W701, 920XM overheating problem

Received a refurbished W701 from Lenovo Outlet last week. Unfortunately that machine turned out to be a real lemon. Got only 4 GB instead of the specified 8 GB memory, and there's a huge gap at the top edge of the LCD front bezel.

But the worst thing is that one CPU core (Core i7 Extreme 920XM) is overheating to 100 °C within a minute upon full load (4 cores, 8 threads @ 2 GHz), and then intermittently throttles down to 1200 Mhz. I have to reduce the clock multiplier to 14 with ThrottleStop, to prevent the CPU from overheating. Temps stay at 90 °C at the resulting 1867 MHz.

My question is if these extreme temperatures are normal for a 920XM? Because that would mean this CPU can never run stable at its specified clock speed of 2 Ghz. Another explanation would be that like the LCD bezel, the CPU cooler wasn't aligned properly, which wouldn't reflect well on Lenovo's refurbishing process.

 

these temperature will shorten the life of these GPU.

If this machine have these problems, then you should get it fixed ASAP or return it if you can't stand fixing it.

 

I'm actually reluctant to return the machine for there won't be a replacement for this discontinued model. Looks like I have to send it in for repair then. But first I have to wait if Lenovo will replace the missing memory. If not they'll leave me no choice but to return it.

 

I would see if those problems can be fixed under warranty... those are definitely not normal temps for that particular machine. Since the 920XM is an unlocked processor, you might want to see if there are any BIOS settings that deal with overclocking as your CPU might be overclocked to the point of overwhelming the stock cooling system.

While it is a completely different beast with a completely different CPU, the 740QM in my Asus G73JH hots a max of 70-ishC under full load. A quick search reveals an overclocked(by how much I'm unsure) 940XM in the same chassis with a max load temp of around 80C in Post #40: http://forum.notebookreview.com/asus-gaming-notebook-forum/565573-920xm-purchase-4.html#post7531585

 

Though you shouldn't have to repaste it, you might want to consider it. Also the 940XM is a 55 watt TDP processor. I believe someone had got a 920XM in a Dell XPS 15 which has a worse cooling system than the W701 and it was idling at 50C, and max was like 90ishC IIRC.

Do you have pictures of the gap? Sounds like someone may have botched the repair for the refurbished unit..

 

I don't have any pictures because I haven't opened the machine. So I'm just assuming that the high temperatures are due to a misaligned CPU cooler, or maybe unequally applied thermal compound.

I can only provide a pic of the gap in the LCD front bezel, which of course has nothing to do with the heat issue. It just gives a general idea that the refurbishing process of my machine didn't went too well altogether:

http://i53.tinypic.com/v3ddfo.jpg

 

i think it will be easier for you to just send it in for repair.

 

Yes, absolutely. But first I have to wait for Lenovo's decision whether they are going to replace the missing memory. Then I'll certainly send in the machine in for repair.

 

Checked out the cooling assembly myself today. The cooler itself was installed well, all holding screws were tightened. Under the hood however, I found a noticeable blind spot in the thermal compound, which should explain overheating:

Spoiler

(click spoilers for image)

Re-pasted with Noctua thermal compound, and the problem is gone. Now temps stay stable at 80 °C upon full load with 4 cores.

 

That was a clear cut case of manufacturing defect. Be sure to keep that photograph.

Renee

 

A properly cooled 920XM has no problem running at well over 2 GHz without overheating.

http://forum.notebookreview.com/6735807-post6.html

Thermal paste is designed to fill in a microscopic layer between the heatsink and CPU. Looks like the factory worker was squeezing the paste on like a tube of tooth-paste.

 

Ya that was a pretty poor paste job, but almost all manufacturers are like that. As long as it lasts past warranty, and if it is really bad, when it gets RMA'd it gets repasted again. My T5470 had horrid paste job via Dell. By repasting it with AS5 it dropped 10C.

Also realize a 920XM isn't exactly a cool processor.

 

Just overclocked it moderately to 2.4 GHz. I don't think there's much room left for more but Thinkpads aren't designed for OC anyway. Btw. thanks for ThrottleStop. It helped me a lot with diagnosis and playing around with CPU settings.

Yes, like the QX9300 in my W700. But I'm already satisfied if it runs stable at full load during longer calculations.