Laptop Overheating - Computer Technical Help - Software and Hardware Forum

Two Plus Two Forums Other Topics Computer and Technical Help

Laptop Overheating

Post Reply Subscribe

...

01-23-2012 , 02:08 PM

Spraggy

Just Plain Nasty

Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 9,095

Hi,

My laptop normally has a pretty loud fan so I'm very aware that it's on. Recently though I cannot hear it whirring away and as a result the laptop seems to be overheating and keeps shutting itself down regularly. When I do certain things I can hear it come on but it isn't on constantly like it used to be.

Any ideas what the issue is here? Thanks in advance. Ben.

Quote

01-23-2012 , 07:35 PM

skoal2k4

veteran

Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 2,124

how old is the laptop? Could be that the fan is going out or has gone out? Does it sound any different when it does kick on, like its grinding or running at a lower RPM?

You can try giving shooting a couple quick blasts of compressed air into the exhaust (with the computer turned off) to see if that clears up anything causing the fan to freeze on you.

Quote

01-23-2012 , 08:17 PM

Gonzirra

hold on brb

Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 20,193

Sometimes the fan can get blocked up with dust, or just stop working. If reasonably accessible it's not typically that big a deal to replace, if you're not comfortable with it then a local tech should be able to do it for not too much money.

Quote

01-24-2012 , 01:37 AM

Grindation

veteran

Join Date: Aug 2010 Posts: 2,077

Quote:

Originally Posted by Le Gonso

a local tech should be able to do it for not too much money.

If you choose to do this don't forget to check that it isn't in breach of your warranty

Quote

01-24-2012 , 01:46 AM

skoal2k4

veteran

Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 2,124

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grindation

If you choose to do this don't forget to check that it isn't in breach of your warranty

If it's under warranty, should be calling the laptop manufacturer to have the issue resolved for free.

To check warranty, just google warranty lookup and the manufacturer of your laptop (such ass warranty lookup hp). This is usually the quickest way to find their warranty lookup page. Once there, just plug in the serial number and part number to see if it's still under warranty. If it is, contact them so that they can repair the malfunctioned item

Quote

01-24-2012 , 09:46 AM

Spraggy

Just Plain Nasty

Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 9,095

Thanks for the advice guys, it's a strange one because the fan works fine on startup but then shuts off and doesn't run like it used to. Is there a chance any settings have been changed or anything like that?

Quote

01-24-2012 , 10:40 AM

skoal2k4

veteran

Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 2,124

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spraggy

you update your BIOS recently?

Quote

01-24-2012 , 10:45 AM

Spraggy

Just Plain Nasty

Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 9,095

I haven't no. Is there any way I can check if it's still set as it should be?

Quote

01-24-2012 , 10:51 AM

skoal2k4

veteran

Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 2,124

If you haven't updated it or installed any software that messes with the fan speeds, it's probably set the same as it's always been. I would still bet that your fan is crapping out or is full of dust/gunk that's interfering with it's operation

Quote

Post Reply Subscribe

...