Maverick2272
Washing Up
I just want to make sure everyone understands we are actually addressing two different problems here. Not that I am harping, I just don't want to see anyone loose their laptop prematurely.
First is overheating. Symptoms include memory errors and program errors (programs suddenly stop working or you get the blue screen of death), disk errors, and laptop shutting down in the middle of operations. If your computer overheats while on a firm flat surface, you have a problem that has to be fixed. First, make sure it is not dusty and all vents are clear of dust. I use canned air, held up-right at all times, and move the laptop into position to blow out all vents and openings and the keyboard. Next, turn the laptop over, place your mouth about 2" max from the vent where you can see the fan, and blow hard. If the fan doesn't move, bearings have gunked up or fan has gone bad, replace it. A good fan will spin when you blow on it and when the computer is on, a bad fan may still spin when the computer is on but not when you blow on it.
Second is computer running hot. It holds just below max temp so it doesn't shut off. This will shorten the life of the computer drastically. If your fan is good, and the laptop is fine on a firm flat surface but overheats on your lap, get a laptop cooler. Even if it doesn't overheat but it spends a lot of time on your lap, get one. The cooler you keep your laptop the better. Also keep the vents clean and clear of dust, the cleaner the laptop the longer it will last. If you run your laptop on a firm flat surface like a desk most of the time, get something to prop it up so there is more clearance under the back of the laptop. Some cooling pads will work for this, but most wont as they are not completely flat on the bottom or they make it uncomfortable to work the keyboard.
Our laptops do not get hot on our laps, my DELL stays cool and so does DW's HP. Mine also does fine on a firm flat surface, but DW's will overheat. This is how I know her fan is bad. If I prop the back of hers up, it will not overheat. I could leave it this way, but I extend its life if I replace the fan and prop up the back and keep it clean.
So for those of you who are having fan problems, replacing the fan and either propping the computer up or getting a cooling pad and keeping the computer clean will give you the longest life out of your laptop.
One is good (replace the fan), two is better (and prop it up or get a cooling pad), three is best (and clean it regularly)!
First is overheating. Symptoms include memory errors and program errors (programs suddenly stop working or you get the blue screen of death), disk errors, and laptop shutting down in the middle of operations. If your computer overheats while on a firm flat surface, you have a problem that has to be fixed. First, make sure it is not dusty and all vents are clear of dust. I use canned air, held up-right at all times, and move the laptop into position to blow out all vents and openings and the keyboard. Next, turn the laptop over, place your mouth about 2" max from the vent where you can see the fan, and blow hard. If the fan doesn't move, bearings have gunked up or fan has gone bad, replace it. A good fan will spin when you blow on it and when the computer is on, a bad fan may still spin when the computer is on but not when you blow on it.
Second is computer running hot. It holds just below max temp so it doesn't shut off. This will shorten the life of the computer drastically. If your fan is good, and the laptop is fine on a firm flat surface but overheats on your lap, get a laptop cooler. Even if it doesn't overheat but it spends a lot of time on your lap, get one. The cooler you keep your laptop the better. Also keep the vents clean and clear of dust, the cleaner the laptop the longer it will last. If you run your laptop on a firm flat surface like a desk most of the time, get something to prop it up so there is more clearance under the back of the laptop. Some cooling pads will work for this, but most wont as they are not completely flat on the bottom or they make it uncomfortable to work the keyboard.
Our laptops do not get hot on our laps, my DELL stays cool and so does DW's HP. Mine also does fine on a firm flat surface, but DW's will overheat. This is how I know her fan is bad. If I prop the back of hers up, it will not overheat. I could leave it this way, but I extend its life if I replace the fan and prop up the back and keep it clean.
So for those of you who are having fan problems, replacing the fan and either propping the computer up or getting a cooling pad and keeping the computer clean will give you the longest life out of your laptop.
One is good (replace the fan), two is better (and prop it up or get a cooling pad), three is best (and clean it regularly)!