Toshiba Satellite M50

How do people deal with the heat that is produced by the Toshiba Satellites near the touchpad area? Is it just my comp?
It feels comparable to having ur hand touch the road on a hot sunny day. Is a cooling fan the only way to go? Is there anyway I can tweak with a program or something to solve the prob? Any help would be awesome
Thank you

 

I know nothing about Toshibas, or what it is that is creating the heat, but if it's the processor and you don't need big processor performance all the time, consider underclocking it in the BIOS. I did this on my T42 for the purpose of generating less heat on my lap when I set the laptop there, and it definitely helps (not that it was bad at all in the first place; I'm just hypersensitive). I've got a 1.6 GHz in mine, and although the BIOS doesn't let you set it at any speed, the lowest setting brings it down to 598 MHz plugged in, 221 MHz on battery. I don't game, but have a lot of RAM on mine (1 GB) so I never notice the difference during my usual usage (internet browsing, word processing, music, occasional DVD view).

 

How do I go about changing the cpu speed? I go into BIOS but I cant find what I am looking for. If possible, could you be specific on how I can find the place where I can change the clock speed.

I am just like you. I just use the comp for word processing, chatting, internet browsing, email etc. No games. What is a reasonable clock speed? I have 512 RAM

 

Let me first say that I know far from what can be known about this topic. All the information I am giving you comes from personal experience and gleanings.

I know that there is software available that will tell you the current CPU speed of your computer, and not just the highest speed it is meant to go at, as stated in the system properties of your computer. What I am and have been going by is the second piece of information under the system properties regarding CPU speed. (FYI: these system properties I speak about are obtained by opening up 'My Computer', right clicking in the open (white) area, selecting 'Properties' from the pop-down menu, and looking at the 'General' tab, in case you didn't know). On most computers it lists the highest speed first, and then a second speed, usually lower. From my understanding, the second speed is the current speed of the CPU. The reason for any variations is for power manangement, althought I don't know if the 'service' that is responsible for varying its speed is the Intel SpeedStep Technology, or the Intel Centrino Technology. I guess this is irrelevant.

I should also say, and it is obvious, that you should ensure that it is the CPU that is creating this heat, and not a different component.

Anyhow, once you're in the BIOS, and if you have the same version (?) as I do, then look for the CONFIG menu (if I recall correctly), and then the POWER menu. Under this is all the items you will need to fiddle with. Also remember that the BIOS controls many serious aspects of how your computer works, so be careful what you do. Also remember that the BIOS isn't like the registry, where if you seriously screw something up, you can always wipe the hard drive and start afresh; the BIOS does not get 'reinstalled' or even reset when you wipe the hard drive. Changes made stay until you access the BIOS next time.

Now, in terms of what to change, I would just say try some things that make sense to you; you shouldn't have to worry about making any damaging changes in the Power menu. I don't remember what all the options are because I haven't been in it for a while. I do recall though that I didn't get the desired result the first few changes I made; for some reason you need to change a few (at least 3) of the settings for it to actually slow down the processor. I was and am still confused at least a little bit by it. Fiddle around for yourself and put up a post telling how you did. I wish I could tell you more but it probably isn't necessary anyway.

For everyone else reading this, feel free to correct me on my 'theories' and what I have stated, I wouldn't be surprised if I am way off.

Good luck.

 

The 'theories' aren't too far off. The only main issue I can see is the BIOS in the Toshibas. They don't have a lot of options to change and definitely less for speed changes (underclocking cpu).

The only option really available in most BIOS's is the Speedstep option. When disabled, it should run the CPU at its "general running speed" which is usually 600Mhz for the older Pentium M & 800Mhz for the newer. This speed won't change no matter what you set the settings in XP (not sure about lower, but I know it won't go any higher).

The variation in speed is Intel's Speedstep technology. Centrino is just a marketing name used by Intel to indicate a notebook with 3 Intel components (Pentium M CPU, 855/915 Chipset & an Intel 2100/2200/2915 WiFi card). Without one of the three parts, the notebook can no longer carry the Centrino name. Manufacturers must pay for this label and therefore some tend to include other WiFi cards in their units.

There is software out there that will lower the CPU's speed. One of them is called Centrino Hardware Control (CHC) and is widely discussed on this site. I believe another one is called SpeedSwitchXP (or something to that nature).

I say leave SpeedStep enabled as this will allow your CPU to drop to a lower speed when not in use. Also make sure your Power Management settings is set to Notebook/Laptop in XP as this will allow the CPU to vary in speed depending on CPU requirements. Lastly, you can try CHC or other software to underclock your CPU.

Another option you may want to try is to wipe the HDD clean and reload a clean (manual) load of XP (not from Toshiba's recovery CD's). This will eliminate a lot of garbage that is loaded by the manufacturers and will allow for a cooler running system (less stuff running = less computing power needed).

-Vb-

 

Thanks for the info.