T400 running hot

I noticed recently that my laptop was getting a bit hot. At first I thought it was because I was playing Starcraft 2 and because ambient temperatures are warmer overall due to weather. But I downloaded 2 different CPU monitoring software (SpeedFan and RealTemp) and it showed that CPU temps are in the mid-60C range when I'm web browsing, going up to 70C and even 80C+ when I'm watching high def videos on youtube. This definitely seems high. I even raised my laptop on erasers off the desk and started blowing a small fan on it to get some circulation but the temps are still in the mi 70's C range during 30% CPU load.

Anyway, is something wrong with my laptop? I know the P8400 is supposed to be a fairly cool running processor so I'm not sure what's going on.... I bought it over a year ago I doubt it is still covered by warranty...

 

If it's not under warranty, you could try cleaning out the fan and vents to ensure it's not clogged. A fresh round of paste on the CPU/GPU couldn't hurt.

 

I tried but I couldn't even get it to open. I unscrewed every screw there was to unscrew but there was something behind the battery that was preventing it from opening . If this were a desktop it would be so much easier but with a laptop I'm just too afraid to break something.

 

for instructions on how to get into you T400: Lenovo Support & downloads - User's guides and manuals

hth

 

Check the service and training site. There's a link in the sticky.

 

I cleaned/vacuumed the dust around the fan. Doesn't seem like it helped much. I ordered a cooling pad, maybe that will do the trick. I don't understand how a 25W CPU can generate so much heat, though.

 

The under-load temps of my T60 dropped by ~20C when I went from the factory thermal paste to Artic Silver 5.

 

You simply need to get the keyboard off, and get access from the inside to the fan/heatsink. Get an air compressed can, put a pencil between the blades of the fan to prevent it from spinning, then put your laptop vertically and proceed to blow the air towards the left and top (where the exhaust vents are) you should see some dust coming out.

Reapplying paste is not necessary, this problem is most likely regarded to lint/dust accumulated inside the fan.
Also you could try undervolting the CPU, there's a simply guide here at NBR.
My T61 which uses a 35 watt processor with MX-2 thermal paste and undervolted at 0.95V runs max at 62C at full load (with intel graphics) and I don't have AC in my room.