8510p - fan constantly running

Hi all,

After a long string of Thinkpads I'm now using a 8510p. I have no complaints so far - the keyboard is nice, just a little different. Trackpad is nice, and there's even a trackpoint-like pointer.

Ok, I do have one complaint. The fan is always running. If I do something work-intensive the fan speeds up, and it's quite loud. Is this common on the 8510p?

Greg.

 

idk about that particular model, but lenovo has superior build quality and temp control, so i guess that it's intentional. unless there's some loud buzzing sound, i don't think there should be a problem

 

Lenovo doesn't have "superior" build quality. It has a worse finishing than the 8510p actually, but the trackpoint is definitely better.

Updating the BIOS should have fixed the fan issue.

 

Check out my guide and see if that helps. There's a link in my sig.

 

Thanks for the link, re: cleaning out the dust. I don't think it applies here though, because it's a brand new computer. Just out of the box. I'll check the BIOS issue.

As for build quality, I think it's on-par with the Thinkpad if not a little behind. The Thinkpad feels more solid and compact. The HP feels fine though, like I said I have no complaints. Performance is very good actually.

The real test will be after lots of use. My Thinkpads have stood up to constant use, day after day, for years. I hope the 8510p does as well.

Greg.

 

My HP laptop's heatsink fan failed after several HOURS of light use. It started running all the time and making a loud buzzing noise, and it was getting very hot. It was eventually diagnosed as defective/failed heatsink fan, and repaired by HP. You're right to be suspicious about it failing on a new laptop. I have no way of knowing for sure, but based on my tech experience, I think "defective" or "failed" on a new laptop more likely means "improperly installed." If you're handy, I would open it up and check it out. Clean if necessary and properly apply thermal grease. If it is running hot, definitely do something, because heat can cause components (especially hard drives) to fail early.

 

If it's not the BIOS, I'd open it just to make sure. Also, get a temperature monitoring program to check for heat. I suggest HWMonitor. Then if it's still running like crazy, call or contact HP business support online. Unlike for the consumer models, there's probably plenty of support centers near you should you need to take it in. Where I live, I had about 30 service centers within 30 miles and one was within 10 minutes from my house. Don't confuse HP's consumer support with their business support.


HWMonitor: http://www.cpuid.com/hwmonitor.php

 

What power mode are you using? I created one specifically for general non gaming use which had most of the settings on high and the graphics power on minimum. The fans pretty quiet now

I'd definitely check out the dust just in case. If it's new then it shouldn't be an issue but it's so easy to check it's worth doing.