schmart

Hi everyone, I'm new here, and I joined because the laptop I've been using for three years has recently begun overheating. I know this because the bottom of it is super hot, and I can feel heat radiating out of it when I put my hand next to the computer. Anyway, I was wondering, is there any way I can prevent this problem from getting worse? Or, is my computer dying? I'd really like to see if I could possibly make it better. I am using a Toshiba Tecra M2V from 2004.

I would really appreciate it if anyone could help me with this. Thanks very much!

BIOS

You can get better fans or buy a 'cooling station', I think that's what their called.

Ariesjill

Schmart:

I am only a member here, not a pundit, so keep this in mind.

1) Pls download Speedfan, run it and post the temps and results:
http://www.almico.com/sfdownload.php

2) When was last time you cleaned exit vents and fanblades? Stuff builds up.

3) Should not ppen Tecra case obviously if U have extended Waranty which this might violate; also recomjmed U check with Toshiba knowledge base re your model re cleaning.

4) Is yr fan vent n the bottom of the unit? Do U use it with unit elevated so that fan can vent....or on lap or surfece where it can't vent?

5) after diagnosing the cause and sharing exact temps so that real experts here can C.....and if cleaning helps, I recommend a good cooling pad......aluminum ones act also like heatsinks and they really help if U R using lappy for long periods as U would a desktop. I have one made by Bytecc; it's really good.

But the good cooling units often have USB conectivity....excellent for when you are hooked up via A/C....but they also eat up your battery when U R mobile.

Am sure someone who knows stuff will weigh in. But you first gotta find out what is causing this change, right?

Jill

TheMatt

Your temps should not be going over 70 degrees C when under load. Sometimes laptops feel hot, but it is because the black plastic absorbs the heat. On the other hand, laptops frequently overheat, and it is always a good idea to check the temps. I perfer MobileMeter, it docks as a small window where you want it. I put it on top of the system trat and it doesn't get in the way of other programs.

If it is overheating, go into the power properties and set the power scheme to Notebook/Laptop. That will enable the Intel SpeedStep which will slow down the clock speed of the processor when it is not being used. You will take a slight performance hit, but it can significantly reduce temps.

jengly

I have discovered with my laptops that if I have the fan covered then the laptop gets hotter and hotter (duh) but also, on my new ones it doesnt overheat. Try just giving the fan a break, a good thing to do would be to get a new fan, they are inexpensive usually so its not hard to find one.

Ariesjill

What jumps out with flashing yellow lite from the original post.....R the words "recently begun to."

And this, after 3 years of use of the machine by the owner.

Does this not say right off that a careful diagnosis is in order? It's not as if the guy has a new lappy whose performance he is not familiar with, e.g., a new one that runs hotter than he expected. Hello?????

Jill

hwm54112

laptop heatsink assemblies are extremely sensitive. a little dust, a fingerprint on it can greatly reduce it's efficiency. you might try cleaning with compressed air

Further, the assemblies are not just a well designed chunk of metal as in a desktop. many are actually hollow tubes that contain a liquid or gas medium that helps in the rapid transfer of heat from the processor to a "radiator" where the fan can directly cool the "radiator". So the heatsink can actually "wear out" as the assembly develops pinholes/stress cracks in solder joints

As a stop gap measure, remove the battery whenever running on AC. The battery acts as a heatsink, absorbing and holding heat in the laptop, as well as an insulator to prevent heat from escaping. A charging battery also generates heat.

As I stated, laptop cooling components are very sensitive so even small measures can give big results

TheMatt

If one of your bottom pannels opens up right over the heatsink, then getting a cooling pad and having it blow right on the heatsink can be very effective. I do this with my laptop. Just make sure to dust every once in a while as the fan can pick up dust and blow it into the case of the laptop.

Ariesjill

There Ain't Nuthn like a Mod.....forget two! Think U will B Shmart enuff to harvest 4 yr Tecra, Shmart!
Jill