17 R5, temperature problems?

Question

Hi,

I had frame drops while playing. So, I decided to set my Alienware back to factory and set up the system from scratch. The same problem... Frames dropped down to 5-10 FPS while playing Farcry5 or Satisfactory. So, I decided to check some sensor data (using HWinfo).

The CPU seems very hot for no big tasks. While I'm typing this post it runs at 145-180F. The GPU is at 145F. As soon as I start a game and stay in the main menu the temperatures jump up and CPU and GPU go in thermal limitation.

Screenshot 2020-11-22 142503.png

Here's my system:

GPU: Nvidia GTX1080 Driver v. 457.30 (11/09/2020)\
Processor Intel(R) Core(TM) i9-8950HK CPU @ 2.90GHz 2.90 GHz
Installed RAM 32.0 GB (31.9 GB usable)

The last Hardware test with Dell SupportAssist result is:

Primary Surface Test - WVC07-LB8 at the Video Card test

What I already did:

Factory reset and new installation of OS and all Drivers
Renewing the thermal compound on GPU and CPU
- Fans and Cooling parts are clean

Any ideas or next analysis I could do?

Lunetrix · Answer

Here some suggestions at your own risk.

1)Undervolt your CPU using Intel XTU or Throttlestop (pick one, not recommande to use both at the same time) . There's so many videos on YouTube on how to. ( lower temps dramatically 20-30c)

2) Repaste your CPU and GPU using high quality thermal paste, such as Noctua NT H2./ (lower temps 10-15c if you're still with stock)

3) Clean your fans and heatsink can help.

4) Get a laptop cooling pad.

Nothing else that I can think of that would help you to lower your temps down.

Lunchalot · Answer

The CPU is not overclocked. And the problem seem to be at CPU and GPU. So, I'm not sure if reducing from the "normal" performance should be the way. But thanks for the idea.
Already done. I cleaned CPU and GPU and repasted with Arctic Silver compound.
They are "clean". Nothing should be problematic here.

Lunetrix · Answer

I also had problem with overheating with my 17 R5. Even tho I did all the solutions I mentioned.

What I did is, I contacted support and told theme about it. At that time I was still under warranty. I sent it to Dell and they replaced my heatsink. My temps got better after that.

If your still having high cpu and gpu temp and throttling after a Repaste, maybe the problem is your heatsink that's not properly sitting on the CPU and gpu. If your still under warranty I suggestion you do the same.

Lunchalot · Answer

I'm out of warranty since January 2020. Back when everything worked well. I guess I'll try to clean the fans (they have mild dust, but nothing crazy) and see if the heat exchanger in the back is clean.

I'm still open to experiences and tips...

YesIAmGod · Answer

Ok, it doesn't appear my previous post went through, so here it is again.

What I do for my Alienware r5 17 is I put a CD-ROM CASE (yes, a case) underneath the back of the computer where that lip is that is "supposed" to raise the laptop up. If you notice the engineers did not leave a lot of breathing room for the fans to circulate air efficiently. I noticed as soon as I purchased my laptop and upon setup put the CASE under the back of the computer and my fans slowed exponentially. It was a major difference.

With my 1996 Tomb Raider case under the lip, I can fit 1/4 of my index finger under the laptop where the fans are which is plenty of breathing room. This should help your situation if you care to try. It does not interfere with typing, your wrists or tilt the laptop in any noticeable manner and is barely noticeable unless you are looking at the sides and see the angle. I hope this helps. Good luck.

-God

Alienware

17 R5, temperature problems?

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