Should I return my SL400? SL series vs HP Dv4 or Dv3?

I received my SL 400 laptop last week and there has already been an overheating issue with it.....tech support helped correct it but I think the laptop is still overheating....

The following is the config:
-Processor - P8600
-Ram - 2 gigs
- Video Card - Geforce G 105m 256mb
-HDD - 250gb, 5400rpm
-Blu Ray ROM
-Bluetooth
-Wifi - N
-14.1" LED

I tried playing Civilization 4 on high graphics and the GPU temp is at 85C in like the first hour of playing

The CPU is at about 65; HDD at 50

I got the SL series because of the HDMI and Blu Ray. With my budget, I had an option of this or HP Dv4 or Dv3t (with 4 gigs f RAM and 320gb HDD and Tv tuner)

I have the option to return my SL 400 in the next week to get a full refund.....

Should I just get the R or T series (w/out Blu Ray and HDMI?)

Is HP a better option????????

This is my first Thinkpad and I am confused...
Any advice would be appreciated.....

 

Those temps look perfectly normal maximum temps for any laptop. I dont think you will see any better temps with the dv4 or the dv3. 65C for the cpu is well under the max temps the cpu can go. The sames true for the GPU, 85C max is not too bad either. Search through the HP section and you will see similar temps for the 14: dv4t. Yeah, its not as cool as the T400/T500 series but thats to be expected given the budget orientation of the SL series thinkpads.

In any case, if you are unhappy with it then return it and look for something which will run cooler.

 

If you want something that runs cooler the Asus F6V (i have it) runs pretty cool... I get about 89 GPU max for COD5 online play with 40+ people on a server. CPU max is 49-54 usually, and HDD is 37max or lower.

Why not just get a notebook cooler? It will probably lower the temps a few degree lower. Maybe clean out your notebook fan?

 

The thing, though, is that the laptop is new - there is no dust to clean out.

If you're stressing the laptop, those temperatures are normal, although nowhere near as cool as my T500. I wouldn't worry too much about that. HP laptops run notoriously warm, so I doubt you'd see any better temperatures with the dv4t or dv3t.

 

Thanks a lot!
Asus and T500 both sound like great laptops although....if you say these temps are normal....I'd love to keep this notebook...got it pretty cheap...like 850+tax....

As I have a week more to test it, I will try to stress the machine a bit more and record the temps

what are the maximum temps you think I should be ok with before trigerring a return decision?

I use CPUID to record the temps...I believe its a reliable program...let me know if you think otherwise

thanks a lot once again

 

Every HP I have owned has run really hot.

 

Personally, I would consider >80C for the cpu and >95C for the GPU to be hot running. But remember that the shutdown threshold temp for the cpu is ~105C while the GPU probably has an even higher threshold.

 

Your SL400 sounds normal...checkout the NBR review and look at the temp section. Thinkpads have always done a nice job of controlling heat...regardless of series. Good Luck and enjoy your SL....they are really nice.

http://www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsID=4512

 

Thanks a lot guys!!
I will keep the benchmark temperatures in mind.Playing Civ4 last night yielded temperatures below the ones stated so...i'll keep testing...

Is there is particular game / program which can serve as a litmus test?

I was leaning towards the T400 but the Blu Ray + HDMI for 850 made the deal for me and thanks to you'll I'll be enjoying it for a while!