Temperature Issues

Hey,
For a while now I've realised an increase in my temps and I've put the problem off for too long now. I have a p150hm and it has overheated twice today, however the conditions are pretty hot the last few months as well. I haven't cleaned out the laptop since I purchased, so firstly I wondering how to unpack the unit and clear all the dust. I remember reading that it's fairly easy to do, so I'll give that a go first. I don't have an air compressor, but is it sufficient to just wipe the dust out?

Onto the issue, I first realised it when the notebook got really warm a few months ago due to the right vent being covered. It didn't overheat or anything, but it seems since then that it always runs a lot warmer, especially on that right side. I don't think there's any damage however, because this only happens when the adapter is connected. I can play games without the adapter and the laptop runs at great temps and the fans aren't working half as much as they do. It's almost like when the power adapter is plugged in, the laptop works overtime unnecessarily.

It was initially just the graphics card that had high temps, but now even the CPU is starting to climb. Is purchasing a laptop cooler worth it? Any other thoughts?

Any help would be appreciated, and a guide to cleaning the laptop would be great!

 

If you havent cleaned out the computer that is the first thing you want to do. Built up dust is the #1 cause for overheating. It should be done at least once every 6 months. You dont want to wipe it with a cloth as that could cause static electricity. Go to an electronics store and get a can of compressed air. Open up the bottom panel and blow out the fans, heatsinks, and vents.

Did you cover the right vent yourself or did it come that way? Never block the exhaust vents or the intake vents (bottom). Doing this is a guaranteed way to overheat the computer. When you dont have the AC Adapter plugged it, it wont run as hot, but you're also running the computer a lot less then its potential as the components aren't being fully powered. While this keeps temps low your gaming performance is taking a hit.

Which computer model do you have?

If cleaning the vents out doesn't help you will want to consider re-pasting the thermal compound on the CPU and GPU. Since you said you've never cleaned it out before I suspect doing only that should be enough.

 

As Hutsady said, cleaning it out is as simple as opening the bottom cover. The P150HM has only 4 screws holding the bottom component bay cover on. If you remove that, it should let you access all the components. If you don't have canned air, consider buying some to blow out the dust. If you want to do it cheaply, use a microfiber cloth to wipe off the heatsinks and fans. Of note, the silver covers on the top of the GPU and CPU heatsink fans are easily unscrewed so you can access the fan internals for cleaning.

Repasting is also rather simple, but you might want to just try cleaning out the machine first. Here's the service manual for detailed instructions on repasting if you decide you want to try it: (Thanks to Theriko)

P15xHM_ESM.zip

Be sure to use the laptop on a hard surface and to keep the vents on both the bottom and back clear for good airflow.

 

I've had a p150hm since mid 2011 and am also experience high temps.
My GPU idles at 50 degrees and when gaming is always above 92, frequently getting to 97 and overheating.
It's been like this for a while now, and is getting worse.
If I don't keep the back propped up with an external fan directly pointed at it it will overheat within a few minutes of gaming.

I've opened it up and there doesn't seem to be any kind of dust problem, it's a tiny bit dusty but nothing much.

Is the only thing left to do apply thermal paste again?

 

Thanks for the replies everyone. When using the laptop in bed sometimes the vents get covered, but I've started to place the laptop on a book or other steady surfaces.

In terms of the model, where do I find the specific information you're looking for? It's a p150hm with the 485gtx graphics card. I've re-pasted before on one of my old computers, so that doesn't seem like too much of a hassle.

As for cleaning the dust, would you recommend canned air or a manual air compressor such as these: CK Sourcing items - Get great deals on items on eBay Stores!

I've never tried either so I have no idea what is sufficient for this job.

Thanks for the service manual as well, much appreciated.

 

When using the computer in bed make sure you have it on a flat surface as you are now doing. Putting it directly on the covers will block your intake vents and cause overheating. The P150HM is the model number.

A can of compressed air will be your best and most economical option. The air compressors you linked are just the grips you will still need to get the air compressor itself which is going to cost a lot more.

 

What are your ambient temps?

 

Depending on the game, 85C is about what would be expected. 90C is starting to push acceptable temps though. Furmark is highly discouraged due to the unrealistic load it puts on the GPU (as you can tell by the fact that it jumps so dramatically compared to gaming). Repasting and keeping the back of the laptop elevated are two pretty quick and easy things to try to lower temperatures.

Also try running the fans at max (FN + 1) if you have ambient temperatures that are on the higher end.

 

Hey, I dropped down to Officeworks today and picked up a few air compressor cans and you lot were spot on. The temps have dropped around 20-25 degrees Celsius during gaming and the laptop is a lot quieter and cooler now. Can't believe I didn't do this earlier, especially after the temps have been rising the last few months.
It's done now at least, and it's a great relief. It sounds almost brand new again.

Cheers for the help!

 

how much do they sell them for at officeworks mate?

 

Good news

It's recommended that you use compressed air to clean out the machine every 6 months to a year depending on how dusty your environment is. Dust is the primary cause for overheating in most laptops.

 

I can recommend getting this if you're looking for a good cooling pad...

Amazon.com: Cooler Master Notepal X2 Notebook Cooler R9-NBC-4WAK-GP: Electronics

Even if you don't turn on the fan (which you will want to because it looks awesome while it's running) it actually raises the laptop to a nice angle for gaming in my opinion and also improves the airflow because it's raised up quite a bit. The stock fans should be fine, but I've definitely noticed like a 3-5 degree difference while using the cooling pad while doing heavy gaming. Every little bit helps right? Well, hope I've helped!

 

Glad to hear it worked, 20-25C is a huge improvement. Now you know what to do next time you see temps going up too high.

 

They were $5 at Officeworks in Melbourne for a small can. I'd recommend getting a few. I'd never used canned air for dusting a computer out, so ended up using a bit more than 1 can. Works a treat though.

 

Yeh, can't believe I underestimated it's impact so much. The fans don't rev up anymore as well seeing as the unit is running far cooler than before.

Yep, the canned air will definitely make an appearance next time I have overheating issues.

Thanks for the advice. I was actually looking into buying a cooling pad a month or two ago when the temps began reaching the high 80s and 90s, but I don't think I'll need one just yet. Something to keep in mind for the future however when I start to play a few more graphic demanding games.