Alienware M14X overheat and screen issue

Question

I have an M14X R1 which is about 7 months old, and recently I have noticed the fan turning on a lot more often than it normally does. I wound up downloading the CPUID temp app, and noticed when playing Far Cry 3 and Metro 2033 for about 5 minutes or more, the CPU spike up to about 98C, and then game starts stuttering, even if there is not a lot going on graphics wise. The CPU fan tends to turn on a lot more often than it did in the past ,even if I am using power-saver mode with the battery, and all I have open is gmail in Chrome. I had an M1530 before, where they came out and re-pasted the CPU and it fixed the heat issue, is this the same situation here? I have the i7 quad core and 555GT 3GB model (1600x900 screen). Additionally, my wife noticed this weekend, I noticed I have plastic smudges on the screen (the plastic part, not the actual LCD screen behind it) and it looks like it lines up with the bottom of the keyboard tray (the hard plastic surround). Has anyone else ran into this issue? Is it possible to replace just the plastic cover? The screen works fine, I just can't stop looking at that line now that my wife pointed it out. Is this something that may be covered under warranty? Pictures attached, although it's tough to focus on the screen part as it's glossy. It's much easier to see with the naked eye. Screen position: Keyboard section that it lines up with: Up close of the scratch type: Thanks in advance as always!

Dell-Rajesh R · Answer

Hi Groovechild,

LCD Smudges are due to keyboard alignment. Kindly private message me the service tag. I will review your account and take the case forward.

Follow below steps to isolate the heat issue:

I recommend BIOS update on the computer.

I have provided a link below for BIOS update:

http://dell.to/PUN1u1

During BIOS update verify that the computer is connected to an AC Adapter.
Disconnect any third party peripherals connected to the computer before performing BIOS update.
Do not turn off the computer during the BIOS update.
Do not restart the computer during the BIOS update.

Note: Plug your computer to a good, working UPS before you update the BIOS. If you experience a loss of AC power or a significant voltage sag/spike during the BIOS flash, you will either have to buy a new BIOS chip or buy a new motherboard.

Clean Air vents:

Check the vents on the computer to see if they are covered with dust and not allowing heat and air to pass through.
Use a compressed air can to blow the dust out of the vents. Be sure to hold the can at an upright (near 90 degree angle) and hold it 15-20 centimeters (6-8 inches) away from the target.
Turn off the System
Remove all power sources: Unplug the AC Adapter and Remove the Battery, or Unplug the Desktop Power Cord.

Hardware Diagnostics Check:

Run diagnostics on the computer. (Hold down the FN + Power button simultaneously).

Let me know the status.

Awaiting your response!

Locked Topics – Alienware General

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