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884
August 20th, 2004 03:00
Fan stays on continuously and slows down computer
Hi,
I have a Dell Inspirion 8000. The fan stays on continously from the time the computer is turned on. When the fan is on, the computer runs at a snails pace, very very slow. And if the computer is left on for 2-3 days, it crashes, and no longer recognizes the hard drive, states it cannot be found. Then if you turn the computer off for an hour, it will restart again and recognize the drive. I have already replaced the mother board twice, the fan was replaced, and I have had one of my hard drives crash. I can only believe this is a defect in the Dell computer which overheats, that is why the fan is always on.
Any thoughts would be appreciated. You can also email me at gperry@optonline.net.
Perry
I have a Dell Inspirion 8000. The fan stays on continously from the time the computer is turned on. When the fan is on, the computer runs at a snails pace, very very slow. And if the computer is left on for 2-3 days, it crashes, and no longer recognizes the hard drive, states it cannot be found. Then if you turn the computer off for an hour, it will restart again and recognize the drive. I have already replaced the mother board twice, the fan was replaced, and I have had one of my hard drives crash. I can only believe this is a defect in the Dell computer which overheats, that is why the fan is always on.
Any thoughts would be appreciated. You can also email me at gperry@optonline.net.
Perry
dspman
306 Posts
0
August 20th, 2004 06:00
Sure sounds like thermal shutdown. Google and download i8KfanGUI and monitor temperatures. Processors slowdown/shutdown automatically when temp gets above 70-75 deg C, depending on the processor. The fact that you are losing your hard drives indicates that things are really toasty inside. The CPU and HDD temperatures should stay below 65-deg in a 'normal' unit.
Have you tried blowing out heatsink fins with compressed air? This is working for similar problems on the i5150. Dust accumulation is a common problem for notebooks, inherent to the very tight form factor and difficult thermal management issues. However, with replaced mobo and /or fans, you should be starting out relatively dust-free.
Did you replace the mobo/fan yourself? If so, did you properly apply a good thermal grease compound to the heatsink?
How is the 8000 set up? 'Laptop' is a misnomer, since most will overheat if operated on your lap or other soft surface that restricts airflow underneath the unit. Get something like a Targus 'Cool Pad' (passive) or Evercool pad (fans) to improve things. Good airflow is essential in notebooks.