees idle to 55-70 degrees idle. I tried simply keeping my laptop elevated, but it showed no increase compared to flat on the table. I soon realized that the GPU temperature decrease was due to putting pressure on a certain spot on the bottom left front side of my laptop as I held it up (Dell Vostro 1520). I obviously can't hold the computer up with one hand and play with the other, and I'd like to think there is a more logical solution anyway. Any words of advice? Graphics card is an nVidia Geforce 9300M GS if it makes a difference here.

Thanks a lot guys.

 

You may want to try repasting your GPU. That would drop temps by around 5C-8C. Use a brand name paste like, Antec, Arctic, OCZ, etc.

 

The fact that it cools down when you're putting pressure on a certain part of the laptop leads me to believe that the heatsink isn't making proper contact with the GPU. If it's still under warranty then get it repaired, otherwise you'll probably need to take it apart, remove the heatsink and re-apply the thermal paste (optional), and tighten everything back down.

 

If its still under warranty, or even if not, get it either fixed immediately if it is or fix it yourself if its not

If its not making good contact solder joints could break from the heat.